So

Youre
a New
Cubmaster
I Signed Up; Whats Next?
Now that you are registered as a Cubmaster, you will receive Scouting
magazine, which includes information to assist you as a leader. A main
source of program helps will be the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide.
Much of this publication is available online at http://www.scouting.org/
scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources.aspx. Tese steps
will get you started:
1. Complete Fast Start training for Cubmasters. You can complete
the training online at https://myscouting.org. Youth Protection
training for all Scouting volunteers is also available at this website.
Efective June 1, 2010, Youth Protection training is required for all
BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their postion(s).
2. Begin reading the Cub Scout Leader Book. (To start right away,
you may need to borrow a copy until you can get your own.)
Tis book describes your role as Cubmaster and will give more
information on the following steps.
3. Get acquainted with the other leaders in your pack. You will need their
assistance in carrying out a successful pack program. You will be working closely
with the pack committee chairperson and pack trainer.
4. Get acquainted with your unit commissioner. Te commissioner is a friend to
your pack and will be glad to answer questions and help in other ways to make
your pack program successful. (See the Cub Scout Leader Book.)
5. Get acquainted with your unit-serving executive. Tis professional Scouter is
employed by the council to serve all Scouting units in your district, and will do
everything possible to help you be successful.
6. With the help of the pack committee, pack trainer, and the Den & Pack Meeting
Resource Guide, plan your frst pack meeting. Include the plans made at the last
pack annual planning conference. Your key to success is KISMIF (Keep It Simple,
Make It Fun.
7. Attend the monthly district Cub Scout leaders roundtable. You will receive many
good program ideas based on the monthly core value, and become acquainted with
Cubmasters from other packs. Tey will share ideas and experiences with you.
Your unit commissioner or unit-serving executive can tell you when and where the
roundtable meets.
8. Attend Cub Scout leader basic training as soon as possible. Tere are two
components to this trainingCubmaster Leader Specifc Training, a specialized
session to help you successfully plan a successful pack program, and Tis Is
Scouting, which is attended by leaders in all program areas. Tese will give you
the foundation you need to become an efective and successful leader. Every boy
deserves trained and qualifed leaders. Your unit commissioner or unit-serving
executive can give you information about training sessions. Tese training
sessions can all be taken online at https://myscouting.org.
9. Obtain and begin wearing the Cub Scout leader uniform as soon as possible. It
is comfortable and suitable for all Cub Scout meetings and activities. Wearing the
uniform is important in setting a good example for the boys. Your unit commissioner
or unit-serving executive can tell you where to obtain the uniform and insignia.
10. As soon as possible, establish a working relationship with a neighborhood Boy
Scout troop and Scoutmaster. You will need their help in obtaining den chiefs
(older Boy Scouts or Venturers) and graduating Webelos Scouts into Boy Scouts.
Dont hesitate to ask for help. Tere are many people who want to help you provide
the fnest possible Cub Scout experience for the boys in your pack.
By the time you have completed these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming
a successful Cubmaster.
You, the Cubmaster
You were selected as Cubmaster and approved by the pack committee because of your
interest in helping boys. It is your pack responsibility to coordinate the eforts of all the
leaders in the pack so that the Cub Scout program works the way it should. By making
the commitment to serve as Cubmaster, you have accepted the following responsibilities.
Conduct the pack program according to the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
Plan and carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack. Tis includes conducting
regular monthly pack meetings.
Know about the Cub Scouting literature, including the Den & Pack Meeting Resource
Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, the Cub Scout Leader Book, Boys Life, and
Scouting magazine.
See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts refect positively the interest
and objectives of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.
Work with the pack committee on program ideas, selecting adult leaders, and
establishing a pack budget plan.
Guide and support den leaders. See that they receive the required training for
their positions.
Help organize a Webelos den (or dens) and encourage graduation into a Boy Scout troop.
Maintain a good relationship with families; seek their support and include them
in activities.
See that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts receive a quality, year-round
program that is flled with fun and activities and qualifes the dens and pack for the
National Summertime Pack Award.
Guide Cub Scouts in goodwill and conservation projects.
See that the responsibilities specifed for the assistant Cubmaster are carried out.
Assist the pack committee chairperson in conducting the annual program planning
conference and monthly pack leaders meeting.
Take part in charter review and the annual charter presentation ceremony.
Your unit commissioner will be glad to explain any of these responsibilities that you do
not understand.
The Pack Meeting
Pack meetings are usually held in a location provided by the chartered organization, once a
month, in the evening. Te meeting day and time are set by the pack committee and should
be the same each month to prevent confusion. Pack meetings are led by the Cubmaster and
last approximately 75 minutes. All dens and their families attend the pack meeting.
Te pack meeting program includes the following:
1. Te Gathering Period. Families are welcomed as they arrive. Tey view den
displays and participate in a pre-opening activity such as a game or stunt.
2. Main Part of the Meeting. Dens sit together. One den usually leads the opening
ceremony, which can be a pledge to the fag, a song, or some other activity in
which everyone takes part. Tere are games, den stunts or skits, demonstrations,
recognition ceremonies, and songs, with families participating.
3. Closing. Make announcements and reminders about upcoming pack activities
and business, and hold a closing ceremony that is short and inspirational.
Te Cubmaster ensures that in each month of the year there is a pack meeting (or
special pack activity) that is enjoyed by Cub Scouting families and provides an
opportunity for recognition for the boys accomplishments.
Other common pack activities include a blue and gold banquet in February, pinewood
derby and space derby, physical ftness competitions, and bicycle safety programs. Your
unit commissioner can give you information about these activities.
What Do You Invest in
Cub Scouting?
One evening each month for the pack meeting
One evening each month for the pack leaders
planning meeting
One evening each month for Cub Scout
leaders roundtable
Time spent in Cub Scout leader basic training
Cost of the Cub Scout leader uniform
Te registration fee
Tis adds up to a small investment, compared to the
dividends you will receive. And of course, the more you
invest, the more you can expect to receive in return.
What Do You Receive in Return?
An evening each month of fun and fellowship
with pack families, sharing their pride in their
sons accomplishments
Te privilege of helping to enrich and
strengthen families
An opportunity to share your ideas and
experiences with other adults and put
your talents into action at pack meetings
A growing admiration for boys, and their
growing respect for you as their leader
and friend
A chance to help boys learn good
citizenship and help shape them into
men with strength of character who are
sensitive to the needs of others
Te opportunity to make a diference in
the lives of boys as they grow strong in
mind and body
A code to live by that will set a worthwhile
example for boys and adults as you do your duty to
God and our country
Te satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide
movement, and pride in being publicly identifed as
a part of this organization by wearing the uniform,
which is a visible means of showing that you believe
in and stand for its ideals and objectives
You will discover many other dividends that will
enrich your life as you dedicate your time, talent, and
enthusiasm to Cub Scouting.
All leaders bring to Cub Scouting their own talents and
skills, their own backgrounds and interests. Your key to
becoming an efective leader is to use your own abilities
and interests, along with what you learn about Cub
Scouting to plan and conduct the best possible program
for the boys. What happens in the life of each boy during
the formative years will determine to a great extent
the kind of man he will become. What a tremendous
opportunity and challenge for you, the Cubmaster!
510-237
2011 Printing
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079
http://www.scouting.org