New Scout Guide to Cub Scout Pack 1154

Cub Scout Pack 1154

Pack 1154, Goose Creek District, was chartered in 1995 and rechartered in 2017 with the George C Marshall International Center located in Leesburg, Virginia.  In that time the Pack has continued to provide a quality scouting experience to its Scouts and their families.  Having achieved our 8th consecutive Gold Level Journey to Excellence Award, we are striving to make every year our best!  

What is Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is having fun learning life skills thru adventure, community service, and friendships.

Who can participate?

Any boy or girl grades K thru 5th grade. We are a Family Scouting Program Pack which allows both boys and girls to officially participate in Cub Scouts. We offer ways for boys and girls of the same age to participate in dens together.

Why Scouts?

We embrace the Pack 1154 Cub Scouts program because it helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives through:

Life Learning - Scouting provides structured settings where young people can learn new skills and develop habits of continual learning that will help them succeed.

Faith, Family & Tradition - Faith and family tradition can become an important part of a child's identity.  Our major faiths breed hope, optimism, compassion, and a belief in a better tomorrow.   Scouting encourages each young person to begin a journey where they can practice their faith and traditions that shape who they become.

Service for Others - Scouting encourages young people to recognize the needs of others and take action accordingly. Scouting works through neighborhoods, volunteer organizations, and faith-based organizations to help young people appreciate and respond to the needs of others.

Healthy Living - To get the most from life, one must be both mentally and physically fit. A commitment to physical wellness has been reflected in Scouting's outdoor programs such as hiking, camping, swimming, climbing, and conservation.

Building Character - We teach values and responsibility to our children - not only right from wrong, but specific, affirmative values such as fairness, courage, honor, and respect for others. Beginning with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, the Boy Scouts of America program is infused with character-building activities that allow youth to apply abstract principles to daily living situations.

the BSA Mission

The mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

• Trustworthy -- A Scout tells the truth. They are honest, and they keep promises. People can depend on them.

• Loyal -- A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

• Helpful -- A Scout cares about other people. They willingly volunteer to help others without expecting payment or reward.

• Friendly -- A Scout is a friend to all. They are a brother or sister to other Scouts. They offers their friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from their own.

• Courteous -- A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. They know that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.

• Kind -- A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. They treat others as they wants to be treated. Without good reason, they do not harm or kill any living thing.

• Obedient -- A Scout follows the rules of their family, school, and troop. They obey the laws of their community and country. If they think these rules and laws are unfair, they try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.

• Cheerful -- A Scout looks for the bright side of life. They cheerfully does tasks that come their way. They try to make others happy.

• Thrifty -- A Scout works to pay their own way and to help others. They save for the future. They protects and conserves natural resources. They carefully use time and property.

• Brave -- A Scout can face danger although they are afraid. They have the courage to stand for what they thinks is right even if others laugh at them or threaten them.

• Clean -- A Scout keeps their body and mind fit and clean. They choose the company of those who live by high standards. They help keep their home and community clean.

• Reverent -- A Scout is reverent toward God. They are faithful in their religious duties. They respects the beliefs of others.

The Cub Scout Pack Structure

The Pack

Your cub scout is part of the Pack. The Pack is made up of the individual Dens, the Pack leaders (like the cubmaster and committee chair) and the parents/guardians of the cub scouts. 

The Pack Committee

The core volunteer pack leadership who plan, program and carry out pack activities with the help of event volunteers. 

Committee Chair - Doug Kelley - Committee@pack1154.org
Cubmaster - Rob Winter - cubmaster@pack1154.org
Treasurer - Alan Bilodeau - treasurer@pack1154.org
Awards - Amanda Boyd - awards@pack1154.org
Charter Rep - Valérie Beaudoin (George C Marshall International Center)

Dens

Within each Pack, scouts are divided into separate dens according to grade level and in girl or boy dens. Dens will consist of 5-10 scouts. Each den will have at least one BSA-registered adult leader. In most cases, the den will also have an assistant leader.

Any boy or girl who is 6 years old or in Kindergarten may join Cub Scouts. Ranks are as a follows:
LION CUBS - For kindergarten age.   Our Lion Cub program has exciting indoor and outdoor activities specifically designed for kindergarten age boys or girls and their adult partner.  Lion Cubs learn by doing. As they learn and grow, the relationship with their adult partner (guardian) grows as well.

