BY-LAWS OF CUB SCOUT PACK 639
Authentication: These by-laws are approved for School Year 2010-2011:
Cub Master: _________________________________________________
Committee Chairman: _________________________________________
Table of Contents
1.0 GENERAL 3
1.1 Purpose: 3
1.2 Mission: 3
1.3 Pack Committee: 3
1.3.1 Pack Committee Meeting schedules 3
1.3.2 Committee Members 3
1.3.3 Sub-Committees 3
1.3.4 Annual Planning Meeting 3
1.3.5 Voting Members 4
1.4 Den Organization & Membership: 4
1.4.1 Den Assignments 4
1.4.2 Den Size 4
1.4.3 Den Leader(s) 4
1.5 Pack Organization & Membership: 4
1.5.1 Membership 4
1.5.2 Behavior 4
1.5.3 Discipline 4
1.5.4 Prohibitions 5
1.5.5 Attendance and Excusals 5
1.5.6 Parental Involvement 6
1.5.7 Complaints and Unresolved Issues 6
1.5.8 Bylaws Approval 6
1.5.9 Questions regarding the By-Laws or BSA policy 6
1.5.10 Withdrawal from Pack 639 6
1.6 Financial Policy 6
1.6.1 Required Approvals 6
1.6.2 Advancement Expenses 7
1.6.3 Pack Dues 7
1.6.4 Ledger Balances & Reimbursement 7
1.6.5 Refunds 7
2.0 DEN OPERATIONS AND MEETINGS 8
2.1 General and Administrative 8
2.2 Leadership 8
2.3 Conflict Resolution 8
2.4 Den Code of Conduct 8
2.5 Disruptive Behavior 8
2.6 Wearing and Maintenance of Scout Uniforms 9
2.6.1 Uniform Assistance 9
2.6.2 Leader Uniforms 9
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF PACK MEMBERS 10
3.1 Responsibilities of Scout Parents and/or Guardians 10
3.2 Chartered Organization Representative 10
3.3 Pack Committee Chairperson 10
3.4 Cub Master 10
3.5 Assistant Cub Master 10
3.6 Pack Secretary 10
3.7 Pack Treasurer 11
3.8 Advancement / Awards Coordinator 11
3.9 Pack Trainer 11
3.10 Den Leaders 11
3.11 Special Events Coordinator 11
3.12 Membership Chair 12
3.13 Den Chiefs / Webelos Den Chiefs 12
4.0 CLASS "A" AND "B" UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS 13
4.1 Uniform Policy and Dress Code: 13
4.2 The Class A Uniform 13
4.2.1 CUB SCOUTS (Tigers, Bears, and Wolves) 13
4.2.2 WEBELOS 13
4.2.3 ADULTS 13
4.3 The Class B Uniform 14
1.1 Purpose:
· These by-laws define the organization, activities, operations and budget policy that govern Cub Scout Pack 639. These provisions apply to Pack 639 members and to those who participate in our activities.
1.2 Mission:
· The mission of this pack is to strengthen families through the fun, fellowship and guidance of Scouting.
1.3 Pack Committee:
· Cub Scout Pack 639 operates in accordance with the laws and rules published by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Regular pack business is conducted by the Pack Committee.
1.3.1 Pack Committee Meeting schedules
Ø The meeting schedules will be agreed upon by Pack 639’s Committee and the time and location of each meeting will be posted on the pack calendar. All meetings will be scheduled with a minimum of one week’s notice.
Ø In extenuating circumstances, the Cub Master and/or Committee Chairperson may call an emergency meeting. An e-mail notification will be sent out all registered Committee Members for Pack 639.
1.3.2 Committee Members
Ø The Committee Chairperson is appointed by the Pack Committee
Ø The Pack Secretary will submit for Pack Committee approval, the previous meeting’s minutes and will make available upon request approved minutes at all previous Pack Meetings.
Ø The Pack Treasurer will submit a quarterly financial statement showing budgeted vs. obligated and expended funds of the pack.
Ø Additional committee members, their duties and responsibilities can be found later in this document.
1.3.3 Sub-Committees
Ø For pack activities and special events, the Pack Committee or Cub Master (if necessary) may appoint chairpersons to plan, organize and administer to those events.
