Council Guidelines and General Information
Cub Scout Guidelines
A Guide for Volunteers and Professionals
Who Administer the Cub Scout Program
Why Cub Scout Outdoor Activities?
Two-Deep Leadership Required
Outdoor Activity Tips
Camping
Chartered Organization Relationships and Cub Scouting
Earning Arrow Points
Guidelines for Advancement Ceremonies (and Bobcat Inductions)
Informed Consent Agreement Guidelines
Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings
Local Tour Permit Guidelines
Quality Standards for Cub Scouting
(Using Appropriate Cheers, Songs, Skits, Stunts, Games, and Ceremonies)
Youth Protection in Cub Scouting
Planned, organized outdoor activities at the den, pack, district, and council levels fulfill the promise made to our Cub Scouts. Young boys have a great desire for outdoor fun, excitement, and adventure. These experiences encourage them to spend quality time with family and friends. Quality council camps and fun pack outdoor events directed by qualified, trained leaders provide an ideal setting for these activities.
Cub Scouts can camp! Every pack's annual plan should include day camp or resident camp and many other outdoor activities. Advanced planning will allow leaders to arrange to attend the training needed to successfully accomplish the program goals of the units and the training requirements of the BSA. Most boys join Cub Scouting because of the outdoor activities. Boys in this age group have a natural curiosity about their surroundings, especially the world out-of-doors. Introducing these boys to the fun and adventure of Scouting in the outdoors will benefit them as they mature through the program. Their participation and enthusiasm will grow for continuing in the program into Boy Scouting and beyond.
Why Cub Scout Outdoor Activities?
When a boy and his family join Cub Scouting, they join an organization that values the fun and excitement of experiencing the outdoors. Each Cub Scout pack is encouraged to provide its youth members with enriching, positive outdoor experiences. Many boys experience their first organized outdoor adventure as a Cub Scout. Good planning using Cub Scouting guidelines should assure a positive experience. A successful outdoor program that meets the goals of the Cub Scout program will ensure that all activities are appropriate for the target age group.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines
for Scouting Activities and the
Guide to Safe Scouting
are both available on the BSA Web site.
In addition, apply these Cub Scouting program-specific criteria:
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The activity is parent/youth or family-oriented.
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The activity is conducted with adult supervision.
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The Cub Scouts are asked to do their best.
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The activity is discovery-based.
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Advancement occurs as a natural part of a well-planned program.
Two-Deep Leadership Required
It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings may never be led by only one adult. Two registered adult leaders, or one registered adult leader and a parent of a participant, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips and outings. The chartered organization of any Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team, or Venturing crew has the responsibility to stress to the committees and leaders of the unit that sufficient adult leadership must be provided on all trips and outings.
Outdoor Activity Tips
Obtain permission from parents or guardians for activities that are held away from the regular den and pack meeting places.
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File a local tour permit if necessary. Check with your local council on its policies regarding field trips in your council.
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Be sure to have enough adult leaders for the activity.
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Check out the site before the activity. Check on reservation procedures, restroom facilities, availability of adequate drinking water, and any potential hazards.
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Use the buddy system. Coach the boys in advance on what to do if they get lost.
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Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. Be prepared with emergency procedures.
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Arrange adequate and safe transportation.
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Always leave a site in its natural condition.
For additional information on specific activities not covered in this document, refer to
Age-Appropriate Guidelines
for Scouting Activities and the
Guide to Safe Scouting
Camping
Cub Scout Day Camp
Day camp is an organized, multiple-day, theme-oriented program for Tiger Cubs and their adult partners, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts. Day camp is conducted by the council/district under trained leadership at an approved site during daylight or early evening hours. Day camps do not include any overnight activities. The day camp program is age-appropriate and theme-based.
Tiger Cub day camp programs should be geared to the physical and mental abilities of their specific age group. Program session time schedules and activities should be geared specifically for Tiger Cubs, with the involvement of their adult partners. This usually will require adjustment of an existing day camp program geared for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts.