TIGER CUBS (First Grade): Tiger Cubs is an exciting introduction to the scouting program for first grade scouts (or 7 years old) excited to get going!   Tiger Cubs do stuff - lots of stuff - with their adult partners. This program is intended to open up the world to inquisitive minds along with the caring guidance of adults.

WOLF (2nd Grade):  Second grade scouts must complete the achievements outlined in the Wolf Book. Also, note that any scouts, who joins as a 2nd-5th grader, must first complete the Bobcat badge requirements.   

BEAR (3rd Grade): Third grade scouts must complete the achievements outlined in the Wolf Book. To earn the Bear Badge, a Cub Scout must complete 12 achievements out of a possible 24 that are offered in the book. The achievements are grouped in 4 major areas, GOD, COUNTRY, FAMILY, and SELF.    

WEBELOS (4th Grade): “WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts” - Fourth and fifth grade scouts work toward the Webelos badge. The rank is earned during the 4th grade year. Scouts are called “Webelos” until graduation in February of the fifth grade year.

ARROW of LIGHT (5th Grade): This is the highest rank in Cub Scouting. It is earned by completing Webelos achievements over and above those required for the Webelos rank. This badge is awarded at the Blue and Gold banquet in February. 

2023-24 Den Leaders

Lion (K) - | Lion Guide, Josh Boyd
Tiger (1st) - Melissa Bilodeau
Wolf (2nd) - Lisa Moore
Bear (3rd) - Pradeep Varadan & Josh Boyd
Webelos (4th) - AJ Russo
AOL (5th) - Peter Drake

** Pack 1154 strives to maintain dens of 6-8 scouts. We strive for families to participate in scouting together. Pack 1154 allows for girls and boys to meet together in dens.

Advancement 

Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities you learn as you get older. 

The Parents/Guardians

Parents/Guardians are one of the most important elements in the success of the pack.
For your scout and the pack to have success the parents need to:

• Provide help and support for the den and pack.

• Work with your son or daughter on advancement projects and activities.

• Attend pack meetings with your scout and present their advancement awards at the pack meeting.

• Attend and assist with den outings.

• Attend Cub Scout Family campouts with your scout.

Volunteers

"Many hands make light work." All our pack leaders are all parents with scouts and volunteers.  We ask that each parent make an effort to help the pack in some way to make light work for all of us.  Please complete our family talent survey to help us understand your skills and interests that may align with our pack. https://www.pack1154.org/familytalentsurvey

Why Volunteer? -- As cub leaders, we choose to make Cub Scouts a part of our parenting. We model the importance of volunteering and making time for quality experiences with our children. Our kids experience pride when we stand with them in uniforms leading them in the ways of scouting. We have an opportunity to show our children a different side of who we are as parents and people. We are given the invaluable opportunity to strengthen the bond with our children. Your active involvement in your child’s scouting experience has a deep lifelong impact in their self-esteem, self-worth and mental-emotional development.

For more on volunteering with the pack, Be a Volunteer — Cub Scout Pack 1154 (Ashburn, VA)

New to Scouts -- Many of our leaders never participated in Scouts before they volunteered at Pack 1154. Fortunately, the BSA provides us training that teaches us how to be effective Cub Scout leaders. We also have the collective experience of everyone in the pack to answer questions, support each other as we work together.

The Pack Meeting

Pack meetings are important for the identity of our Pack.  Meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of the month in the cafeteria at Sanders Corner Elementary School from 7-8 PM. 

What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families?

We're a bustling pack with a calendar full of exciting activities for both Cub Scouts and their families! While we'd love for you to join in and get the most out of the Cub Scout experience, please know that taking part in these activities is completely optional. Our typical annual events include:

Typical Annual Pack Activities

• Scouting for Food (Food Collection)

• Service Projects

• Blue & Gold Banquet

• Pinewood Derby

• Spring and Fall Family Camp Out

• Day Camp, Cub Weekend Camp & Webelos & Arrow of Light Summer Camps

• Water bottle Rockets

• Rocketry Day

• Bike Rodeo

• Planned Hikes

• Scout Skill Challenges

• Treasure Hunt

• Raingutter regatta (boat racing)

• Special Outings (Museums & Tours)

2023-2024 Activity Calendar

Stay in the Loop with Pack 1154!

To keep you well-informed about all our exciting activities and updates, we use multiple channels for communication:

• Scoutbook.com - This is our go-to platform for tracking your scout's advancement.

• BAND – The App For Groups - Our primary method for communicating and managing our event calendar.

