Frequently Asked Questions: Terminology

The “Pack” consists of all of the Cub Scouts, Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Each Cub Scout belongs to a Den of Scouts in the same Grade. Each grade aims to complete advancement to a Rank each year, and the names of those “Ranks” identify what kind of Den you’re in.

There are usually 6 to 10 or so in a Den – sometimes more, but only if there is a strong corps of assistant leaders. So there may be two or more Dens at a grade level. Every Den needs a Den Leader and Assistant Den Leaders – and the help of all other Parents, because we require that every parent leads. You can do it, and we will help. Dens can pick a name (e.g. the “Weird Wolves”, the “Unbearable Bears”) – this can be fun for the Scouts, as they create a group identity. From time to time, parents and leaders may want to have separate Dens of boys and girls – but it’s OK to meet and complete adventure requirements together, so long as there is a registered female leader in attendance. Pack 168 has found that some of our more focused Dens are those with both boys and girls! When boys and girls work together towards a common goal, they bring out the best in one another.

What are the 'Every Parent Leads' rules? We require that 'Every Parent Leads', in these ways: (1) each Parent must be an assistant leader at two Den Adventures (in a manner that fits your interest and abilities), and (2) perform at least one Pack Role as leader or helper (more below).

1) Assistant Leader for at least two Den Adventures: Each parent should help lead at least two Den Adventures as an Assistant Den Leader or step-in to 'pinch hit' as Den Leader (those with “regular” conflicts need to do this too, on the theory that everyone takes off work sometime, and what better reason than to help lead your own Scout and their friends).

Den Leaders have the biggest and most important role – every Adventure needs at least two Leaders for each Den, and younger Scouts often need more. That is both a Scouting rule and good common sense; its not a great experience for anyone if you're responsible for leading up to 10 Scouts alone to complete their adventure. Without this "two deep leadership", the activity must be post-phoned. Weather is also an important and valid reason for post-phoning an adventure!

Den Leaders can do a lot, but should not have to "do everything". So having Every Parent Lead as "twice a year" assistants is also important and fair, because your Den Leader needs help, and your Scout deserves to see you sharing in the leadership of the Den. Past Den Leaders and current Pack Leaders are committed to active assistance and coaching of Den Leaders and providing help to parents, so Den Leaders don’t have to learn the hard way. We're a better Pack and Den when we all look forward to seeing and working with our Scouts. Your Den Leader will provide you everything you need to help lead an adventure.

2) Take on a Pack role as Leader, Assistant, or volunteer for special assignments as needed.

We encourage anyone who is eager to help define, lead, and steer our Pack to improve our programming to consider taking on a formal leadership role. Each role has additional training that you'll be completing through the BSA and Northern Star Council. We encourage current leaders in formal roles to have incoming leaders shadow them for at least 3-4 months prior to stepping into the role, to provide for an effective transition. Key roles we desire to fill, and required to fill (*) are identified below.

• Den Leader* or Den Co-Leader / Assistant Den Leader(s) (required for each Den)

• Cubmaster*

• Assistant Cubmaster (next year’s Cubmaster)

• Committee Chairman*

• Advancement Chair / Coordinator

• Treasurer*

• Outdoor Activities Chair

• Wreathmeister (i.e. leader for our annual Fall wreath fundraiser)

• Communications Chair

• Membership and Recruitment Chair

From the first knot tied to final hours of service performed, the Scouting experience is a journey like none other. And Scoutbook is your go-to tool to ensure not a moment is missed - tracking advancement, milestone achievements and all the fun along the way.

Well, at least we're hoping you may have heard of Scoutbook and the mobile app if you've had a Scout in Pack 168 for any length of time. Scoutbook and the Scouting app are useful tools for automating tasks such as scheduling Pack and Den Meetings, obtaining RSVPs from meeting recipients, tracking completion of each scout's adventures and their requirements to earn their Rank, and by capturing completion of adventures in Scoutbook, this helps ensure that scouts are being recognized and receiving advancements and awards in a timely manner.

Scoutbook has its own help resources if you're wondering how to do something in the app, as well as help for many common questions.

The Scouting app is available for download on Apple and Android devices. Once downloaded, if you need any help connecting to your Scout's information using the Scouting app, your Den or any Pack Leader may assist you.