Approval to conduct a day camp is granted by the council. Training for camp directors and program directors is provided through the National Camping School. All day camps shall be conducted in accordance with established standards as given in National Standards for Local Council Accreditation of Cub Scout/Webelos Scout Day Camps, No. 13-108.
Cub Scout/Webelos Scout Resident Camp
Cub Scout and Webelos Scout resident camping is a council-organized, theme-oriented, overnight camping program. It operates for at least two nights and is conducted under trained leadership at a camp approved by the council.
Resident camping typically includes the following outdoor program areas: Showmanship, Sportsmanship, Craftsmanship, Waterfront, Fitness, Camp Craft, and Nature.
Each year, councils change their overall theme to offer different adventures. Examples of themes include Sea Adventure, Space Adventure, Athletes, Knights, Circus Big Top, American Indian Heritage, Folklore, and the World Around Us.
Training of the resident camp director and program director is provided through the National Camping School. All Cub Scout and Webelos Scout resident camps shall be conducted in accordance with established standards as given in National Standards for Cub Scout/Boy Scout Resident Camps, No. 19-108.
Council-Organized Family Camps
Council-organized family camps are overnight camping activities involving more than one pack. The local council or district provides the elements of the outdoor experience, such as staffing, food service, housing, and program. These overnighters often are referred to as Parent-Pal or Adventure Weekends. In most cases, the youth member will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In all cases, each youth participant is responsible to a specific adult.
Leadership of these functions is provided through the family camp administrator, who is at least 21 years of age and has successfully completed National Camping School training in Resident Camp Management. It is his or her responsibility to promote, schedule, and oversee the family camping opportunities in the council. The family camp administrator has the responsibility to train family camp directors and other staff who will be providing leadership for the family camping activities.
Pack Overnighters
Pack overnighters are pack-organized overnight camping activities involving more than one family from a single pack, focused on age-appropriate Cub Scout activities and conducted at council-approved locations (use Pack Overnighter Site Approval Form, No. 13-508). If nonmembers (siblings) participate, the program must be structured to accommodate them. BSA health and safety and Youth Protection guidelines apply. In most cases, each youth member will be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. In all cases, each youth participant is responsible to a specific adult.
At least one adult giving leadership to a pack overnighter must complete Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), No. 34162, and be present on camp outs. BALOO trains participants to properly understand the importance of program intent, Youth Protection guidelines, health and safety, site selection, age-appropriate activities, and sufficient adult participation. Permits for camp outs. shall be issued locally, according to council policies. Packs use the Local Tour Permit Application, No. 34426.
Webelos Den Overnight Camping
Webelos den camp outs. serve to move the Webelos Scout to the next level of the BSA's ever-increasing challenge in the outdoors. The boy and his parent or guardian will be introduced to the basics of Boy Scout camping. A Webelos den leader who has completed position-specific training and Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders training should conduct these events. Webelos dens are encouraged to participate in joint den-troop camp outs., particularly in the fifth-grade year. These camp outs. should be conducted with an individual troop for the purpose of strengthening ties between the pack and the troop. BSA health and safety, age-appropriate guidelines for Cub Scout activities, and Youth Protection guidelines apply. When camping with a troop, Cub Scout guidelines still apply for all Cub Scout members.
Webelos dens are encouraged to visit Boy Scout Camp-O-Rees and Klondike derbies. The purpose of these visits should be for the boys to look ahead with anticipation to their future as Boy Scouts and observe troops they might join. Webelos Scouts should not compete or participate in activities designed for Boy Scouts. Webelos Scouts should not spend the night at the event if the program is Boy Scout-based. A separate Webelos-only event known as a Webelos-Ree should be provided by the council or district.
To provide leadership for this event, Webelos den leaders should complete the course, Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders, No. 13-33640.
