Welcome to the Weston, Florida Cub Scout Pack 183 Website! 

The Boy Scouts of America helps younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade.  Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting.  Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three membership divisions.

Pack 183 is part of the South Florida Council, Pine Island District and is proud to be chartered by West Broward Community Church in Southwest Ranches while our primary meeting place is at Everglades Elementary School in the City of Weston.  Want to learn more about Cub Scouts?  Check out this interactive website at,  www.joincubscouting.org. 

Pack Meetings

Pack Meetings start promptly at 7:00 pm usually on the 3^rd or 4^th Friday of each month and run until approximately 8:30 pm. Check the Pack 183 Events Calendar for actual dates and location. Meetings generally will be held in the Everglades Elementary School cafeteria. We will attempt to complete meetings close to 8:30 pm. At least one parent for each Scout is expected to attend each meeting. It is extremely important for a parent to be present when your son receives an award. Pack meetings are not a baby-sitting service. You should not expect to drop off your son and leave. Please recognize that Pack Meetings are primarily oriented for the Scout. If you must bring siblings, be prepared to have things to keep them busy, such as crayons and coloring books, or quiet toys. Children will not be allowed to run around the cafeteria or roam the halls. You are responsible for setting an appropriate example and keeping your children quiet (Scout included) during skits, demonstrations, songs, and awards presentations. It is important that each Scout is given due respect when they are in front of the Pack. 

Den Meetings

Den Meetings normally will be held weekly but are at the discretion of each Den Leader. Each Scout rank has different requirements and some leaders may need to meet more often than others. Den Leaders will notify parents of the day, time and location of the meetings. Generally these meetings will cover the items outlined in the monthly theme.

Uniforms

Uniforms must be worn when attending Pack meetings. Class A uniforms including shirt with appropriate patches, hat, belt, pants or shorts, socks, etc are required for all scouts.  Used uniforms may be available for purchase. Boys may also optionally substitute the scout shorts with a pair of quality navy blue shorts with front and back pockets and belt loops. Please ask one of the pack leaders for more information. New uniforms may be purchased at the South Florida Council Scout Shop at 15255 NW 82 Avenue, Miami Lakes.  When purchasing the uniform patches ask for assistance so you are sure to get the proper ones. Patch locations are included in all Scout handbooks but you can also refer to the Uniform Inspection Sheet in the downloads and links section.

Pack 183 Committee Meetings

Any changes will be published on the website in the Events Calendar.  Important developments will be disseminated to parents at the Pack Meeting each month. The focus of these meetings will be to plan the Pack program and to prepare for the Pack meetings and various Pack outings. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Pack Committee Chair Responsibilities include:

• Recruits adult leadership to run the Pack with the Cubmaster;
• Ensures adequate support is given to Cubmaster and Den leaders by Committee members
• Develops the Pack program plan for presentation to unit leadership for approval and distribute plans to all parents upon approval
• Maintains a close relationship with the chartered organization representative, keeping this key person informed of the needs of the pack that must be brought to the attention of the organization or the district.
• Reports to the chartered organization to cultivate harmonious relations.
• Confers with the Cubmaster on policy matters relating to Cub Scouting and the chartered organization.
• Supervises pack committee operation by

• Calling and presiding at pack Parent/ Leaders' meetings.
• Assigning duties to committee members.
• Planning for pack charter review, roundup, and re-registration.
• Approving bills before payment by the pack treasurer.

• Conducts the annual pack program planning conference and Pack Parents/ Leaders' meetings. Ask the committee to assist with recommendations for Cubmaster, assistant Cubmasters, Tiger Cub Den leaders, Cub Scout den leaders, and Webelos den leaders, as needed.
• Recognizes the need for more dens, and working with the Cubmaster see new dens are formed as needed.
• Cooperates with the Cubmaster on council-approved money-earning projects so the pack can earn money for materials and equipment.
• Maintains adequate pack records and takes care of pack property.
• If the Cubmaster is unable to serve, assume active direction of the pack until a successor is recruited, appointed and registered.
• Develops and maintains strong pack-troop relationships, sharing with the troop committee the need for graduations into the troop.
• Works closely with the unit commissioner and other pack and troop leaders in bringing about a smooth transition of Webelos Scouts into the troop.
• Helps bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops.
• Supports the policies of the BSA and the Charter Organization.
• Chairs the Pack Parents/ Leaders’ meetings and assists the Cubmaster and other committee members as needed.
• Attends training

Cubmaster Responsibilities include:

