New Scout Parent Orientation Guide Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America
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NEW SCOUT PARENT ORIENTATION GUIDE Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America www.crossroadsbsa.org IMPORTANT INFORMATION Den Leader NAME PHONE NUMBER EMAIL Den Meeting DATE TIME LOCATION Cubmaster NAME PHONE NUMBER EMAIL Pack Meeting DATE TIME LOCATION Additional Notes & Contact Information CROSSROADS OF AMERICA COUNCIL Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America serves 25 counties in Council Offices central Indiana. More than 33,000 youth participate in the council’s Scouting programs through more than 900 packs, troops, crews, groups and posts. Our Indianapolis mission is to provide character development, citizenship training, and growth in Golden-Burke Scout Center physical, mental and spiritual fitness and to help create the next generation of 7125 Fall Creek Road North leaders. More than 8,000 adult volunteers dedicate their time and talents to make Indianapolis, IN 46256 the Scouting program a success. The council is divided into 13 services areas, (317) 813-7125 called districts, where the Scouting program is delivered to the local communities. Hagerstown For more information about Scouting in central Indiana, 199 South Plum Street visit www.crossroadsbsa.org, call (317) 813-7125. Hagerstown, IN 47346 (765) 489-4552 Districts Muncie Del-Mi- serving Hamilton and Old Trail- serving Franklin, Union, 3400 East Jackson Street Tipton counties Wayne and southern Randolph counties Muncie, IN 47303 (765) 288-0223 Golden Eagle- serving Delaware, Pathfinder- serving southern Marion Randolph and northern Henry and Johnson counties Terre Haute counties 501 South 25th Street Pioneer- serving southeast Marion and Terre Haute, IN 47803 southern Hancock counties Hou Koda- serving western Marion (812) 232-9496 and Hendricks counties Sakima- serving Madison and western Iron Horse- serving Hancock, Rush, Henry counties Shelby, Henry and Fayette counties Sugar Creek- Boone, Montgomery and Northeast- serving northeast Clinton counties Marion county T-Sun-Ga-Ni- serving central Marion county North Star- serving northwest Marion and southern Boone counties Wabash Valley- serving Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, Park, Sullivan and Putnam counties Additional Notes & Contact Information Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CrossroadsBSA www.crossroadsbsa.org | 1 WHY SCOUTING? Scouting is a well-rounded program positively affecting every area of a boy’s life. Scouting encourages boys to achieve a deeper appreciation of others, including peers, parents and other adults. Early in their Scouting experience, boys learn the value of serving others. Scouting provides boys with a sense that they are important individuals. They learn that their Scouting family cares about what happens to them. Scouting activities and award programs teach personal responsibility and self-confidence. As a result, when hard decisions have to be made, a boy can look at himself in the mirror and be proud. Scouting involves a safe environment with positive role models. Parents, your son will learn confidence, belonging, quality family time, leadership and social skills, moral and ethical choices, teamwork, citizenship and fun. SCOUTING’S PROGRAMS Cub Scouts A year-round, family-friendly program designed for boys who are first through fifth grade (ages 7-10). Activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting- citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Boy Scouts Designed for boys ages 11-18, Boy Scouts learn responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs. Venturing A program for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. Its purpose is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature and prepare them to become responsible adults. Exploring A career-learning program for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. Exploring units, called “posts”, usually have a focus on a single career field, such as police, fire/rescue, health, law, aviation or engineering. Reaching for Tomorrow In partnership with the Girl Scouts, Reaching for Tomorrow develops the potential of youth by providing grade-specific, character education and basic skills for special needs students in the classroom. It includes curriculum created by national educators and psychologists and is taught by certified instructors. 