ByLaws
January 2008
The following are the by-laws for Pack 298, Hardyston, NJ. These by-laws have been reviewed and approved by the Pack Committee, and will be effective as of January 1, 2008.
The purpose of these by-laws is to assist in the definition of roles and duties of the Pack, Dens, Leaders, Scouts and Parents. The Pack 298 by-laws are a support document to the Cub Scout Leader Book and cannot supersede or override the Cub Scout Leader Book or any Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Policy. The Pack Committee shall conduct a review of the by-laws annually.
Article 1: Charter
Pack 298 is chartered by the Hamburg Fire Department. The charter organization will assist in providing a suitable meeting facility for Pack meetings/events. They will also provide guidance and counsel. The charter organization also reserves the right to participate and decide on any committee decisions regarding the by-laws, financial matters, membership and committee positions.
Article 2: Purpose of Cub Scouting
The purpose of Cub Scouting is to provide an effective educational program designed to:
Influence the development of character and attitudes of good citizenship, helping other, good sportsmanship, and pride in growing a strong mind and body;
Enhance the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness;
Improve understanding within the family;
Strengthen the ability to get along with others and respect other people and self;
Foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills;
Show how to be helpful and to do ones best;
Provide new, fun and exciting things to do; and
Prepare them to become Boy Scouts.
Article 3: Membership
Pack 298 is open to all boys of the proper age/grade levels as specified by the BSA. No boy will be turned away due to financial hardship and if need be, will be reviewed by the Committee on a case by case basis. An application must be filled out for each boy who wishes to become a member.
Article 4: Organizational Structure and Position Responsibilities
General responsibilities of the Pack Committee are as follows:
Provide adequate and safe facilities for Pack meetings
Coordinate the Pack programme with the Charted organization
Assist with Pack Charter renewal
Help stimulate parent involvement
Supervise finances and equipment
Work closely with the Cub master
Attend Cub Scout Leader Basic training, roundtables and Pow-wows.
Conduct, with the help of the Cub master, periodic training for parents, if needed.
Cooperate with other Scouting units.
Support the policies of the BSA.
Attend all monthly Committee and Leader's meetings
The Pack Committee will consist of, but not limited to the following positions and responsibilities. All positions will be held on a yearly basis. Individuals interested in either keeping their position or taking on a new position will make their interest known to the Committee. A listing of all positions will be available to all scout families. If two people have an interest in the same position, the Committee will vote for the most qualified person to take the position. Positions will be appointed/reconfirmed at the yearly planning meeting. Any change in positions, will require a transition period so that the new member can be brought up to speed to take on the new role.
As a member of the Committee you are committing yourself to the responsibilities of that position. In order for the Pack to run appropriately each member needs to meet their required duties. In the event that a member is unable to meet their required duties and it negatively impacts the Pack, they may be asked to reconsider their position and could be asked to assist in another manner if they desire. The Charter organization will be notified when there are any concerns regarding a committee member. The Charter organization reserves the right to have the final decision on dismissing a Committee member for not fulfilling their duties/responsibilities.
Committee Chair
Work closely with the Charter Organization, help in maintaining a relationship.
Confer with the Cub master and committee on policy matters relating to the Cub Scout program and the Chartered Organization.
Supervise pack committee operation by
o
Calling and presiding at Pack Committee meetings.o
Assigning duties to committee members &o
Planning for pack charter review, roundup, and re-registration.o
Approving bills before payment by the pack treasurer.Conduct the annual pack program planning meeting & help to develop plan for the year;
Work with the Cub master and committee on council-approved, money earning projects so the Pack will have funds to function properly.
Assist with the direction of the Pack.
Work with the Cub master and committee in effecting a smooth transition of Webelos into Boy Scouts.
Recruiting adult leadership to run the pack with the Cub master;
Assist the Cub master when needed;
Present the pack charter to the charter organization annually.
Cub Master
Conduct Pack program according to BSA policies.
Help to maintain a positive relationship with the Charted Organization.
Plan and lead Pack meetings and other Pack activities.