• Attends the monthly District Roundtable and reports back to the Pack Committee and Den Representatives.
• Plans the monthly Pack meeting with the Assistant Cubmaster(s) and designated Den Leaders.
• Conducts the monthly Pack meetings and coordinates the Pack program plan for presentation to the Pack leadership with the Assistant Cubmaster(s).
• Chairs the monthly Pack Parents/Leaders’ meetings in the absence of the Committee Chair whenever needed.
• Sees that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA.
• Works with the pack committee on (1) program ideas, (2) selecting and recruiting adult leaders, and (3) establishing a budget plan.
• Guides and supports den leaders. Sees that they receive the required training for their positions .
• Helps the pack committee with a year-round recruitment plan for recruiting boys into Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouting, and Webelos Scouting.
• Sees new dens are formed as needed and suitable for the Pack. 
• Knows about and use the appropriate and available literature, including Boys' Life and Scouting magazines, Cub Scout Program Helps, and the Webelos Leader Guide.
• Sees that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts receive a quality, year-round program filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award.
• Guides Cub Scouts in goodwill and conservation projects.
• Sees that the responsibilities specified for the assistant Cubmaster are carried out.
• Helps the pack committee chair conduct the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly Pack Parents/Leaders’ meetings.
• Works as a team with the pack committee chair to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting.
• Takes part in the charter review meeting and annual charter presentation ceremony.
• Requests den chiefs for all dens and, after selection, see that they are trained.
• Recognizes the den chiefs at pack meetings.
• Conducts an impressive graduation ceremony for Tiger Cubs.
• Meets with the unit commissioner, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster to establish plans for the Webelos Scouts' transition to Boy Scouting.
• Helps plan and conduct impressive Webelos graduation ceremonies involving parents and guardians, the Scoutmaster, the Webelos den chief, the Webelos den leader, and the troop junior leaders.
• Conducts impressive Arrow of Light Award ceremonies.
• Encourages high advancement standards from all Cub Scouts.
• Attends training.

 Assistant Cubmaster Responsibilities include:

• Attends Roundtable
• Assists in planning the monthly Pack meeting
• Performs all duties as requested by the Cubmaster and Committee chair in planning the monthly Pack Meetings under the Cubmaster’s guidance
• Helps the Cubmaster as needed. Be ready to fill in for the Cubmaster, if necessary.
• Participates in Pack Meetings.
• Supervises den chiefs and sees that they are trained.
• Conducts the monthly den chief planning meeting for all den leaders, assistant den leaders, and den chiefs to plan and coordinate weekly den meetings and pack meeting participation.
• Plans advancement ceremonies and coordinates Webelos graduation with the Scout Troop
• Works with neighborhood troops that supply den chiefs and into which Webelos Scouts may graduate.
• Works with the pack committee to develop and promote an ongoing plan for recruiting new boys.
• Works with the Cubmaster and pack committee on pack re-registration.
• Helps with pack activities, such as dinners, derbies, bike safety workshops, service projects, etc.
• Works with the pack committee on outings to see that the pack and dens qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award.
• Participates in the annual pack program planning conference and pack leaders' meetings.
• Promotes the religious emblems program.
• Supports the policies of the BSA.
• Attends training

 Pack Secretary Responsibilities include:

• Attends Pack Parents/ Leaders’ meetings and presents written minutes of the previous meeting for approval
• Takes minutes to present at the next meeting
• Keeps informed of all Cub Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms to help leaders function effectively.
• Helps new den leaders by telling them what resources are available.
• Acquaints den leaders with the contents of the Pack Record Book so that they will know how to supply the information that should be recorded there.
• Maintains up-to-date information on membership, leadership, attendance, and advancement in the Pack Record Book.
• Maintains an inventory of pack property.
• Handles correspondence for the pack. This may include writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations, or ordering supplies through the local council service center.
• Keeps notes on business conducted at Pack Parents/ Leaders’ meetings. Records only key items such as things needing follow-up, decided upon or items for the history of the pack.
• Notifies leaders of pack leaders' meetings and other activities.
• Provides den leaders with records and forms for meetings sending out mailings requested by the Cubmaster or Committee Chair and preparing permission slips or Tour Permits for Pack events as requested by an event or other chairperson.