Chartered Organization Relationships and Cub Scouting
Occoneechee Council adheres to the policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Occoneechee Council also supports the chartered organizations in their right and responsibility to set procedures in implementing BSA policy. Occoneechee Council does not interpret chartered organization policies.
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General questions relating to chartered organization policies should be referred to the literature published by that organization.
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Specific questions relating to unit procedures should be referred to the Institutional Head or the Chartered Organization Representative responsible for Scouting. (See the publication The Chartered Organization Representative.)
Some examples of questions that may arise include:
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Fund Raising
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Pack Budgets
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Restricted Activities
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Tiger Cubs
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Religious Emblems such as Faith in God, Parvuli Dei, God and Me, and others
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Primary Presidency Responsibilities
Resources:
Cub Scout Leader Book, 2006, p. 7-2, 9-1, 23-3
The Chartered Organization Representative (No. 33118C)
Earning Arrow Points
Wolf Advancement: When a boy has completed the 12 achievements and earned his Wolf badge, he is encouraged to work on the 23 electives until he completes second grade or turns 9 years old. For the first 10 electives completed, he earns a Gold Arrow Point. For each additional ten electives, he earns a Silver Arrow Point. These are presented at pack meeting.
Bear Advancement: When a boy has completed 12 of the 24 achievements to earn the Bear badge, he may complete the remaining unused achievements as electives for earning Arrow Points. This guideline does not apply to the Wolf badge. He may work on electives in the Bear Handbook until he completes third grade (or turns 10).
If a boy completes a project as an ACHIEVEMENT requirement to earn the Wolf or Bear badge, he may not use it again to earn Arrow Points. Achievements that were not used to earn the Bear badge may be used as electives. However, note that unused parts of achievements that were used for the Bear badge may not be counted toward Arrow Points.
Only designated ELECTIVE REQUIREMENTS may be repeated to earn Arrow Points.
A boy may earn an unlimited number of Arrow Points. Several Wolf and Bear electives can be done more than once, but when a boy repeats an elective project, he should be given credit only when he has done a better job on the new project than on the previous project.
Boys with Disabilities: The Cubmaster and pack committee may give permission to a Cub Scout who has special needs to substitute electives for achievements that are beyond his abilities. It is best to include parents, who are familiar with their son’s abilities, in this process of determining substitutions. Boy with Disabilities will be registered with the Occoneechee Advancement Committee.
Once a boy moves to the next Cub Scouting level, he may not ‘go back’ and earn arrow points from the earlier rank.
Resources:
Cub Scout Leader Book, 2006, p. 17-5, 20-6, 7
Bear Handbook, 2004, p. 6
Guidelines for Advancement Ceremonies (and Bobcat Inductions)
Advancement ceremonies should be positive and meaningful experiences that reflect the values and aims of Scouting. Boys have worked hard to complete the achievement requirements. When their efforts are recognized in an impressive ceremony, they are inspired to accomplish even more. Other boys in the pack are motivated to work harder to their next award.
Bobcat Induction Ceremony: All boys in Cub Scouting earn the Bobcat badge, so the ceremony should be especially exciting and memorable. Some packs have a special ceremony with artificial campfire. The parents should have an important role in this presentation. Any Bobcat ceremony in which boys are physically turned upside down contains significant potential for harm and will not be used.
No Hazing. All ceremonies should refrain from initiating activities that might be interpreted as hazing. Activities such as ‘branding,’ tattooing, painting on whiskers, forcing boys to wear ears or tails, or similar, should not be used. Never force a boy to do anything that may cause him discomfort or embarrassment.
Respect for other cultures. Take care that all cultures, including American Indians, are portrayed in a positive manner, showing proper respect for religious beliefs and reflecting authenticity in dress.
