Cub Scout Pack 255 Parents Information Page

Sponsored by the Woods Chapel United Methodist Church
4725 Lakewood Way, Lee's Summit, Missouri 64064

Welcome

Welcome to Cub Scout Pack 255!! This page has been put together to help answer any questions you may have and help you understand how our Pack functions. The Pack adheres to the policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America. We encourage the active participation of parents and guardians to help you and your boy get the most out of the 'Scouting Experience'.

Introduction

Woods Chapel United Methodist Church sponsors Cub Scout Pack 255, as well as Boy Scout Troop 255. The Pack was chartered in 1996, under the guidance of Kirk Doan who remains active with two sons in the Pack. The program is available to all boys, from 1st through 5th Grades. Boy Scout Troop 255 was organized at Woods Chapel Church in October 1999 to allow the boys to continue on in the Scouting program. The Pack currently has approximately 50 youth members and the Troop 35 youth members.

Boys are able to start Cubbing the summer after Kindergarden in the Tiger Cub Program, which runs though the first grade scool year. This program centers on family based activities to slowly introduce the boys and parents to Scouting. A variety of activities are planned as the boys progress through Wolf (2nd Grade), Bear (3rd Grade) and Webelos ranks (Grades 4 and 5). A Den Leader guides the boys through the requirements of each rank.

Pack Committee

The Pack Committee consists of all the Den Leaders, the Cubmaster, Secretary, Treasurer and other interested adult volunteers. The Commitee members coordinate advancements, Blue & Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby, and other activities. Any parent is invited to attend Pack Committee meetings, which are generally held the first Monday of the month to follow the Thunderbird District Roundtable. Other 'subcommittes' of the Pack Committee include Recruitment, Popcorn Fundraiser, and Day Camp and Webelos Camp coordinators. Volunteers are always welcome!

Youth Protection

Yearly, each parent is asked to read and sign 'How to Protect Your Child From Child Abuse' in the front of the Cub Scout Book. It is vital to the safety of our boys that this subject is addressed. We also offer the Boy Scouts 'Youth Protection Program', and request our adult leaders obtain certification of completion of the course.

Who is Akela?

YOU ARE AKELA!!! The beginning of the Cub Scout program is based on the story of the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. By signing that you (or a close friend or family member) will be Akela, that person is making a choice to assist your Scout in activities and tasks that will lead to his advancement. Akela will sign off achievements that have been completed, and then the Cub's book in turned in to your Den Leader to record the individual Scout Record for the boy to earn advancements toward his rank.

Financial Guidelines

In order to defray the costs of the Pack activities, Scouts are encouraged to participate in fund raising activities. A percentage of these funds go into a 'Scout Account' for the individual Scout. These funds can only be used to fund Scout activities, and cannot be withdrawn from the Pack treasury. When the Scout moves on to Boy Scouts, the money can be transfered to the Troop account for the Scout's use. Scout accounts are nonrefundable - in the event the Scout does not go on, it will be transfered to the general Pack account. If finances are a problem for your Scout, please contact the Pack Treasurer for qualification for financial assistance from the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts not wanting to participate in fundraising activities are given an option to make a volutary donation to the Pack.

All checks need to be made to Woods Chapel United Methodist Church - Pack 255. Please note the Scouts name and function for which you are paying in the memo section of the check (ie- Webelos camp, popcorn sales, etc.). All donations are tax deductable.

Pack Dues

Pack 255 dues cover the cost of awards, Pack activities, Cub Scout registration and its liability insurance, and Boy's Life subscription. Pack 255 annual dues are $35 for Cub Scouts, $25 for Tiger Cubs and $10 for registered adults.

Den Meetings

Den meetings are held at the discretion of the Den Leaders, but average weekly or every other week. Attendance is expected of at least half of the meetings. Parents are strongly encouraged to join in. BSA does not stand for Baby Sitters of America. Activities related to a specific achievement are usually offered only once at a meeting, and if it is missed, it is the parent's responsibility to assist in making up that offering.

Pack Meetings

Pack meetings are held once each month. At the Pack Meetings, the boys are recognized for their activities and recieve their awards. We have special speakers or activities of interest to boys and all are welcome to attend. This is a special time for the boys, as they are recognized in front of the whole Pack for a job well done. It is strongly encouraged that all parents attend the Pack Meetings. Pinewood Derby is held in January, and the Blue & Gold Banquet is held in February, and they each take the place of a regular Pack Meeting. See the Pack Calendar for a list of all the Pack activity dates.

Patches and Badges

A placard for the correct placement of patches can be found on every shirt purchased, or in the front of every Cub Scout book. Uniforms and supplies are available at the Boy Scout office at the NW corner of I-435 and Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. There is an extensive listing of unform and insignia guidelines in the pamphlet "Boy Scouts of America Insignia Guide". Please feel free to check with your Den Leader for correct placement of awards and insignia.

Class A Uniform

‘Class A’ uniforms are required at all formal Pack activities, including monthly Pack meetings. Tiger Cubs wear the orange Tiger Cub T-shirt. Wolves and Bears wear the blue Cub Scout shirt with a golden scarf for Wolves and a blue scarf for Bears. Navy blue scout shorts are worn, but blue jeans, or blue jean shorts are acceptable. Webelos scouts can wear either the navy blue, or they can wear the more familiar olive shirt and green shorts or pants, with the Webelos plaid scarf. The Cub Scout belt is also worn with the corresponding belt buckle. Appropriate footwear is expected. A Cub Scout uniform builds pride!!

Class B Uniform

For certain informal activities, a ‘Class B’ uniform is acceptable. This type of uniform is either a Pack or scout T-shirt or sweatshirt. Your leader will inform you of which uniform is to be worn, but generally, this type of uniform is reserved for casual activities and scout camp.

Registration

All parents are encouraged to register with the Pack. This nominal fee covers the cost of insurance through the Boy Scouts of America while you are participating in any scout function.

Youth Protection

The Pack will offer the Boy Scouts of America program for Youth Protection periodically. This class is also offered through various training programs of the Thunderbird District. After completing this 1-1 ½ course, you will receive a ‘green card’ certifying that you have completed this class. Pack 255 encourages the BSA policy for ‘two deep leadership’ in which at least 2 leaders with this training are at all functions for the safety of our boys. Please try to get trained if at all possible. The class is also strongly encouraged prior to attending either Day Camp or Webelos Camp with your son.

If you should ever have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact your leader or any of the Pack leadership. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. All Committee meetings and Den meetings are open for you to join in!!! Once again, we welcome you to our Pack!

The Law of the Pack

The Cub Scout follows Akela

The Cub Scout helps the pack go.

The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow.

The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

The Woods Chapel United Methodist Church is located just East of the Lakewood Subdivision in Lee's Summit, Missouri. It is on the East side of I-470/Highway 291 just South of the Holiday Inn Express. The Church was built in 1999 and features a full size gymnasium and 17 acres of land. Scout meetings are usually conducted in the Fellowship Hall or Gymnasium. Courts of Honor are held in the Chapel. Those interested in more information about the Church should contact Pastor Jeff Brinkman at 795-8848.

For more information, please contact:
Kirk H. Doan, Cubmaster and Webmaster
Phone: (816)691-2739(O)(24 hour voicemail); Fax (816)474-4208.

Church Office Phone: (816)795-8848; Fax (816)795-0789.

E-Mail: kirkdoan@sbcglobal.net
Internet: http://www.kirkdoan.com

Send snail-mail to:

Kirk Doan
1201 Walnut Street, Suite 2500
Kansas City, MO 64106-2150

This page last updated: 2/17/08.

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