s p o guide - tools for scouting...bb guns, archery, races and obstacle courses and stem activities...

New Scout PareNt orieNtatioN Guide Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America

www.crossroadsbsa.org

Cubmaster

imPortaNt iNformatioN

Den Meeting

Den LeaderNAME

PHONE NUMBER

EMAIL

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

Additional Notes & Contact Information

Pack Meeting

NAME

PHONE NUMBER

EMAIL

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

Additional Notes & Contact Information

Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America serves 25 counties in 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 mission is to provide character development, citizenship training, and growth in physical, mental and spiritual fitness and to help create the next generation of leaders. More than 8,000 adult volunteers dedicate their time and talents to make the Scouting program a success. The council is divided into 13 services areas, called districts, where the Scouting program is delivered to the local communities.

For more information about Scouting in central Indiana, visit www.crossroadsbsa.org, call (317) 813-7125.

Districts Del-Mi- serving Hamilton and Tipton counties Golden Eagle- serving Delaware, Randolph and northern Henry counties

Hou Koda- serving western Marion and Hendricks counties Iron Horse- serving Hancock, Rush, Shelby, Henry and Fayette counties Northeast- serving northeast Marion county

North Star- serving northwest Marion and southern Boone counties

croSSroadS of america couNcil

www.crossroadsbsa.org | 1

Old Trail- serving Franklin, Union, Wayne and southern Randolph counties Pathfinder- serving southern Marion and Johnson counties Pioneer- serving southeast Marion and southern Hancock counties Sakima- serving Madison and western Henry counties

Sugar Creek- Boone, Montgomery and Clinton counties T-Sun-Ga-Ni- serving central Marion county Wabash Valley- serving Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, Park, Sullivan and Putnam counties

Anderson 1420 10th Street

Anderson, IN 46012 (765) 644-6687

Hagerstown199 South Plum Street Hagerstown, IN 47346

(765) 489-4552

Indianapolis Golden-Burke Scout Center 7125 Fall Creek Road North

Indianapolis, IN 46256 (317) 813-7125

Muncie 3400 East Jackson Street

Muncie, IN 47303 (765) 288-0223

Terre Haute 501 South 25th Street Terre Haute, IN 47803

(812) 232-9496

Council Offices & Scout Shops

Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CrossroadsBSA

ScoutiNG’S ProGramS

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.

2 | New Family Orientation Guide

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.

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.

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.

Cub ScoutsA 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.

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.

how doeS cub ScoutiNG work?

Your Boy is a Member of a Den...

Your Boy is a Member of a Pack...

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Wolf Boys in Second Grade or 8 Years Old

BearBoys in Third Grade or 9 Years Old

WebelosBoys in Fourth & Fifth Grade or 10 Years Old

Tiger Cubs Boys in First Grade or 7 Years Old

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.

Cub Scout Motto: Do Your BestDoing 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.


camPiNG oPPortuNitieS

Webelos Adventure Camp Webelos Adventure Camp caters to the adventurous minds of nine and ten year old boys. Camp offers a four-day, three night outdoor experience with activities including swimming, boating, air rifle, nature study and more.

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.

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.

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.


activitieS & fuN


Circuit of Fun 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 Fun Day BB guns, archery, races and obstacle courses and STEM activities are just a glimpse of the adventure at Cub Scout Fun Day!

Cub Scout Belt Loop & Pin Day- Fall & Spring This family fun event allows Scouts to work with parents or leaders to work together to earn belt loops and pins at Camp Belzer. A variety of belt loop and pin workshops are offered from traditional Scouting to STEM based.

Webelos Activity Badge Day- Fall & Spring This is a full day of fun and adventure for Webelos Scouts! Webelos will pick from two activity badge 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

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.

Council Shoulder Patch

Den Numerals (See your den leader for number)

World Scout Crest

Neckerchief and Slide Tiger = OrangeWolf = YellowBear = Blue

Webelo = Plaid

Pack Numerals (See your den leader or Cubmaster for number)

Web Belt and Buckle (to show earned belt loops)

Short or Long Sleeve Cub Scout Shirt

cub Scout uNiform


Indianapolis Golden-Burke Scout Center7125 Fall Creek Road North

Indianapolis, IN 46256

Phone: (317) 813-7070Email: [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

Terre Haute 501 South 25th Street Terre Haute, IN 47803

Phone: (812) 232-9496

Shop Hours:Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Closed on weekends and holidays

Anderson 1420 East 10th Street Anderson, IN 46012

Phone: (765) 644-6687

Email: [email protected]

Shop Hours: Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.


Hagerstown 199 South Plum Street Hagerstown, IN 47346

Phone: (765) 489-4552

Email: [email protected]

Shop Hours: Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.


Muncie 3400 East Jackson Street

Muncie, IN 47303

Phone: (765) 288-0223 Email: [email protected]

Shop Hours:

Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed on weekends and holiday

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.

voluNteer leaderShiP: the Pack

Leader TrainingCub Scout leader training is easy. All courses needed to be fully trained are available online through MyScouting.org. Steps to set up a MyScouting account are available in each new leader’s packet.

Before an individual can be registered as an adult volunteer, he or she must complete Youth Protection training. We ask that they take this training before they attend their first pack leaders’ meeting and bring a copy of their training certificate with them.

Each district also conducts face-to-face courses for all of the new leaders.

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.


Committee Chair Conducts monthly pack leaders’ meeting to help plan program. Ensures that adequate support to run the program is given to the Cubmaster and den leaders by committee members. Helps recruit additional leaders as needed. Fast Start training and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders succeed.

Committee MembersAttend monthly pack leaders’ meeting to help plan the program and take care of records, finances, advancement, activities and membership. Fast Start training and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders succeed.

Pack Trainer Conducts orientation for new families and pack leaders. Trains new leaders for their specific leadership positions or encourages participation in district training. Conducts other training as designated. Keeps track of pack training records. Pack trainers should be trained in district or council training courses as well.

CubmasterConducts monthly pack meeting. Aids den leaders by coordinating monthly program for all leaders. Attends monthly pack leaders’ meeting. Fast Start training and Basic Leader Training are offered for this position to help new leaders succeed.

LOCAL COUNCIL

ASSISTANT CUBMASTER

CHARTERED ORGANIZATION

CHARTERED ORG. REPRESENTATIVE

voluNteer leaderShiP: the deN


Tiger Cub Den LeaderCoordinates 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 LeaderMeets 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 LeaderSame 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.

TIGER CUBDEN LEADERS

WOLF & BEARDEN LEADERS

WEBELOSDEN LEADERS

ADULTPARTNERS

ASSISTANTDEN LEADERS

ASSISTANTDEN LEADERS

DEN CHIEF DEN CHIEF

PACK COMMITTEE

CUBMASTER

PACK TRAINER

Ask your Den Leader or Cubmaster about selling popcorn to help fund your son’s Scouting experience.

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

More than 70% of the popcorn fundraiser goes back to Scouting in central Indiana!

Scouts who fill one order form will earn a Zoom Zooka rocket and water blaster!

Important Dates

Online sales begin September 1Face-to-face sales begin September 20

Sale ends November 4Ask 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

s p o guide - tools for scouting...bb guns, archery, races and obstacle courses and stem activities...

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