FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are a few frequently asked questions for people wanting to learn more about scouting leadership opportunities

What is a leader?
Leaders in Scouting work with boys and their families to improve the lives of their communities by enriching the lives of the families who live in them. Leaders help boys respect their home and families understand their boys better through doing things with them.

How much time does it take?
The time commitment varies. Many times it will only 1 to 2 hours per week.

What are the requirements to be a leader?
Person who enjoys working with young boys and completes the training mentioned below.

Do I have to have/wear a uniform?
Yes, all leaders are required to wear a proper uniform. In our pack we require a minimum of an official shirt.

What kind of uniform do I need?
You will need an official shirt with with correct patches. Men's shirts are a tan. Women can wear the tan shirt or yellow blouse.

What patches do I need on my uniform?

• Sinnissippi Council Patch
• Position Patch (Ex. Den Leader)
• Unit Numbers (620)
• World Scout Emblem
• Trained Patch (When training is completed)

What kind of training do I need?
All leaders must take the web based Youth Protection Training. This only takes about 1 hour to complete. Cub Scout Leaders are only considered "Trained" when they have completed both New Leader Essentials AND Leader Specific Training. This classes usually only take about 3 hours each.

What books do I need?
None. However, Cub Scout Program Helps can be very help to help plan den meeting for the year. There are also many other books available, such as Cub Scout Leader Book, Cub Scout Leader How to Book, and many others. Check with other leaders they'll be happy to share.

What kind of support will I get?
LOTS!!! The are several resources for you receive help from. These include other leaders, pack committee members, parents, and the Cub Master.

How many pack level meetings do I have to attend?
There are two pack level meeting to attend each month. The first is the pack meeting itself. This is were the entire pack gets together. The second is the pack planning meeting. This is where all the upcoming activities are planned and important information is discussed.

How often do I have to have den meetings?
It's up to each den to decide how often to meet. The average is three times a month, plus the pack meeting.

What are den dues and do I have to collect them?
Den dues are monies that leaders choose to collect to help support activities that the den does. Some dens collect on a weekly basis (IE $1 per boy per week), some collect on a yearly basis (IE $20 for the year)

How much does it cost?
The only cost you will have is the cost of the uniform. Many leaders collect den dues to cover any cost for activities the den will do.

Do I get reimbursed for any expenses I may have?
This is what den dues are for. IF the pack has the funds, the pack committee tries to give each den leader an amount to help cover some of the cost, this will be done after rechartering occurs in the spring.

Can I submit suggestion for pack meetings?
Yes!!! We are always looking for new ideas. The best place is a the monthly pack planning meetings

Do we have to meet at my home?
No, you can meet aware that is appropriate. Many dens rotate meetings to a different boys home and let that boy and his family plan the meeting.

What are the parts of a meeting?

• Before the meeting
• Gathering
• Opening
• Program
• Recognition
• Closing

What are the core values?

• Citizenship
• Compassion
• Cooperation
• Courage
• Faith
• Health and Fitness
• Honesty
• Perseverance
• Positive Attitude
• Resourcefulness
• Respect
• Responsibility

Do den meetings have snacks?
It's up to you as a leader, but many times they do have a rotating snack schedule.

Do I have to have a U.S. Flag?
No, but it's very nice for the beginning of each meeting.

What is a den flag and do I have to have one?
Each Den can create their own flag and bring it to pack meeting and other outings. It is not required to do so.

Do dens have names?
Tigers, Wolves, and Bears have den numbers. Webelos also have numbers but in getting ready for Boy Scouts they can also pick a patrol name

What is a den doodle?
A den doodle is an emblem - a figure chosen by the den and placed on a stand or hung on a wall to show each boy's advancement status.

What are my responsibilities as a leader?

How do I report the awards the boys earn?
Awards the boys earn need to be relayed to the awards chairperson. We are currently looking at having this done through our web site.

What do I have to do at pack meetings?
Attend!! You will need to be there to help your den. There is also a rotating schedule for which den does the opening/closing flag ceremony, greeting, setup/tear down, and song/skit.

How do I track my boys progress?
There are several ways to do this, including wall charts, spreadsheets. The pack is currently looking at a software program to help track all the boys progress.

Do I have to have a second adult at my meetings?
Yes, Boy Scout policy requires two deep leadership. This means for everyone's protection there must be at least two adults at every meeting, at least one must be trained.

What is round table?
Round table is a monthly meeting held by the Sinnissippi Council office. They are held at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1992 Shopiere Road, Beloit on the first Thursday of every month. This is a good place to exchange ideas with leaders from other packs around the area.

What is Pow Pow?
Pow Pow is a training session held in the fall of every year and is put on by the Sinnissippi Council. It's a place where you can learn new ideas and meet new leaders.

What is mega training weekend?
Mega training weekend is usually held in the spring and is put on by the Sinnissippi Council to help train new and old leaders.

Where to I get Scouting Stuff?
You can purchase uniforms at the following locations:

• Sinnissippi Council Office,2300 East Racine Street, Janesville, WI 608-756-4669
• Blackhawk Council 1800 7th Avenue, Rockford, IL 815-397-0210
• Hobby Town USA,3782 N Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 815- 282-0727
• On Line at the Scout Store: http://scoutstuff.org or call 800-323-0732

Can my den have special patch?
Yes, you can purchase a special patch to be placed on the red vest.

Where to I go if I have problem?
The best place is to a pack committee person, or the Cub Master. You can also contact our Scout Executive at the Sinnissippi Council office.

What is camp Indian Trails?
Camp Indian Trails is comprised of approximately 200 acres of pristine woodlands about seven miles northwest of Janesville along the Rock river. They provide some of the finest facilities in the country for Cub Scout Day Camp, Boy Scout Long Term Camp, Unit camping,overnight Webelos camp Akela, and family camping. Camp Indian Trails is a BSA nationally accredited camp.

Where is camp Indian Trails?
Is about 7 miles west of Janesville off route 14. The official address is 5797 N River Rd, Janesville, WI 53545

Where is the Sinnissippi Council office?
Sinnissippi Council Office,2300 East Racine Street, Janesville, WI 608-756-4669

What is Blue and Gold?
Blue and Gold is a banquet held every February to celebrate the birthday of Scouting. This is a time for families to get together ad enjoy a fine meal. Many times it may included a ceremony in which the Webelos bridge into Boy Scouts. Each den creates a center piece for their table(s) based on the theme of the night. These are the judged. Many dens also create their own place mats to use.

What kind of activities does the Pack do?

• Spring and Fall Family Camp outs
• Memorial Day Parade
• Roscoe Fall Festival Parade
• Pinewood Derry
• Raingutter Regatta
• Salvation Army Food Drive
• Summer Day Camp
• Various Summer Activities
• Clothing Drive
  

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