• Website (pack1154.org) - where we maintain a general event calendar and resources for parents and leaders.

The Cost of Scouts

2023-2024 dues, $275
-$25 for additional sibling discount
Dues are paid either at registration or in two payments (50% at registration, 50% by Oct 15).

Our dues are all inclusive and cover the following:

• National BSA Membership

• National Activity Insurance

• Council Participation Fee

• Scout Life Magazine (one per household)

• Patches & Awards

• Neckerchief & Slide

• Pinewood Derby Kits

• School Year Activities

• Spring & Fall Camp Out

• Blue and Gold Banquet

• Summer Activities

If you're joining Pack 1154 later in our typical scouting year, which runs from September to August, you may be eligible for prorated fees on pack activities. To find out about a prorated dues schedule, please reach out to our Committee Chair.

Other costs include uniforms and some activity fees including those for the Day Camp and Resident Camps. Youth members participate in one fund-raising activity (popcorn), which helps to cover Den supplies, equipment, and other activities.

Financial Hardship Exemptions & Scholarships - Please contact our Pack Committee Chair for more information. 

The Uniform

Field Uniform

The Cub Scout Field Uniform (“CLASS A”) uniform is the official uniform of the BSA Cub Scouts program. The shirt is worn at our Pack meetings, Den meetings and formal and ceremonial occasions. It has the following parts:

Families to Purchase

• [Required] Field Uniform Shirt—The official blue uniform shirt is available with long or short sleeves and has button-flap pockets and "Boy Scouts of America" lettered in gold above the right pocket. - **We recommend that you purchase a short sleeve shirt, with "room to grow." (required @ Pack 1154, we will provide all patches required)

• [OPTIONAL] Trousers or shorts —Shorts, long pants, skorts, and roll up pants all are in official blue.

• [OPTIONAL] Belt—Official navy-blue web belt with metal buckle and Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout emblem. Belt loop adventure achievements can be worn on the belt.

• [OPTIONAL] Cap —Official navy-blue cap with orange front panel and tiger cub emblem for Tiger Cubs; yellow panel and wolf emblem for Wolf Cub Scouts; blue panel and bear emblem for Bear Cub Scouts. Webelos Scouts wear an olive cap with a plain panel bearing the Webelos logo. (optional @ Pack 1154)

  PACK 1154 will provide the following:

• Neckerchief- Triangular neckerchief is orange with navy-blue trim for Tiger Cubs, gold with navy-blue trim for Wolf Cub Scouts, light blue with navy-blue trim for Bear Cub Scouts, and plaid for Webelos Scouts. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the only neckerchiefs that scouts should wear. Packs should not make their own pack neckerchiefs. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the only neckerchiefs that are part of the uniform.  (required @ Pack 1154, but we will provide them)

• Neckerchief slide—Official gold-tone metal slide with Rank Logo. Scouts may wear handmade neckerchief slides. (required @ Pack 1154, but we will provide them)

• Patches - Patches for the uniform such as Council Patch, Unit Numbers (1154), World scouting patch and Den number. (required @ Pack 1154, but we will provide them)

Cub Scout Uniform Guidelines for Boys and Girls
Official Placement of Insignia from Boy Scouts of America Website (PDF) 

Activity Uniform

The Cub Scout Activity Uniform (“CLASS B”) is a pack designed shirt that the scouts (& family members) can wear to show their pack pride to Cub Scout pack 1154 outings, service project and camping events.

Updated Activity Uniform (Class B) Order Form Link
Orders Due by Sept 17, shirt available by Oct 7th.

The Activity Uniform can only be ordered through the pack.

ORDERING SUPPLIES

There are few area scout shops where you can purchase all the official BSA supplies for your scout. 

Northern Virginia Scout Shop (Official BSA Store) [Ravensworth Shopping Center]
Uniform Supply | Camping Gear
5234 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA22151
(703) 321-4836

Camp Snyder Store (Official BSA Store)
Uniform Supply | Camp Trading Post
6100 Antioch Rd
Haymarket, VA 20169
(571) 248-4904
Limited Hours, Scout Shop – Camp Snyder (gotosnyder.org)

National Capital Area Scout Shop (Official BSA Store)
Uniform Supply | Camping Gear
9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814-3897
(301) 564-1091

Alternatively, you can order everything online from the BSA retail store at http://www.scoutstuff.org/

Useful Links

• Official BSA Retail Store: http://www.scoutstuff.org/

• Official Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Website - http://www.scouting.org/