 Pack Treasurer Responsibilities include:

• Reports monthly to the Pack Committee on the fiscal health of the Pack in a report describing income and expenses for the committees review and approval.
• Keeps signature cards (authorized signers) on both the checking and savings account up to date and completes all money earning applications for Pack fundraisers and submits them to the District Scout Executive.
• Helps the pack committee and Cubmaster establish a sound financial program for the pack with a pack budget plan.
• Opens or maintains a bank account in the pack's name and arranges for all transactions to be signed by any two of the Cubmaster, pack committee chair, secretary, or treasurer.
• Is responsible for all deposits to the Pack checking and savings accounts, reconciling the accounts to the monthly statement; coordinates all cash payments, and obtains receipts for the Pack records prior to reimbursement or payment when appropriate.
• Approves all budget expenditures.
• Checks all disbursements against budget allowances, and pay bills. The pack committee chair should approve bills before payment.
• Collects dues from committee members or leaders at the pack leaders' meeting, preferably 'in sealed dues envelopes. Open envelopes in the presence of committee members or leaders. Give receipts for these funds, and deposit the money in the bank account.
• Keeps up-to-date financial records. Enters all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the Pack Record Book. Credits each Cub Scout with payment of dues. From time to time, compares the records with those of the den leaders to make sure they agree. Gives leadership in developing a coordinated record-keeping system in the pack.
• Is responsible for thrift training within the pack. Encourage each den leader to explain the pack financial plan to each boy and his family so that boys will accept responsibility for paying dues and family members will be alert to opportunities for boys to earn dues money and develop habits of thrift. 
• On the request of den leaders, sympathetically counsel with a boys family who does not pay dues, determine the reason, and encourage regular payment. If the family is unable to pay, work out a plan with the Cubmaster and pack committee so that the boy can earn dues. 
• Provides petty cash needed by leaders. Keep a record of expenditures.
• Guides the pack in conducting council-approved pack money-earning projects.

Pack Trainer Responsibilities include:

• Attends Pack Parents/ Leaders’ meetings
• Keeps track of upcoming pack and council training and ensures that all pack leaders have attended the training that is appropriate for their position. This includes completing the training attendance forms as needed or ensuring the leaders to be trained have completed the forms when appropriate.
• Encourages pack leaders to attend ongoing training, such as roundtable, Internet Training, pow wow, or University of Scouting, outdoor training, Youth Protection training, Safe Swim/Safety Afloat and Wood Badge.
• Remains current with training material and program updates.
• Keeps track of adult pack training records.

The goal of the pack trainer is to have 100 percent of the pack leadership trained in their position responsibilities. New leaders and adult family members should receive orientation within one week of joining the pack, and leaders should receive position-specific training within 30 days if available.

 Awards Coordinator Chair Responsibilities include:

• Attends the Pack Parents/ Leaders’ meetings
• Submits to the Pack and Council Den advancements for the month from the reports from the Den leaders or other Pack members. Awards not obtained during that month will be held over until the following month for the next Pack meeting.
• Compiles the Pack advancement report, goes to the council office and purchases the patches and the awards as necessary or arranges for someone else to do so and presents all receipts to the Pack Treasurer.
• Prepares a list of awards for each Pack Meeting.
• Provides assistance in Award presentation at Pack Meeting as needed.
• Fills out recognition cards for each award and prepares a Package for each award and card for each boy, for the Cubmaster to sign and present to the scouts.
• Maintains the Pack awards accurately in the Pack permanent records or Packmaster Program.

Recruitment Re-charter Chair Responsibilities include:

• Attends the Pack Parents/ Leaders’ meetings
• Maintains the Pack’s electronic database of registered scouts; accepting applications after confirming paid registration fees (from the treasurer) for new Cub Scouts and Leaders and submitting them to the Council;
• Attends and helps plan the Pack recruiting events in the fall and spring.
• Compiles information on payments obtained from individual dens during the annual re-chartering and completes the applicable paperwork, which is submitted to the Committee Chair to be turned in to the council.

Den Leader and Co-Den Leader Responsibilities include:

• Being a registered leader of Pack 183 who leads the Cub Scout Den and attends District Roundtable;
• Working directly with other den and Pack leaders to ensure their den is an active and successful part of the Pack; planning, preparing for and conducting den meetings with the co-den leader or den chief
• Leading the den at the monthly Pack activity;
• Attending basic leader and position specific training. Each Leader will also complete the Youth Protection training either through classroom or on-line training.
• Ensures that their Den obtains properly filed Tour Permits for all outings.

Tiger Cub Den Leader Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating shared leadership among the Tiger Cub Adult partners.
• Ensuring den meetings and outings are planned, prepared for and conducted by all adult partners on a rotating basis and den activities
• Providing advancement opportunities for the boys in the den.
• Serving as den host for family members at Pack meetings.
• Attending monthly den leader meetings and if possible the monthly roundtable meetings.

           Each den should have 2 to 3 den meetings per month.