The advancement program, when implemented correctly, will:
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Help build a boy’s self-esteem
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Help build his self-reliance as he discovers that he is now old enough to assume certain responsibilities toward other people
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Give a boy the positive recognition that he needs
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Bring a boy and his family closer through the advancement activities that family members enjoy together
Resources:
Cub Scout Leader Book, 2006, p. 18–1, 2, 6
Cub Scout Ceremonies for Dens and Packs, 2003 Revision, 8-2
Guide to Safe Scouting, 2008, Ch.1, p. 2
Informed Consent Agreement Guidelines
Whenever units leave their designated meeting place for any activity or field trip, the unit leader should obtain an Informed Consent Agreement like the one shown below. Occoneechee Council recommends that the standards of an Informed Consent Agreement be used for the planning and safety consideration of any activity.
Sample Informed Consent Agreement
Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings
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Two-deep leadership:
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Two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when no adult leadership is required. Coed overnight activities require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older, and one of whom must be a registered member of the BSA.
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During transportation to and from planned Scout outings,
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Meet for departure at a designated area.
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Prearrange a schedule for periodic checkpoint stops as a group.
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Plan a daily destination point.
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A common departure site and a daily destination point are a must. If you cannot provide two adults for each vehicle, the minimum required is one adult and two or more youth members—never one on one.
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Safety rule of four: No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any back country expedition or camp out. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge.
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Male and female leaders must have separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available.
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Male and female youth participants will not share the same sleeping facility.
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Single-room or dormitory-type accommodations for Scouting units: Adults and youth of the same gender may occupy dormitory or single-room accommodations, provided there is a minimum of two adults and four youth. A minimum of one of the adults is required to be youth-protection trained. Adults must establish separation barriers or privacy zones such as a temporary blanket or sheet walls in order to keep their sleeping area and dressing area separated from the youth area.
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When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian.
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If separate shower and latrine facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers. The buddy system should be used for latrines by having one person wait outside the entrance, or provide Occupied and Unoccupied signs and/or inside door latches.
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Adult leaders need to respect the privacy of youth members in situations where the youth are changing clothes or taking showers, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults also need to protect their own privacy in similar situations. Reference: Tours and Expeditions, No. 33737
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Two-deep adult leadership is required for flying activities. For basic orientation flights, the adult licensed pilot in control of the aircraft is sufficient for the flight, while two-deep leadership is maintained on the ground.
Local Tour Permit Guidelines
Local Tour Permits
Occoneechee Council requires the use of a local tour permit for all overnight trips and for all activities. In addition, activities that need trained supervision according to BSA guidelines, also require a tour permit. These activities include:
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Aquatic activities that include swimming or boating.
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Shooting Sports activities such as BB-shooting, rifle shooting, black powder, or Archery.
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Climbing activities such as rock climbing or rappelling.
The Council affirms all activities to be conducted in accordance with the safety considerations listed in the appropriate unit leader’s handbook and in Health and Safety Guide No. 34415B and Guide to Safe Scouting No. 34416C, which states the policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Occoneechee will not interpret or vary any National policy of the Boy Scouts of America.
In planning events, unit leaders should ensure that only mature drivers, with safe driving records, provide transportation. Their driving records should demonstrate that they adhere to the laws of the state and that they are safe operators of a motor vehicle.
The local tour permit is obtained from the Scout Office, Scout Shops and must be filed at any of these offices prior to the activity. On-line tours permits are also permitted and the council will accept tour Permits filed via FAX. See
contact us
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At least one registered adult who has completed BSA Youth Protection Training must be present at all events and activities that require a tour permit. Remember units MUST maintain two-deep leadership at all times.
Whenever units leave their designated meeting place for any activity or field trip, the unit leader should obtain an informed consent authorization . Occoneechee Council recommends that the standards of an informed consent authorization be used for the planning and safety considerations of any activity.
Quality Standards for Cub Scouting
(Using Appropriate Cheers, Songs, Skits, Stunts, Games, and Ceremonies)
The Boy Scouts of America emphasizes a positive place in Cub Scouting. Any Cub Scouting activity should take place in a positive atmosphere where boys can feel emotionally secure and find support, not ridicule. Activities should be positive and meaningful and should help support the purpose of the BSA. When making decisions, resolve to follow the high road—“If in doubt, take it out.”