2 | New Family Orientation Guide HOW DOES CUB SCOUTING WORK? The Cub Scout program is designed to involve your son in a group of boys his own age where he can earn status and recognition. There he will also gain a sense of personal achievement from the new skills he learns. Tiger Cubs Bear Boys in First Grade or 7 Years Old Boys in Third Grade or 9 Years Old Wolf Webelos Boys in Second Grade or 8 Years Old Boys in Fourth & Fifth Grade or 10 Years Old Your Boy is a Member of a Den... • A den is made up of no more than eight boys who are the same age and/or grade. • The den meets two to three times a month. One of the den meetings each month is a “Go See It” or field trip. • The den has a den leader, but the den leader shares the planning of the den meetings with the parents. Your Boy is a Member of a Pack... • A pack consists of several dens and meets once a month. • The Cubmaster leads the monthly pack meeting, but each den will have a part in the pack meeting. • Some months, the pack meeting will have special themes such as Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Banquet or guest speakers. Other months may be devoted to recognizing the Scouts for the projects they have completed by the presentation of beads, belt loops, activity pins or rank advancements. Cub Scout Motto: Do Your Best Doing your best is one of the most important things Cub Scouts learn. When boys compare themselves to other people, they can become complacent (if they’re high achievers) or discouraged (if they have to work harder to accomplish the same goals). Focusing on doing their personal best helps them feel good about themselves and see their potential for doing even better. This helps boys see that no one can find fault with them if they always do their best. Cub Scout Advancement Plan In Scouting, advancement is the process by which a member meets certain requirements and earns recognition. The Cub Scout advancement program is a blend of activities boys do in their homes and activities they do in a den meeting setting. As requirements are completed, boys are awarded recognition items to mark their progress. Regardless of grade, all boys who join Cub Scouts start by earning the Bobcat badge. After receiving the Bobcat badge, a boy works on the requirements based on his grade level. www.crossroadsbsa.org | 3 CAMPING OPPORTUNITIES Crossroads of America Council Camp Properties Crossroads of America Council is very proud of its facilities. With more than 2,000 acres and 100 buildings, the council is one of the largest providers of outdoor adventure in the state of Indiana. Beyond summer camp, all Scout units are welcome to use the facilities and experience some of the most scenic locations in Indiana. Camp Belzer- Indianapolis, Ind. Camp Kikthawenund- Near Anderson & Frankton, Ind. Camp Redwing- Muncie, Ind. Camp Bear Creek- Connersville, Ind. Camp Wildwood- Terre Haute, Ind. Camp Krietenstein- Center Point, Ind. Ransburg Scout Reservation- Bloomington, Ind. Summer Day Camp Cub Scout day camp is a week of fun activities offering Scouts an opportunity to learn gun safety and shoot BB guns, try archery, swimming, boating, play games, learn about nature and be outside with friends. Day camp is offered at Camp Belzer in Indianapolis as well as in several districts. Adventure Camp Adventure Camp caters to the adventurous minds of Cub Scouts and Webelos. Camp offers a four-day, three night outdoor experience with activities including swimming, boating, air rifle, nature study and more. STEM Based Fall Break Camp Spend your fall break with fun and adventure! Scouts will spend each day of this week-long day camp participating in hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities at a variety of unique and exciting Indianapolis locations. Travel and leadership will be provided by the council. 4 | New Family Orientation Guide ACTIVITIES & FUN Cub Scout Fun Day BB guns, archery, races and obstacle courses and STEM activities are just a glimpse of the adventure at Cub Scout Fun Day! Community Partner Activities This monthly series of family activities offered October through May and provides unique experiences and/or great pricing to area attractions and events. Past Circuit of Fun activities include Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Monster Truck Jam, Indiana Pacers and Supercross. Cub Scout Adventure Loop & Pin Day- Fall & Spring This family fun event allows Scouts to work with parents or leaders to work together to earn adventure loops and pins at Camp Belzer. A variety of belt loop and pin workshops are offered from traditional Scouting to STEM based. Webelos Adventure Day- Fall & Spring This is a full day of fun and adventure for Webelos Scouts! Webelos will pick from two adventure pin workshops such as scientist or fire building. All workshops are hands-on. Pinewood Derby Ready, set, GO! This parent/son project allows Scouts to build a race car made from a block of wood while developing motor skills and learning about working with teams and creativity. Scouting for Food This annual food drive is held to benefit local food pantries. Scouting instills the value of service to others and this food drive provides a worthwhile opportunity for Scouts to participate in. As boys get older, their participation in service projects prepares them to plan and organize their own projects. Boys’ Life Magazine Boys’ Life has interesting features on Scouting, sports, hobbies, magic, science and U.S. History. There are also jokes, comics and short stories. There are different versions of the magazine based on the age of the Scout.