Welcome to Pack 6!
We run a full year-round Cub Scouts program following the program outlined by the Boy Scouts of America for boys from first grade to fifth grade. By the middle of fifth grade, boys are fully prepared to become Boy Scouts.
The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How!
Who are we?
We are parents, just like you! We volunteered to help lead so we could be sure our boys have a quality program. We are trained and in uniform to set an example for the boys. For a complete list of the volunteers, see the leaders page.
What do we do?
We strive to follow the guidelines set forth by the BSA in the boys’ Cub Scout books, the Cub Scout Leader’s guidebook, and more.
When do we meet?
Every Monday at 6:30PM at St. David’s Church unless otherwise specified by your Den Leader. We sometimes meet on Saturdays for special pack trips or events.
Where do you find information?
Lots of places! Your Den Leader is a great place to start. You can also follow the links to official BSA information on our website. You can speak to the Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, any committee member, or talk to the Netop District Committee and Staff Members (the West Bay Scout Shop is a great place to start too!)
Why do we do this?
For our boys! Scouting teaches them many things they don’t normally learn in school and is a lot of fun too! They will be given responsibility, rewards, and a chance to stretch themselves in new and different ways.
How do we accomplish all of this?
We volunteer our time, work as a team, and help each other make this a family-oriented, community atmosphere. The more people who volunteer, the better the program will be.
The Parent’s Role
Every parent or guardian is their child’s “Adult Partner” (called “Akela”). In Cub Scouting, the boys do not work alone but with the help of Akela. As such, you are involved with their growth and development. This is a true family activity. To that end, we ask that parents stay for all meetings and work with their sons. This is not a drop-off and pick-up program.
Volunteering
We are all volunteers. None of us are paid by anyone to do this nor do we receive any compensation beyond having that wonderful close bond with our sons. Any parent or guardian (male or female) may volunteer to help run this program. Speak to any uniformed leader for details!
Dues
Your annual dues pay for the program (along with the fundraising we do). Financial aid is available to those parents who need it, please talk to the Cubmaster.
Uniforming Your Scout
All boys are required to own and wear a Cub Scout Uniform. Uniforms may be purchased at the West Bay Scout Shop behind the Chili’s, across from the Target on Rt 2. Financial Aid for buying a uniform is available, please talk to the Cubmaster (Jim Bennett). Here’s what you need:
- The Blue Cub Scout Shirt (Tan shirt for Webelos)
- A neckerchief for your son’s level
- A slide for their neckerchief
- The following patches:
- Narragansett Council Patch (Note: Use this patch and not the red "Cranston" and "RI" patches)
- Red “6” Patch for Pack 6
- Blue “World Scout Emblem” Patch
- Blue “Den X” Patch (where X is the number of your son’s den. You may not know this number for a week or two so don’t worry, you can get this one later)
- While the Scout Shop does sell uniform pants, we do not recommend spending the money on these. Any dark blue pants are fine.
- The hat for their level.
The folks at the Scout Shop can tell you where the patches need to go and you will find diagrams inside your son’s Cub Scout book as well.
Your Son’s Advancement
As your son moves through the program, he will earn badges, belt loops, and other awards. The pack provides all of these. Your Den Leader can provide instructions for where these go on your son’s uniform.
Pack Events
Throughout the year, your den meets weekly and we hold an all-pack meeting once a month (generally on the last Monday of the month, but this varies). You can check on the latest information on our pack website calendar section. Some of our events include:
Rally Night
We kick off every year with our Rally Night. This is where we get to tell you all about Scouting and new boys join our pack.
Fundraisers
Cub Scout dues help to cover the costs of providing a quality program but more is needed. In addition to the many hours of volunteerism from the parents we also conduct several fundraisers a year including auctions and bake sales at scouting events, popcorn sales, and our annual wreath sales (these are great live wreaths for the holidays that you can buy for your home or sell to family and friends.)
Scouting for Food Food Drive
Our annual drive, called “Scouting for Food” happens every fall when scouts and parents drop off food bags (perhaps you have had them at your house!) one week and pick them up the next full of food.
St. David’s Clean-up and Pack Cook-out
As our thanks to St. David’s for allowing us to use their facilities, we clean the entire property of leaves and other debris on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Then we all proceed to Meshanticut Lake for a Pack Cook-out.
Blue & Gold Banquet
This banquet is a highlight of the Cub Scout year! We have a sit-down dinner, awards are handed out, and our Scouts entertain us. It is also a fundraising opportunity with such events as a raffle.
Crossover
In March, our Webelos 2 (fifth graders) graduate from our program and become Boy Scouts. They participate in a form ceremony where they cross over a bridge to be welcomed by Boy Scouts on the far side.
Pinewood Derby
Each pack nationwide holds this event annually where kids build their own cars and race them on a pinewood derby track. Winners move on to the district race. Fathers have been known to collect their own cars and pass them along to their sons.
Raingutter Regatta
This event happens in June - kids make boats to race in water filled raingutters and prizes are awarded to the winners. It is also traditionally our graduation night where all boys move up to the next level in Cub Scouting.
Is that all?
No! That’s just some of the events we hold every year. There are many others. See our Pack Website (www.CranstonPack6.org) for details and for our pack calendar.
Quick Reference
- Meetings: Every Monday, 6:30PM at St. David’s (unless otherwise specified)
- (Some) holidays included. See the website.
- When schools are closed due to bad weather we are closed too.
- Who do I go to with questions?
- Start with your Den Leaders
- Talk to the Cubmaster
- Talk to the Assistant Cubmaster
- Talk to the Committee Chair
- Talk to the Pack Trainer
- Talk to any uniformed leader in the pack
- Talk to the West Bay Scout Shop
- Where do I find out the latest news: This website!
- What if I don’t have web access: Talk to your Den Leader and let them know.
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