Work with the Pack Committee on program ideas, selecting and recruiting adult leaders for the dens.
Guide and support Den Leaders. See that they received training for their positions.
Ensure a balanced, year-round program for the Scouts as outlined in "Program Helps" and other BSA material.
Approve, by signature, all boy's applications.
Approve Leaders' membership in the Pack.
Recruit the next Cub master and other Committee Members.
Ensure that there is ample support and training of new Leaders when starting new Dens.
Develop Pack/Troop relationships and encourage graduations.
Conduct Webelos graduation ceremonies.
Authorized signature for Pack checking account.
Attends monthly District Roundtable and reporting back to the Pack Committee.
Assist with the pack property
See 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.
Work as a team with the Pack Committee to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting.
Assistant Cub Master
Assist Cub master as necessary. Be ready to take over the leadership of the Pack.
Work with Cub master and Pack Committee on Pack Re-registration.
Maintain written record of Pack property.
Pack Secretary
Keep informed of all Cub Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms to help leaders function effectively.
Maintain up-to-date information on membership.
Handle correspondence for the pack. This may include writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations, or ordering supplies through the local council service center.
Keep notes on business conducted at pack leaders' meetings. Record only key items such as things needing follow-up or items for the history of the pack.
Notify leaders of pack leaders' meetings and other activities.
Provide den leaders with records and forms for meetings.
Pack Treasurer
Help the Pack Committee and Cub master establish a sound financial program for the pack with a pack budget plan.
Open and maintain a bank account in the pack's name and arrange for all transactions to be signed by the Cub master and/or Pack Committee chair.
Approve all budget expenditures. Check all disbursements against budget allowances, and pay bills by check. The pack committee chair should approve bills before payment.
Collect yearly Registration from den leaders at the pack leaders' meeting, preferably in sealed den dues envelopes. Open envelopes in the presence of at least 2 committee members. Give receipts for these funds, and deposit the money no less than one week from taking possession of the money, into the bank account.
Keep up-to-date financial records.
Make regular monthly reports at the Pack Committee meetings.
Submit a written year-end financial report to the Pack Committee that will be available to parents/guardians (January timeframe).
Provide petty cash needed by leaders. Keep an accurate record of expenditures.
Provide timely expense reimbursements to Pack members.
Guide the pack in conducting council-approved pack money-earning projects.
Pack Advancement Chair
Have a working knowledge of the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout advancement program.
Authorized purchaser on Council account.
Purchases badges and awards for Pack Meetings.
Purchase and distribute all required Pinewood Derby and Rain Gutter Regatta Kits for the entire pack.
Collect den advancement reports at pack leaders' meetings for use when ordering badges and insignia from the local council service center.
Maintain accurate Records of Advancement and Membership for all Scouts and Leaders.
Submit receipts for reimbursement of advancement items, previously authorized by the Pack Committee, that were not purchased at the Council store.
Pack Training Chair
Notify Den Leaders of training opportunities
Maintain training records for all Pack Leaders and make available any training resources.
Provide Fast-Start training for new leaders
Ensure that all Leaders have been to Youth Protection training.
Den Leaders
Give leadership in carrying out the pack program in the den.
Complete Cub Scout den leader Fast Start Training and position-specific Basic Leader Training. Attend monthly roundtables.
Lead the den in its participation at pack meetings. Serve as den host or hostess for den family members at pack meetings.
Work in harmony with other den and pack leaders.
Help the Cub master (or assistant Cub master) and pack committee recruit new boys throughout the year.
Help train the den chief and guide him in working with Cub Scouts. See that he receives recognition for his efforts at den and pack meetings.
With the assistant den leader, meet with the den chief and let him help plan den meetings and den activities; allow him to serve as den activities assistant.
Provide meaningful jobs for the denner and assistant denner so that they can learn responsibility and gain satisfaction from their efforts.
Use Boys' Life and Scouting magazines, Cub Scout Program Helps, the boys' handbooks, and other Cub Scouting literature as sources for program ideas.
Maintain a friendly relationship with Cub Scouts; encourage them to earn advancement awards. Keep accurate advancement records and see that boys receive recognition for their achievements.
