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From the Cubmaster

Cubmaster:  Shawn Burnett          Email: braeden2@netzero.net / Phone:  410-848-6365          Updated:  03 September 2011

Join Cub Scouts with Cub Scout Pack 420 - Westminster, MD Sponsored by St. John Catholic Church

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Pack 420 invites all boys in first through fifth grades, (ages 6 through 10) to join Cub Scouting. Come and see what Cub Scouting is all about. 

MONDAY, September 12th 6:30 pm St John School Cafeteria , 42 Monroe St. Westminster Md.

Pack  Activities over the last two years

Pinewood Derby Race

Bike Rodeo

Raingutter Regatta

Frederick Keys Baseball Game

Fishing Tournament

Rocket Derby

Soccer at Frederick Keys

Scouting For Food Collection

School Cleanup & Beautification
Overnight Summer Camp at Camp Tuckahoe

District Day Camp

Wet N’ Wild Summer Pool Picnic

Memorial Day Parade

Hashawa Campfires

Christmas Party and Social Service Project

Conservation Activity

Blue and Gold Dinner

Historic Trail Hikes – Gettysburg, Harpers Ferry

Pack 420 is one of the oldest packs in Caroll County recently celebrating its 50th year in 2008.  It sponsored by St. John Catholic Church, but you do not have to be a member of the parish, or of the Catholic faith to join. We have scouts who are of different faiths and attend Carroll public school, parochial schools or are home schooled.  

The minimal age for joining Cub Scouts is 7yrs old or 6yrs old and in first grade.  He can also join at any time up until the beginning of the 5th grade.  Boys are organized into dens based upon their age/ grade in school.  The Cub Scouting program is being modified this year to spend more time visiting location and participating in activities.  Dens meet typically about three times a month (currently Monday nights 6:30-7:30pm) to work on activities in order to achieve a scout rank.  Together the dens comprise a pack which also meets one a month or so and has various activities and events.

 

Scouting builds character, teaches core values, and challenges youth through participation in a variety of fun activities with others scouts and the family.  There is emphasis on citizenship, social and conservation activities, outdoor activities, skills development and crafts.  I encourage you to explore websites that provide a wealth of information on cub scouting and describe the values and the program.

 

www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/intro.asp

www.scouting.org/CubScouts/Parents.aspx

 

Scouting emphasizes parent interaction in various capacities.  In addition to working in dens and as a pack, you will work one-on-one with you son on various achievements and activities. There are a variety of achievements in various areas to stimulate interest, such as the belt loop and activity pin program. To some degree, you will get out of scouting what you and your son put in.  We all lead busy lives, balancing our activities with our child's or children's activities. Attendance is not required at all activities and we have scouts who successfully balance other activities such as sports with scouting. However, some missed achievement/ activities will need to be completed with the parents for advancement and to earn certain awards.

 

Scouting also emphasizes activities within the family. All the members of the family are encouraged to attend many activities like pack meetings, parties, campfires etc.  Others activities like Scout Day Camp and overnight camping at scout camp are generally limited to parent(s) and scouts. The pack has a full program from September to May and a summer program with reduced activities from June to August. Attached is a flyer that describes some of the activities we did last year as a pack.  Dens also have other activities to help achieve a rank.

 

To provide a successful program we need parent involvement in pack and den activities. We realize that with work demands scheduling is sometimes an issue. However there are activities that can be performed that are not so schedule dependent.

 

The Pack Handbook located on this site provides details on how the pack operates. Costs are currently $110 for dues on an annual basis September 2010 through September 2011.  This covers most pack activities, some uniform components, activities book, and awards although some den and pack activities and summer camp have additional costs.  The pack prefers to pay one fee instead of collecting for each activity as this fosters participation and eases administrative burden.  Other packs may have lesser dues, but you pay for other items and activities out of pocket that Pack 420 includes in the dues – it is essentially the same cost for an active cub scouting program whether you pay in dues or pay for items and activities yourself.  Currently, there are opportunities to earn this money through fundraising, and if cost is an issue we do not want to turn any scout away from participation and will happy to speak with you further.  We are reevaluating the dues and fundraising structure so this may change for the 2010-2011 season.  A uniform is also required and the minimal uniform costs about $45, but can go toward $100 depending upon which elements are purchased.  A uniform should last about 2 - 3 years (depending upon how fast your son grows).

 

 

Please feel free to call or e-mail if you have any further questions.

 

Shawn Burnett

Cubmaster Pack 420

410-848-6365

braeden2@netzero.net