Ø Examples of such events are: Popcorn sales, Scouting for Food, Rain gutter Regatta, Pine Wood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet, Twilight Camp and the like.
Ø This meeting must be held prior to the start of the school year.
Ø All Pack Committee members are needed during this meeting as the primary agenda items are:
o Review of previous year’s activities and what’s possible for the coming year
o Setting of the general schedule of activities
o Development of an operating budget.
Ø The Pack Committee may assign agenda items as the need arises.
Ø The annual re-charter date for Pack 639 falls in February.
Ø Pack Committee voting members will consist of all the registered adults within Cub Scout Pack 639.
Ø Votes at other than Pack Committee meetings may be used only in extenuating circumstances and recorded in writing reflecting the approval by the majority of available committee members.
1.4 Den Organization & Membership:
Ø The pack will have one or more dens for each grade from 1st through 5th grades.
Ø The number of dens will be determined by:
o the number of scout members AND
o the number of capable den leaders available.
Ø Dens will have no more than eight (8) boys including Webelos Patrols. Under certain circumstances exceptions to this may be made by the Cub Master (i.e.: transfer of leaders or a combining of dens for economy)
Ø Pack 639 will require those performing these duties to take the required training.
Ø The Cub Master will designate Den Leaders.
o Recommendations for Den Leaders will be considered.
1.5 Pack Organization & Membership:
· Pack 639 will have monthly pack meetings; a minimum of quarterly committee meetings (held separately from the pack meetings), as well as special purpose meetings as may be required.
· All meetings are open to interested adult persons – parents, committee, and charter organization.
1.5.1 Membership
Ø Membership for scouts and leaders is open to all qualified persons in accordance with BSA policy.
Ø All non-Cub Scout children attending the Cub Scout Pack meetings are the responsibility of the attending parent(s) / designated guardian(s).
Ø No child will be allowed to run freely or randomly about the halls, meeting room, or any other part of the building, before, during, or after the Cub Scout Pack meeting.
Ø Active Cub Scouts are the responsibility of their parent/custodian and den leaders during Pack events.
Ø Den Leaders will be responsible for providing activities and overseeing the activities.
Ø Participation in any Scouting activity by a Scout, Parent, or Adult Leader, will be conducted in a manner that upholds the principals, standards, and ideas of the Boy Scout of America as set forth in the Cub Scout Promise and Law.
Ø All scouts will be held accountable for their actions.
Ø Any Scout who intentionally participates in an activity that has the potential to harm himself or other Pack members, or behaves in a manner that reflects negatively upon Pack 639 or the Boy Scouts of America, will be disciplined.
Ø Behavior that is cause for disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, the following:
o Not following the Cub Master's or Leader's directions.
o Significantly unsafe actions which may endanger himself or others.
o Exploring physical hazards (lakes, creeks, etc.) without permission and supervision.
o Leaving designated areas without the Cub Master’s or Leader's permission.
o Use of cursing or foul language.
o Excessively rowdy, unruly, loud, disrespectful, disobedient, or disruptive behavior.
o Physical or verbal hazing or harassment of others.
o Possession of weapons (with the exception of pocket knives carried in compliance with the whittling chip privileges)
o Use or possession of any controlled or illegal substance and/or paraphernalia during any Scouting function.
Ø Discipline will be at the discretion of the Pack/Den Leader(s) in accordance with the following guidelines:
o Failure to obey a rule will result in a warning followed by time out or removal from the activity.
o In cases of harmful or repetitive misbehavior, the parent may be called to pick up the Scout.
o At the Den Leader's discretion, parents may be required to attend Den functions with their Scout. (This does not apply to Tiger Cubs where parental involvement in all Den and Pack functions is always required).
o Den Leaders have the right to exclude a Scout from their Den for reasons of conduct. The situation will be reviewed by the Pack Committee and (in extreme cases and after consultation with the Council) a Scout may be dismissed from the Pack for reasons of misconduct.
Ø Each Scout is to be responsible for their own behavior, and only when necessary will the procedure be invoked to send a Scout home from their Den or Pack meeting or activity.
Ø Vulgar language spoken or printed on clothing worn at any Pack 639 Cub Scout meeting or functions will not be allowed. Offenders will be asked to leave.
Ø Aggressive, Threatening, Loud or Disruptive behavior by anyone attending scouting functions will not be allowed. Those not complying will be asked to leave.
