We are always welcoming new Cub Scouts. You may join the pack at any
time. To contact us, please click on the Cubmaster's or Committee Chairs
email link on our home page. You're also welcome to come visit a Pack
meeting, it's a great way to see what we're all about. Usually our Pack
meets every Tuesday at Gateway Grace Fellowship on Griffin Drive from 6:30
to 7:30 pm. We
have a Pack "Go-see-it" once per month on Tuesday to visit various sites
like the Fire Department, the Police Department, 911 Dispatch office,
Library, Putt putt golf, Gateway pool swim, bowling and more.
Cub Scouting means "doing." You will have lots to do as a Cub Scout
in Pack 18—crafts, games, sports, songs, stories, puzzles and much
more!. A lot of the fun happens right in the den and pack.
The den, a group of Cub Scouts in your age and grade level, usually meets every Tuesday.
The Pack, all of the Cub Scouts from first to fifth grade, meets
every 6 weeks from September to May. At both the den meetings and the
pack
meetings, Cub Scouts do different things for fun and learning.
While you're having fun, you'll also be earning badges and awards.
You'll work on projects with your parents or other adults in your
family, and all of you will feel good about the things you accomplish.
When you have earned a badge, it is given to you in front of the
whole pack. Once a year, we have a graduation/crossover ceremony.
During this time the Scout receives his new rank.
Cub Scouts in Pack 18 have a lot to choose from. Traditional annual
events including a camping trip once per month, our
Christmas Party in December, the Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta and the Blue
and Gold Banquet.
We practice citizenship by taking part in community events, marching
in parades, volunteering with community projects, participating in "Scouting for Food" day that donates can goods to our local Harry Chapen Food Bank, and beach clean up projects.
Cub Scouts do all sorts of exciting stuff! Whatever it is that you
enjoy, you'll probably have a chance to do it in Cub Scouting.
Below are some frequently asked questions about our pack.
What Does It Cost to Join?
The membership fee for new Cub Scouts is $25, payable when you
register. Existing Scouts pay an annual renewal fee in January when we recharter. Cub Scouts
participate in popcorn fund raising events in October.
Out of these funds, the pack pays for:
- Registration fees and insurance for Scouts and adult leaders
- Advancement patches, pins and other awards for Scouts
- Trophies, ribbons, pinewood derby, and raingutter regatta awards and banquet supplies.
- Copies and general pack supplies
For more information about Pack 18 fundraisers, which help both the
boys and pack pay for scouting contact the Committee Chairperson or
Cubmaster.
What are the uniform requirements?
We require our Cub Scouts to wear the official "Class A"
uniform to Pack meetings, when selling popcorn and and when completing
non-dirty community services, such as walking in parades, Scouting for Food program, flag ceramonys and others. The official uniform is the following:
- Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, and Bear Cubs must wear the official uniform blue shirt, neckerchief and slide.
- Webelos may choose the blue or khaki official uniform shirt, Webelos neckerchief and slide.
- Hats, socks and belts are optional.
- Navy blue pants, shorts or jeans.
- Council Shoulder Patch, Pack 18 numbers
Boys also have the option of wearing Pack 18 "Class B" t-shirts
during camping and "dirty" community service, such as car wash or beach clean up project.
What is a Pack?
A pack is a group of Cub Scouts, adult leaders and parents who
belong to the same Cub Scout unit (e.g., Pack 18, Panther
District, Southwest Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America). A pack
generally draws its membership primarily from an elementary schools, or community that is associated with the pack's Chartered
Organization and Community. Each pack is made up of Tiger Cub (grade 1),
Wolf (grade 2), Bear (grade 3) and Webelos (grades 4 & 5) dens.
What is a Chartered Organization?
A Chartered Organization is the sponsoring organization for a
Cub Scout pack, usually a church, PTA, homeowners' association or other
community group. The primary responsibilities of the Chartered
Organization are to select the leadership of the pack and provide a
meeting place. Each year, the pack must renew its Charter with its local
council. The Chartered Organization must approve the rechartering
application in order for the Charter to be renewed. Pack 18 is
chartered to Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church.
What is a Den?
A den is a small group of boys of the same grade
level. Each den meets on a weekly or bi-weekly on Tuesday's to work on
achievements and other activities. The den is led by adult Den Leaders
and Assistant Den Leaders, who are responsible for planning and
conducting each den meeting.
Where are Pack 18 Meetings Held?
Pack meetings are generally held every 6 weeks from September through May. The Pack Calendar provides exact dates, places and
times of all pack meetings.
Who Runs the Pack 18?
The pack is run entirely by unpaid volunteers.
We always welcome people who would like to help out, and have large and
small jobs for every family. Ideally, each family should volunteer for a
job, which is what we are working towards in Pack 18.
- The Pack Committee, which currently consists of the Committee
Chairman, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Secretary and the Treasurer,
develops budgets, approves expenses, arranges for facilities and
conducts overall planning.
- The Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders are most directly
involved with the Cub Scouts. Dens generally meet weekly or bi-weekly, a
Den Leaders meeting is held monthly (in conjunction with the Committee
Meeting) to discuss issues of common concern (the third Thursday of every
month).
- An adult member of each Cub Scout household (not including Tiger
Cubs) is expected to participate in a volunteer position or serve on a
committee.
In addition to Pack Committee and Den Leader positions, Pack 18
generally tries to fill several volunteer positions (e.g., Membership
Chairman, Advancement Chairman, Den Leaders, Tiger Cub Organizer)
and have several committees (e.g., Blue and Gold Banquet, Pinewood
Derby, Popcorn Fund Raiser, Camping committee and Scouting for
Food) Lend your skills and make our Pack more fun for the Scouts!