Bear and Wolf Den Leader and Co-Leader Responsibilities include:

• Meets two to three times per month for at least one hour with a den of 4 to 8 boys.
• Arranges location for Den meetings, e.g. in the den leaders home, a school, a park or any other suitable place.
• Determines time, day and location of den meeting that is most convenient for him or her.
• Attends monthly Pack meetings and Pack leaders meeting and if possible, monthly roundtable meetings.

Webelos Den Leader and Co-leader Responsibilities include:

• Same as Cub Scout den leader except works with older Webelos Scouts. Encourages periodic parent/son overnight campouts.
• Attends monthly Pack leader meetings, Pack meetings and if possible, monthly roundtable meetings.
• Plans Webelos camping events or joint Webelos /Troop camping events with local Troops.
• Encourages every Webelos to continue into Boy Scout troops. Informs scouts and parents of the “Webelos To Scout Transition Program” and arranges visits to local Boy Scout troops for their Webelos scouts.
• Encourages all Webelos to earn the Arrow Of Light Award and attend the Webelos Crossover Ceremony. Works with Pack Committee to coordinate an impressive Arrow of Light Ceremony

Short-Term Leadership

Short-term positions which span between one week and two months and generally need higher commitment during these peak times.

Blue and Gold Dinner Chair Responsibilities include:

• Working with the committee and with assistants
• Organizes annual dinner including reservations, budgets, set up, clean up, program and awards ceremony.

While this position is not yearlong, it is a significant commitment. Planning for the dinner should start 4-6 months prior to the event.

Outdoor Camping Chair Responsibilities include:

• Working with the committee keeps appraised of camping trips whether they are day camps or overnight outings that are being offered by the District and Council as well as coordinating Pack camp outings
• Assists with getting Cub Scouts registered as is appropriate for their age group.
• Assists Webelos Leaders in planning Webelos camping events

Again, this is not a year round job but an important one because camping is an important part of the scouting experience, and the Pack attends several camping events yearly

Pinewood Derby Chair Responsibilities include:

• Working with the committee and designated dens plans the yearly Pinewood Derby, which is usually held during the month of March.

This includes the set up, clean up, provide snacks and running of derby event. Also will coordinate and arrange for the judging of the cars and run the actual races.

Planning for this event should start at least 2-3 months prior to the derby.

Summertime Events Chair Responsibilities include:                                                                                      

The Boy Scouts encourage year round participation in scouting. While the majority of Packs do not hold regular meetings or den meetings during the summer, the Pack does put together a series of events for the scouts and their families. With enough participation, Cub Scouts can earn a Summertime Activity Pin and the Pack can earn a Banner for our flag. Last summer our scouts participated in the following activities

• The 4^th of July parade in Weston                                                                                                    
• Raingutter regatta boat races                                                                                         
• Beach cleanup at Ft. Lauderdale beach                                                                            
• District fishing derby                                                                                                   
• District rollerskating                                                                                                                 
• Summer Marlins Game                                                                                               

The Pack needs a committee to put these events together and to make sure that boys have an opportunity to participate. Finding new, exciting events and establishing relations with groups such as the Weston parade organizers will be among the responsibilities of the group.

Special Events Chair:

Each year the Pack tries to organize special activities for the Scouts to participate in. These events typically range from sporting events to public service projects. In the past, the Pack has been involved in several events such as:

• Scout night at a Marlins baseball game
• Collecting food for a drive at Thanksgiving
• Scout night at a Panthers hockey game
• Scout day at Dolphins game                                                                                                         

These are just some of the fun and rewarding events that the pack has done. We need a committee to continue the tradition of holding fun events to the community through benefits for worthwhile causes. The committee should include people with fresh ideas and an enthusiasm to get things done. Most of these events are prearranged by Council and the committees responsibility would be to inform, collect dues, and register the Pack for these events

Fundraising Chair:

The pack needs money to operate and the yearly $125.00 dues are simply not enough. The goals of pack fundraising are to put together enough money to fund Pack activities and to make sure the boys are involved. Scout involvement is essential in that it instills in the boys the notion that we must work for what we want and the results of our labor are fun Cub Scout activities such as camping, car races, etc

The Pack needs a committee to continue our ongoing fundraising needs.

• The fundraising committee will be responsible for the following
• Finding new ways of generating funds for the Pack
• Protecting the safety of the scouts involved
• Keeping the entire Pack involved in fundraising
• Acting as a liaison between the committee, the parent leader committee, and Den leaders

Web-page Coordinator responsibilities include:

• Sets up and maintains the Pack web site, working with the committee to make any additions as needed to keep all information current
• Makes sure that there is no unauthorized tampering with the web site and that Cub Scouts’ and Leaders’ personal information is protected.
• Makes sure that the Pack website is in compliance with all standards set forth by the BSA and the Charter Organization for websites.