Some guidelines for determining appropriate activities include:
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Name-calling, put-downs, hazing, ridiculing, physical harm, or references to such, are not appropriate.
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References to undergarments, nudity, or bodily functions are not acceptable.
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Derogatory references to ethnic or cultural backgrounds, economic situations, and disabilities are not acceptable.
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Alcohol, drugs, gangs, guns, suicide and other sensitive social issues are not appropriate subjects.
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Wasteful, ill-mannered, or improper use of food, water, or other resources is not appropriate.
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Refrain from “inside jokes” that are exclusionary and have meaning to only part of the audience.
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To encourage citizenship and respect for patriotic ideals, the lyrics to the following patriotic songs should not be changed: “America,” “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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Lyrics to songs should be positive, build self-confidence and self-esteem, and be age appropriate.
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Ceremonies should be impressive. This will motivate the boys to accomplish even more.
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All Cub Scouting activities should reflect the values and ideals of Cub Scouting as outlined by the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack.
Resources:
Cub Scout Leader Book, 2006, p. 3-1
Guide to Safe Scouting, 2008, Ch.1 p.2
Cub Scout Songbook, 2007, p. 1, 2
Group Meeting Sparklers, 2004 p. 2, 3
Youth Protection in Cub Scouting
The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse.
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Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.
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No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster's conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.
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Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.
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Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers.
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Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.
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No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
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Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.
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Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
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Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.
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Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.
Cub Scout Information
Program Helps
The annual Cub Scout Program Helps is such an important resource for Cub Scout leaders that it has often been called "the foundation for successful Cub Scouting." These program helps provide a detailed, easy-to-follow program to assist leaders in planning meetings.
The Cub Scout Program Helps book, containing an entire year's worth of program planning assistance, is available from your local council service center. Ask for item number 34304.
Cub Scout Character Development
Since charter development should extend into every aspect of a boy's life, so should character development extend into every aspect of Cub Scouting. Den Leaders and pack leaders should strive to use Cub Scouting's twelve core values throughout all elements of the program.
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Citizenship
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Cooperation
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Faith
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Honesty
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Positive Attitude
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Respect
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Compassion
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Courage
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Health and Fitness
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Perseverance
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Resourcefulness
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Responsibility
Pack Trainer is a Cub Scout leadership Position
Less than half of the registered leaders in Cub Scout packs have completed basic training for their positions. To improve this record, the Cub Scout position of Pack Trainer is being introduced. For additional information of this new position check the new Cub Scout Leader Book.
More information of Pack Trainer
The Cub Scout Leader Book
Pick up a copy of the 2008 edition of the Cub Scout Leader Book. It includes the Tiger Cub program and the job description of the Pack trainer. Pick up your copy at the Scout shop nearest you. This is a must for every Cub Scout leader.
The 2001 edition of the
Cub Scout Leader How-To Book
is the ultimate source for den and pack leaders on new and
creative ideas to add fun and sparkle to all Cub Scout meetings and adventures. Pick up your copy at the Scout shop nearest you.
Local Tour Permit Application
These guidelines are for the Cub Scout program. There may be other guidelines that apply for the other Scouting programs.
Occoneechee Council requires the use of a local tour permit for all overnight trips and all activities. In addition, the following activities require a tour permit:
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Aquatic activities that include swimming or boating.
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Pack Overnighters
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Webelos Resident Overnight Camp
A tour permit can be obtained from the Council Office, online and/or, Council Scout Shops and must be filed at any of these offices at least two weeks prior to the activity.
Be sure to checkout all of the Cub Scout guidelines for filing a tour permit. The tour permit is also available to print out on the Council web site.
(Click Here)
for a tour permit and the Cub Scout guidelines and informed consent authorization form.