Ø Individual mistreatment - whether physical or mental - will not be tolerated. Adult leaders involved will be suspended by either the Cub Master or Committee Chairman from all Cub Scout functions pending an investigation. A report will be filed through the Chartered Organization, District Executive, and District Chairman at the council office for further action. All others will be asked to leave the scouting event and if necessary, not return to future scouting events.
Ø Alcoholic Beverages - it is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances is not permitted at encampments or activities on property owned/and or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.
Ø Tobacco Products - the Boy Scouts of America strongly recommends that leaders maintain the attitude that youth members are much better off without tobacco. Pack 639 leaders are strongly encouraged to not use tobacco products in any form and are prohibited from using tobacco products in the presence of youth members at any BSA, Pack, and/or Den activity.
1.5.5 Attendance and Excusals
Ø Each registered Cub Scout is expected to attend all scheduled den and pack meetings.
Ø At Pack Committee discretion, if four (4) consecutive den meetings are missed, the Cub Scout will be put on an inactive list for “lack of interest”.
o An oral warning, via telephone, will be issued by the Den Leader after the third missed den meeting.
o After the fourth missed meeting, the parents/guardian will be contacted and informed that their son has one (1) week to be reinstated and pay back all back dues (where applicable).
o Additionally, if the Cub Scout is to be reinstated to the Cub Scout Pack, the Pack Committee must first approve this.
Ø One parent or legal guardian should attend the monthly Cub Scout Pack meetings and den outings with their Cub Scout to ensure the scouts’ safe arrival and safe return home.
Ø Additionally, since the Cub Scout program is a family program it is highly recommended that at least one parent/guardian attend.
Ø Based on two working parents, single parents, and emergencies, a stand-in guardian, 18 years or older may be a substitute.
Ø Parents must always accompany Tiger Cubs to all BSA, Pack and Den activities and meetings.
Ø Any and all complaints concerning den operations should go to the Den Leader first.
Ø If a complaint remains unresolved, the complaint may be referred in person or in writing to the Pack Committee.
Ø Pack 639’s by-laws will be reviewed on an annual basis
Ø If changes to the by-laws are requested (either through the annual review process or an ad hoc basis), then the requested changes will be posted within 10 days of the Committee Meeting for pack members to review.
Ø In order for a change to be implemented, 75% of the voting committee members must approve it (via a vote at the committee meeting or by proxy)
Ø By definition a Voting Committee Member is a pack member who has registered with the BSA as a Committee Member.
Ø Questions about the by-laws of Cub Scout Pack 639 or BSA policy must be made either in person at the Pack Committee meeting or in writing presented to the Cub Master or Committee Chairman at the Cub Scout Pack meeting.
Ø Registered Cub Scouts or Adult Leaders who withdraw from the BSA program are asked to submit a letter to the Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 639 explaining the reasons why the Scout has decided to withdraw. This letter will be retained by Cub Scout Pack 639.
Ø When planning pack activities, no financial obligations will be made to participate in any civic, community, school, military, BSA, or Pack function without first obtaining the approval at the Pack Committee meeting.
Ø Any monies paid out by the Pack Treasury must be approved by a majority of the Pack Committee that is present at the Pack Committee meetings.
Ø The people authorized to issue money for payment of Cub Scout Pack materials in emergencies must include the Treasurer and one of the following: the Cub Master, Committee Chairman, or the Pack Secretary.
o No vote is required for the payment of normal operating expenses (i.e. Insurance, Forms, Advancement Awards, etc.).
Ø Regular spending of monies for advancement items to include badges of rank, arrow points, year pins, belt loops, attendance pins, activity pins, certificates, and special awards will be done by the Pack Treasurer, the Advancement Coordinator, and/or the Cub Master.
Ø Each registered member of the Cub Scout Pack will pay an annual $ 40.00 pack dues that initially subsidizes the Pack Treasury. These monies collected will support initial operating funds of the Pack while awaiting the collection of fund-raising monies to support the planned year of scouting.
Ø Purchaser must submit to the Treasurer an itemized receipt for items purchased against the Council’s Unit Account maintained at the Council office.
Ø Itemized receipts are required within 30 days of purchase to be eligible for reimbursement by the Pack.