Stimulate the Cub Scouts' imaginations on the program theme for the month and help the den prepare its stunts and exhibits for the pack meeting.
Promote the religious emblems program.
Help the den and pack earn the National Summertime Pack Award.
Help establish a close working relationship with the assistant den leader and den chief, functioning as a den leadership team.
Develop and maintain a good working relationship and open communication with den families. Use their talents to help enrich the den program. Hold den adults' meetings as often as needed to get acquainted with family members and strengthen den operation.
Involve family members, encourage the men in outings and other den activities so that boys will have additional male role models.
See that a leader is available for all den meetings and activities. Call on the assistant den leader to fill in when necessary.
Take part in the annual pack program planning conference and pack leaders' meetings.
Help set a good example for the boys through behavior, attitude, and proper uniforming.
Pack Activity/Outing Chair
Plan and arrange for Pack outdoor activities such as camping trips and day hikes.
Assist with the planning and arrangement of special Pack off-site fundraising activities such as bake sales, breakfast fundraisers, Hardyston/Franklin/Hamburg Day.
Assist Pack with equipment for overnight campouts and off-site events.
Assist with arranging for property, fire, and tour permits when required.
Locate new picnic areas, camp site, etc. if needed.
Maintain a positive relationship with the Charter organization to help arrange for special activities where the Charter organization's support is needed in order to make the activities a success.
Arrange for transportation of equipment, when needed.
Plan first aid for emergencies.
Plan outings to help Pack and dens qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award.
Help inform parents and guardians about opportunities for family camping.
Ensure that at least one adult has completed Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) (see Chapter 33, "Cub Scout Camping" in the Cub Leader Book) before any pack campout.
Help promote day camp and resident camp opportunities.
Be aware of BSA health and safety requirements and see that they are implemented at all special Pack activities.
Know and carry out BSA outdoor program policy related to Cub Scouting.
Review all activities to ensure that unit leaders comply with BSA policies in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Article 5: Voting
All registered leaders shall have an equal vote on pack policies/considerations that are brought before the Committee at the monthly meetings. You must be present to cast a vote. Leaders serving in more than one position will have only one vote. Registered Leaders are defined as - all official Pack Committee members/chairs as outlined in the by-laws (Committee Chair, Cub Master, Assistance Cub Master, Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement Chair, Training Chair, Den Leaders)
Article 6: Attendance
Cub Scout
Each registered Cub Scout will maintain their attendance at Den/Pack meetings and functions on a regular basis. Excessive unexcused absences will be construed as a lack of interested in Scouting. The scout will be contacted by their Den Leader to ascertain his status. Scouts are expected to advise their Den leader of any anticipated or extended absences.
Pack Committee
Representation at the Pack Committee meetings is mandatory. Committee meetings are to be attended by all committee members/chairs and den leaders. Pack planning cannot be done democratically if all members are not actively participating by voicing their opinions and casting their votes. Plans and functions cannot be relayed to the scouts if the Den leaders are not present. Pack committee meetings will be held the second Tuesday of the month. If a committee member cannot attend, they are responsible for notifying the committee chair and delegating another committee member to present any information that was needed from them that month.
Article 7: Behavior / Discipline / Code of Conduct
A Scout is expected to behave at all meetings and outings. Misbehavior is not acceptable at any Pack/Den meeting or activity. Misbehavior is defined as compromising the safety of oneself or others, theft, lying, profanity, hitting, punching, kicking, abusive language, demeaning or offensive language, racial, ethnic or religious slurs, vandalism, wilful refusal and disrespect to a Scout Leaders' directions and/or repeated general misbehavior that affects the ability of the Pack/Den to function.
No child will be allowed to run freely or randomly about before, during or after a Pack or Den meeting/activity. Cub scouts are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Any Scout who misbehaves will be taken aside by an Adult leader and warned. Should the Scout continue to misbehave, the parent/guardian will be notified and asked to correct the behaviour of the Scout. If the parent/guardian is unsuccessful and the child continues to misbehave, the scout will be asked to leave the meeting/event. If the parent/guardian fails to correct serious misbehavior of a Scout, and the behaviour continues at future events/meetings, the Pack Committee reserves the right to consider disciplinary action that could result in the Scout's dismissal from the Pack. Any disciplinary actions will be discussed and voted upon by the Pack Committee.
