PARENT’S GUIDE TO PACK MEETINGS
(updated 9/8/01)

Scouting is a wonderful organization that teaches the foundations for character development. Starting as early as 8 years old boys are welcomed into the program and begin learning leadership skills, good manners, morals, respectfulness, reverence and so much more. With that in mind, please observe the following guidelines for all Pack Meetings, and watch your boys (as well as your entire family) grow and develop into all that they can be.

ARRIVAL AND SEATING

1. Upon arrival at the meeting room, please have your child find and initial his name which will be listed under the appropriate den.
   
2. Pick up a copy of the Pack Newsletter and any other parent hand-outs at the Information Station located at the back of the room. Report any home address changes, phone or email address changes.
   
3. Pack meetings begin at 6:00 with a gathering activity for the boys (this may be a game or activity or a quiet paper and pencil game). Scouts and families should go directly to the meeting room and remain there for the entire meeting. As we are guests of the church, we must remain in our room so that we will not be disrupt the many other activities that take place during meeting time.
   
4. Parents and Scouts should be in their seats ready to begin the meeting at 6:15. Chairs will be grouped by den. Scouts sit in the front rows of chairs, with their Den Leader, near their den flag. Parents sit in the chairs behind their Scout’s den. We will start on time.
   
5. The Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster uses the time prior to the meeting to get together the awards which are to be given out and finalize the agenda for the meeting. If possible, try to limit your questions until an appropriate time during the meeting (or after the meeting) so that those last minute preparations can take place.
   
6. As Scouting is a family affair, siblings may attend pack meetings. We must ask, however, that as we are guests of the church, they remain seated next to the attending parent and not be allowed to leave the room alone for any reason. The wise parent brings a quiet activity for young children so that they remain seated or will play on the floor near the parent and not be disruptive.
   

MEETING TONE AND YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOR

1. Pack and Den meetings should be FUN, but should also maintain an air of respectfulness at all times, as well as awe and reverence when appropriate. The proper tone lends importance to all activities that follow. Parents can help establish the appropriate tone at meeting time by reminding their Scout before they arrive to be attentive and respectful of the Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Den Leaders and other Scouts as they lead the meeting.
   
2. Parents should refrain from conversing during the meeting. Room acoustics make this very distracting and it sets a bad example for the boys. If pack business conversations need to take place, please remove yourselves outside and visit quietly.
   
3. If there is a behavioral problem with your Scout that the leader is not able to curtail in a positive fashion, please take the responsibility to quietly remove your child from the room and handle the situation in the hallway.
   
4. Siblings also need to understand the importance of being attentive and respectful. Be sure that you bring something for them to quietly do. If there is a problem, we would again encourage you to take your child outside the room until it can be resolved so as not to distract from the program.
   

THE MEETING AGENDA

1. The standard agenda starts with an opening and flag ceremony. During this time parents need to be an example by removing hats, placing hands over hearts, facing the flag and joining in the Pledge of Allegiance. You might want to remind your Scout to do his Scout salute if he is in uniform (two fingers to the eyebrow or rim of their hat, which they may wear during the ceremony), or place his hand over his heart if he is not.
   
2. Awards will be given out at different times during the meeting. The award ceremonies are clearly to be held in high regard. Each Scout has worked hard to achieve their advancements and awards and each deserves the attention and respect of all who are at the meeting.
   
3. For fun, and as a means to developing the Scout's leadership and ability to feel comfortable in front of a crowd, skits also take place at most pack meetings. Much preparation goes into the performance of these skits. The participating Scouts need the attention and support of their peers AND the parents.
   
4. There may be singing, storytelling and other interactive elements to the meeting. Please join in the fun! That will encourage your son to so as well.
   
5. THE CUB SCOUT SIGN: If order needs to be re-established during the meeting, you may note that the leaders will raise the Cub Scout Sign (a "V" made with the fingers). Scouts and parents need to immediately echo this sign and return attention to the leader.
   
6. Finally, the business of running the pack must be attended to efficiently. This can only be done if all are quiet and listening. At some point announcements will be made as to upcoming events. This is the best time to ask questions. Please feel free to do so. Chances are if you have a question about an upcoming activity, there will be others in the crowd with the same questions. Please ask.
   

 LEAVING THE MEETING

Look around as you leave and pick up anything that might have been left behind (trash, coats, etc).

1. Scouts and parents are asked to stack their chairs at the end of the meeting.
   
2. If you pause to visit with other parents or speak with your Den Leader or Cubmaster, PLEASE don't allow your Scout or other children to run around or go outside of the room. Again, we are guests in the Lord's house and need to be respectful of that as well as to other activities that may be taking place.