Ø If the itemized receipt is not received within 30 days from the purchase date, then the purchase will be considered a donation to the pack.
Ø Opening and closing balances and all major purchases will be quoted at Pack Committee meetings and available upon request at Pack Meetings.
Ø Council Registration / Boys Life: No refunds
Ø Pack/Den Dues: A written request may be submitted to the Committee Chairperson for refunds within 5 business days of registration.
2.1 General and Administrative
· The Den Leader/Assistant Den Leader is responsible to the Cub Master for the efficient and effective operation of his/her assigned den.
o This includes planning and conducting of den meetings and outings and progress toward earning badges, rank progression, and awards.
· The Den Leader will also ensure compliance with Pack and BSA specified requirements, such as Scout behavior and uniform wear.
2.2 Leadership
· The Cub Master will designate Den Leaders.
o Recommendations for Den Leaders will be considered.
· Den assignments will not be modified without the Cub Master’s approval.
· Reassignment of Dens will be considered if conflicts arise due to selected Den meeting days and times. Formation of a new Den will be considered ONLY IF:
o Reassignment to another Den is not possible AND
o Parents of the proposed new Den can support the Den as Den Leaders AND
o Selected Den Leader meets the training requirements AND
o New Den agrees to follow the Cub Scout Pack Program
· Each den should develop its own code of conduct but avoid making too many rules. The rules should be simple and clear so the boys can understand them.
o The boys can help make the rules.
· Here are some suggestions that may help you develop your den’s Code of Conduct:
o Go directly to den meeting room.
o No running or wrestling indoors.
o Show courtesy and respect for other den members, leaders, and the meeting place.
o Bring your scout handbook to each meeting.
· If a boy disobeys during a den meeting, Den Leader may phone a parent or guardian to pick him up immediately.
· Always leave with your parent/guardian after a den meeting.
· The Den Code of Conduct should be posted in the den meeting location to serve as a reminder.
· Disruptive behavior (aggressive behavior, disrespect to others and their surroundings, and bad language) at a Cub Scout Den meeting or Cub Scout Pack function will not be tolerated.
o On the first occasion, the Den Leader will refer such behavior to the parent/guardian for corrective action.
o Subsequent occurrences will be referred to the Cub Master and the Pack Committee.
o Repeated occurrences may lead to suspension and/or dismissal from the Cub Scout Pack.
· All Cub Scouts will obtain an approved uniform for his rank and wear to all Cub Scout functions. The uniform will be clean and fit properly and have badges and insignia affixed appropriately.
· The Den Leader will ensure each scout is advised in advance on what uniform is required for each scheduled pack function.
o In general, scouts are not required to be in uniform for den meetings but are for pack functions.
o However, it is strongly recommended that the scouts wear their uniform to all pack and den functions.
Ø While Pack 639 by-laws require uniforms to be worn at pack events, BSA does not.
Ø If needed, assistance can be provided in obtaining a uniform.
Ø The parent/guardian should contact the Committee Chairperson and/or Cub Master to apply for assistance.
Ø All registered Den Leaders, the Cub Master, and the Assistance Cub Master are expected to obtain and wear an approved uniform to all den and pack functions to properly identify leaders and set an example for the Scouts.
· Adult responsibilities are delineated by BSA guidelines except as modified below.
Ø Take all around interest in what your son is doing in Cub Scouting
Ø Support the Den Leader/Assistant Den Leader
Ø Help in signing off achievements and electives in handbooks
Ø Ensure dues are paid promptly, if applicable
Ø Attend monthly pack meetings and support pack activities by volunteering for a minimum of two (2) pack events during the scouting year
Ø Liaison between the Pack, the chartered organization, and the BSA
Ø Ensures the chartered organization is aware of what the Pack is doing
Ø Coordinates activities between the chartered organization and the Pack
Ø Ensures the Pack Committee is fulfilling their responsibility to the Pack
Ø Communicate any relevant policies that the charter organization has to the Pack committee
Ø Voting member of the local BSA Council and District committees. As such, they represent the Pack on these committees. If the Chartered Organization has more than one unit (e.g., a Pack and a Troop) the Chartered Organization Representative serves all.
