Pack 203 meets every Thursday during the school year for den meetings or pack meetings. Den meetings consist of having Adventures that lead toward completing that year's rank. Each month one Thursday is a Pack meeting where we recognize all of the Cubs who have completed Adventures or other activities. Scouting is about enjoying the outdoors and Pack 203 encourages outdoor activities. Once a month
, our Hiking Club goes on a hike somewhere in the Rochester region. The Pack also goes camping in October and June. These campouts are family camping, so at least one trusted adult must attend. Non-Cub siblings are also encouraged to attend campouts! Camping is an activity the whole family can enjoy! For those who may be new to Scouting, the ranks in Cub Scouts are as follows:
The first award every Cub earns is Bobcat. You learn the Scout Oath and Law and their meaning, as well as the Cub Scout Sign, handshake and salute. Kindergarten Cubs are Lions. Lion Adventures are usually fairly short and require some interaction with a trusted adult to complete. The Lion Den Leader is deeply involved in overseeing the Adeventure and will need assistance from other adults.
1st grade Cubs are Tigers. Tiger Adventures are a bit longer and more complex than Lion Adventures. Supervision is still needed, but Tigers focus on going outside and being active by playing games and being part of a team.
2nd grade Cubs are Wolves. Wolf Adventures give more focus to activities outside and what it means to be a Scout. Activities include learning how to be a good citizen and how to go on outdoor adventures and Leave No Trace when we do.
3rd grade Cubs are Bears. Bear Adventures introduce Cubs to tools and knives and how to use them SAFELY. Activities are longer and leave more up to the Cubs own initiative.
4th grade Cubs are Webelos Scouts. Webelos Scouts Adventures begin the approach to Scouts BSA. Webelos Adventures begin the concept of planning activities and how to do so safely. Webelos plan and cook family meals, plan and execute a Den hike, and learn basic first aid that may be needed at times.
5th grade Cubs are Arrow of Light Webelos Scouts. Arrow of Light (AoL) Scouts are preparing to enter Scouts BSA. Most requirements are focused on getting AoLs 'up to speed' for the transition into a Troop in Scouts BSA. Most Troops are more outdoor-focused than Packs and well-run Troop programs should be Scout-led, not Adult-led. This last year begins introducing AoL Scouts to how to create a Scout-led experience while still under adult supervision. One common concern among parents is the last Ideal of the Scout Law: A Scout is reverent. Reverence is interpreted broadly by Scouts BSA. Pack 203 encourages the concept of reverence as a general principle. However, you do not need to be religious, or of a particular religion, to be reverent. We accept everyone as they are.
