Den Meetings
Tiger Dens usually meet two or three times a month. Their Den Meetings include the Scouts and their Adult Partners. Each Den has a volunteer Den Leader, but all Adult Partners work cooperatively to plan and host the meetings. Typically each Scout/Partner team is assigned an activity from the Tiger Cub Handbook to plan and host. These gatherings are often outings to local points of interest.
Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Den Meetings are usually held once a week for one to 1½ hours. Den Meetings can be held at a Leader’s home, school, church or other venue depending on the activity. Although the Den Leader and Assistant Den Leaders are responsible for coordinating and running the Den Meetings, each Scout’s family will play an active role in the Scout activities, at the meetings and at home. There must always be two (2) adults present at all meetings and activities. The activities at the Den Meetings vary widely from games, crafts, skills work, field trips, etc. The National organization sets a theme for each month and the Den Meetings may center on this theme or one of the achievements in the rank book.
Typically achievements towards earning the Wolf or Bear badges are done by the Scout with their family at home. The Den may do some achievements as part of their regular meeting, however most are oriented to be done with the family. Webelos Den Meetings typically involve completing the various requirements of the Webelos badge, activity badges or progress towards the Arrow of Light.
As achievements are completed the parent or Den Leader, depending on who it was completed with, will record it in the Scout’s rank book. The Den Leader will periodically record the Scout’s accomplishments on a record form to track progress towards rank badge or other award. Dens may formally meet only during the school year or during the entire year depending on the Den Leader’s and family’s schedule and preference.
Pack Meetings
Pack Meetings and activities are held monthly, usually on the last Thursday of the month beginning at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at Thornville United Methodist Church and local camp grounds. Special events may be held at other local venues. The Pack Meetings may include award ceremonies, Den Skits, guest speakers, activities or special outings.
The Pack meetings are intended for the entire family. It is a time for the entire unit and their families to get together to learn and celebrate each other’s accomplishments over the past month. Some Pack Meetings are for special programs including Paper Airplane Derby, the annual Blue & Gold Banquet to celebrate Scouting’s birthday, Pinewood Derby and Space Derby.
Pack Meetings occur during the entire calendar year. Although each Den may not meet during the summer, we encourage each Scout family to attend the Pack Meetings held during the summer. Typically summer meetings are held outside and include events such as a picnic, cubmobile races, raingutter regatta and the like.
Parent/Leaders Meetings
A monthly Leader’s meeting provides the opportunity to plan the Pack Meetings and Activities. All Scout Leaders are encouraged to attend, as well as any Adult who may have ideas, comments or concerns regarding the Pack or a particular Den. These meetings are typically held on the First Wednesday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. at the Thornville United Methodist Church.