Ø Supervise all aspects of pack committee functions and/or operation
Ø Chair and conduct Pack Committee meetings
Ø In the absence of a membership chair person:
o Maintain a record inventory of all pack property
o Maintain a roster of boys and adults - Verify and update every three months
Ø Authorized signature for pack checking account and unit council account
Ø Provide quality leadership and organization
Ø Set a proper example by displaying a positive attitude and wearing a proper uniform
Ø Conduct Cub Scout Pack Program according to BSA policies
Ø Support and assist Den Leaders in achieving their goals
Ø Conduct Pack functions
Ø Assist with pack recruitment (boys, leaders, committee)
Ø Authorized signature on unit council account
Ø Carry out Cub Master duties in his/her absence
Ø Set a proper example by displaying a positive attitude and wearing a proper uniform
Ø Supervise Den Leaders and Den Chiefs
Ø Assist Cub Master in conducting Pack Functions
Ø Other duties as assigned by the Cub Master
Ø As chief administrative officer, keep minutes of all pack and pack committee meetings
Ø Maintains pack committee records and files recurring reports.
Ø Handles all pack correspondence and maintains correspondence files
Ø Manages the Pack Calendar
Ø As chief financial officer, drafts operating budget and pays the bills
Ø Authorized signature for pack checking account and unit council account
Ø Prepares financial report for pack committee meetings
Ø Assists with registration of Cub Scouts and Adult Leaders
Ø Manages the Scout Accounts
Ø Manages advancement program as prescribed by BSA
Ø Purchases awards and badges for pack meetings
Ø Maintains accurate records of advancements and submits reports to BSA
Ø Authorized signature on unit council account
Ø Responsible for all Pack-level training and reporting.
Ø Conducts orientation for new families and leaders.
Ø Ensures each leader and pack committee member is trained for his or her specific position; may conduct other training as designated by council.
Ø Encourages pack leaders to attend ongoing training, i.e. roundtables, University of Scouting, outdoor skills training, Youth Protection training and Wood Badge.
Ø Remains current with training material and program updates.
Ø Keeps pack training records current. The Pack Trainer’s goal is to have 100% of the pack and committee members trained in their position responsibilities. Goal: New leaders and parents should receive orientation within one (1) week of joining the pack, and leaders should receive position training within 30 days.
Ø Ensures the Youth Protection video is circulated through each of the dens and maintains a record of who has seen this training video (excludes Tiger Scouts)
Ø THE MOST IMPORTANT ADULT Pack member – has the most direct and most frequent contact with the Scouts!
Ø Sets the example by displaying a positive attitude and wearing a proper uniform.
Ø Plans and executes the den program for the year
Ø Ensure all Scouts perform their training tasks and report progress to Pack
Ø Establishes and maintains good relations with the parents
Ø Guides the Den Chief in working with the Cub Scouts
Ø Maintains accurate den financial and advancement records
Ø Turns in all monies to the Pack Treasurer at Pack Committee meetings
Ø Turns in all Den and Pack materials to the Cub Master at year-end
Ø Ensures that each member of their Den has watched the Youth Protection video (excludes Tiger Cubs)
Ø Works with Pack Committee and/or Cub Master on all special events
Ø Become familiar with the policies of the BSA outdoor programs
Ø Assigns a chairperson to head committees that support special pack events
Ø Will oversee the committee’s progress and will report to the pack committee on the special event
Ø Oversees the planning of camping trips
Ø Maintains a record inventory of all pack property
Ø Maintains a roster of boys and adults - Verify and update every three months
Ø Follows up with members when they are absent for multiple meetings
Ø Knows the purpose of Cub Scouting
Ø Serves as the activities assistant at Den meetings
Ø Sets a proper example by displaying a positive attitude and wearing a proper uniform
Ø As schedule allows, attends scheduled Pack and Den activities
· Uniforms are required for all Scout members and adult leaders.
· When worn by adults, uniforms provide scouts with a role model and provide unity in the Scouting Program.
· Committee Members are strongly encouraged to wear uniforms also
· Note: If transferring from another pack, the new pack member may wear the official uniform of their previous pack until such time that they choose to purchase a new uniform. When a new uniform is purchased, then the uniform must comply with the guidelines set by Pack 639.
· The following uniforms have been identified as the standard Class A uniform and are authorized for wear while participating in all Scouting activities of Cub Scout Pack 639.