New Parent Orientation Guide Crossroads of America Council, 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, serves 26 counties in Council Offices central Indiana. More than 33,000 youth participate in the council’s 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. Muncie For more information about Scouting in central Indiana, 3400 East Jackson Street visit www.crossroadsbsa.org, call (317) 813-7125. Muncie, IN 47303 (765) 288-0223 Districts Del-Mi- serving Hamilton and Old Trail- serving Franklin, Union, Terre Haute Tipton counties Wayne and southern Randolph counties 501 South 25th Street Terre Haute, IN 47803 Golden Eagle- serving Blackford, Pathfinder- serving southern Marion (812) 232-9496 Delaware, Randolph and and Johnson counties northern Henry counties Pioneer- serving southeast Marion and Hou Koda- serving western Marion southern Hancock counties 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. 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. STEM Scouts A new national pilot program focused on fun ways for boys and girls, grades 3-12, to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) using hands-on activities led by STEM professionals.

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 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.

NEW in 2016! Lion Cubs Bear Boys in Kindergarten or 6 Years Old Boys in Third Grade or 9 Years Old

Tiger Cubs Webelos Boys in First Grade or 7 Years Old Boys in Fourth & Fifth Grade or 10 Years Old

Wolf Boys in Second Grade or 8 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 : 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. The monthly magazine is $12.00 per year. www.boyslife.org

www.crossroadsbsa.org | 5 Cub Scout Uniform One of Scouting’s methods of youth development includes wearing a uniform. The Scout uniform makes Scouting visible as a force of good, signifies a Scout’s commitment to Scouting ideals and serves as an economic equalizer of all boys. Additionally, the uniform serves as a recognition mechanism for earned advancement.

Below are the basic parts of a Cub Scout uniform. As a boy earns advancement ranks, he will receive belt loops, emblems and badges to add to his uniform. A detailed guide to correct patch placement is available at any council Scout Shop.

*Note: The Lion Cub uniform kindergartners consists of a t-shirt and hat. Please contact your den leader or council Scout Shop for more information.

Council Shoulder Patch

Den Numerals (See your den leader for number)

Pack Numerals (See your den leader or Cubmaster for number) Neckerchief and Slide Tiger = Orange Wolf = Yellow Bear = Blue Webelo = Plaid

Short or Long Sleeve Cub Scout Shirt

World Scout Crest

Web Belt and Buckle (to show earned belt loops)

6 | New Family Orientation Guide Scout Shop Information

Crossroads of America Council Scout Shops are your source for Scouting uniforms and supplies as well as camping, craft and gift items.

For more information on the Scout Shop and its items, visit the Indianapolis Scout Shop Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndyScoutShop.

Indianapolis Golden-Burke Scout Center 7125 Fall Creek Road North Indianapolis, IN 46256

Phone: (317) 813-7070 Email: [email protected]

Shop Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed on Sundays and holidays

Muncie Terre Haute 3400 East Jackson Street 501 South 25th Street Muncie, IN 47303 Terre Haute, IN 47803

Phone: (765) 288-0223 Phone: (812) 232-9496

Shop Hours: Shop Hours: Monday - Friday 12:15 pm - 5:30 pm Monday - Friday 12:15 pm - 5:30 pm Closed on weekends and holidays Closed on weekends and holidays

www.crossroadsbsa.org | 7 Volunteer Leadership: The Pack

Leader Training Committee Chair Conducts monthly pack leaders’ meeting to help plan program. Ensures that Cub training is adequate support to run the program is given to the Cubmaster and den leaders easy. All courses needed to be by committee members. Helps recruit additional leaders as needed. Fast Start fully trained are available training and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders online through succeed. MyScouting.org. Steps to set up a MyScouting account are Committee Members available in each new leader’s packet. Attend monthly pack leaders’ meeting to help plan the program and take care of records, finances, advancement, activities and membership. Fast Start Before an individual can be training and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new registered as an adult leaders succeed. volunteer, he or she must complete Youth Protection Pack Trainer training. We ask that they take Conducts orientation for new families and pack leaders. Trains new leaders for this training before they attend their specific leadership positions or encourages participation in district their first pack leaders’ training. Conducts other training as designated. Keeps track of pack training meeting and bring a copy of records. Pack trainers should be trained in district or council training courses as their training certificate with well. them. Cubmaster Each district also conducts Conducts monthly pack meeting. Aids den leaders by coordinating monthly face-to-face courses for all of program for all leaders. Attends monthly pack leaders’ meeting. Fast Start training the new leaders. and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders succeed. Every Scout deserves a trained leader. Check with your pack leadership or visit the council website at www.crossroadsbsa.org for additional training resources or to find the dates and location of the next training course.

8 | New Family Orientation Guide Volunteer Leadership: The Den

Tiger Cub Den Leader Coordinates shared leadership among the Tiger Cub adult partners. This ensures den meetings and outings are planned, prepared for and conducted by adult partners on a rotating basis. Den activities provide advancement opportunities for the boys in the den. Serves as den host for family members at pack meetings. Attends monthly pack leaders’ meetings. Fast Start training and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders succeed.

Wolf or Bear Den Leader Meets weekly for about one hour with a den of six to eight boys. Den meeting is held in den leaders’ home, a church or other suitable place. The den leader determines time, day and location of den meeting. Attends monthly pack leaders’ meeting. Fast Start training and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders succeed.

Webelos Den Leader Same as a Wolf or Bear Den Leader, but works with older Webelos Scouts. Encourages periodic parent/son overnight campouts. Attends monthly pack leaders’ meeting. Fast Start and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders succeed.

CHARTERED CHARTERED ORG. ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE

LOCAL COUNCIL PACK COMMITTEE

PACK TRAINER

CUBMASTER ASSISTANT CUBMASTER

TIGER CUB WOLF & BEAR WEBELOS DEN LEADERS DEN LEADERS DEN LEADERS

ADULT ASSISTANT ASSISTANT PARTNERS DEN LEADERS DEN LEADERS

DEN CHIEF DEN CHIEF www.crossroadsbsa.org | 9 Ask your Den Leader or Cubmaster about selling popcorn to help fund your son’s Scouting experience.

More than 73% of the popcorn fundraiser goes back to Scouting in central Indiana!

Your Scout’s participation in selling popcorn can enhance his overall Scouting experience by: • Learning the importance of earning his own way • Reducing out-of-pocket expenses for parents • Learning public speaking, sales and communication skills • Supporting local council programs and facilities to keep fees low for camp and activities

Important Dates Sale begins September 17 Sale ends October 23 Ask your Den Leader or Cubmaster for more specific unit-level deadlines and when your popcorn will be delivered.

For more information on how your son can participate in the popcorn sale to help fund his Scouting experience, please contact your Den Leader or Cubmaster or visit www.crossroadsbsa.org/popcorn.

Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America