In the event that a Scout's behaviour results in the loss or damage to property while participating in any activity sponsored by the Den/Pack - reasonable restitution will be the responsibility of the Scout and/or parent/guardian. The Scout will be explained the seriousness and consequences of his behaviour. Out of respect and acknowledge of his behaviour, the Scout should apologize to the appropriate individual(s) for his misconduct.
All adults attending Scouting functions will be subject to the same rules as the Scouts and the Scout leaders.
Under no circumstances will any alcohol or drugs be allowed at any of the Pack/Den meetings or events. For adults who smoke tobacco, they will be asked to go to an area to smoke that is away from others and where they can not be seen by the scouts. All adults should consider themselves as role models and should conduct their behavior as such. Any offenders will be asked to leave the meeting/event.
Every Scout and their parent/guardian will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of the Pack's code of conduct. These signed agreements will be held with each den leader.
Article 8: Uniforms
Unless told otherwise, all Scouts and Leaders will be asked to dress in full uniform for meetings/events.
Article 9: Fundraisers
Pack 298 will participate in fundraisers. Any fundraising activities, outside of the normal BSA events (i.e. Popcorn Sale), will be discussed and agreed upon at the Pack Committee Meetings. Participation by all dens is encouraged in order to support the fundraising activity. The Charter organization will be notified of fundraising events in order to get their support. The Pack is encouraged to utilize the Charter organizations facilities for such events.
Article 10: Advancement
The Cub Scouts program has four ranks: Tigers, Wolf, Bear and Webelos. The Arrow of Light is the highest aware in Cub Scouts. Each Scout will be given the utmost respect when given any advancement or awards. Award ceremonies will be given the full attention of all scouts and attendees. This is especially important at the Blue and Gold ceremony and for any Scout advancing onto Boy Scouts. The Pack Committee will work as a team to ensure that the B&G ceremony is properly reviewed and prepared for.
Article 11: Pack Meetings
Pack meetings will be held once a month.
They are for the entire family.
Opening ceremonies will start @7:00 PM and will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and Cub Scout Oaths (unless otherwise noted).
All Scouts are expected to attend. It is the culmination of what they have been doing at home with their families and at their Den meetings for the past month.
Advancements and awards will be presented at these meetings.
Parent/guardians are responsible for the behaviour of their children and Scouts. Silence and proper attention is required to show respect to the person speaking and the scout receiving the award.
The Cub Scout sign will be utilized when silence is needed. There will be no screaming or yelling to get the scouts to quiet down. Den Leaders will remind his/her den prior to each meeting what the expected behaviour should be during the Pack meeting. This is especially important for the scouts who are new to the Pack.
Article 12: Finances
The following will apply:
A yearly audit will be conducted by the Charter organization.
A budget will be determined and provided to the Pack Committee at the yearly planning meeting in August.
All financial information will be available to the Charter organization.
The Charter organization reserves the right to review our finances at any time during the year.
When handling any cash, the money will be counted and witnessed by at least two committee members. This will be noted on the envelope. The Treasurer will provide a signed receipt upon receiving the money.
All moneys (cash or check) will be deposited in a timely manner, not to exceed a week from the date that the money is handed over to the Treasurer.
Cash and check deposits will be made separately. This is required to reconcile and show that the actual deposits were made. Monthly bank statements will be reviewed by either the Committee Chair and/or Cub Master and reconciled to account for all deposits made for the prior month.
The following individuals will have signing privileges for Pack 298's account.
o
Committee Chairmano
Cub Mastero
Charter Organization TreasurerAll checks will require 2 signatures.
"Cash" checks are to be limited. Any checks made out to "Cash" must be reconciled with a receipt and must have a description written in the note section to explain what the check is for.
Under no circumstances will any checks be signed without the "Pay to the Order of" being filled out first.
