A Message From Your Cubmaster

On behalf of all the leaders and families of Pack 970, welcome! We are so excited that you've decided to join us on this incredible adventure. You are starting a journey that will be packed with fun, friendship, and discovery. We know that joining a new group can feel like a lot at first, but our goal is to make it as easy and fun as possible. We're a community of families, mostly from Comstock, Ogle, Elliot, and Wortham schools, and we can't wait to get to know you.   

Fun with a Purpose

Here in Pack 970, our main goal is to have fun!  We go camping, build and race Pinewood Derby cars, launch rockets, and learn all sorts of new skills. While your Scout is busy having a blast, they'll also be learning about the core values of Scouting: character development, citizenship, and personal fitness. We believe in preparing young people to make good choices throughout their lives by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law, but we do it through hands-on activities and exciting challenges. Your child will build confidence, learn to work with others, and discover that doing their best is a rewarding adventure in itself.   

Our Commitment to Safety

The safety of your child is our absolute highest priority. Nothing is more important. Pack 970 follows all national and local safety guidelines from Scouts BSA, which include:   

• Mandatory Youth Protection Training (YPT): Every registered adult leader is required to complete the BSA's comprehensive Youth Protection Training before they can volunteer with our Scouts. We strongly encourage all parents to take this valuable online course as well.   

• Two-Deep Leadership: At least two registered, YPT-trained adult leaders are required to be present at all den and pack meetings and activities. This ensures a safe and accountable environment for our Scouts.   

• Background Checks: All registered adult volunteers undergo a criminal background check.   

We are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where every Scout can thrive. If you ever have any questions about our safety policies, please don't hesitate to ask.

Welcome aboard! We know you're excited to get started, and this checklist is designed to guide you through the most important first steps. Completing these few items will get your family connected and ready for your first meetings.

1. Connect With Your Den Leader

Your Den Leader is your main guide for all den-level activities and your first point of contact for most questions. They will provide you with your specific den meeting schedule and keep you updated on what the Scouts will be working on. Please reach out and introduce yourself!

2. Join Our Pack on WhatsApp

Alongside email, we use WhatsApp for quick reminders and day-to-day communication. We have a main group for Pack-wide announcements and separate chat groups for each Den. After we receive your registration information, we will send you the link to join the Pack 970 community on WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

3. Add Us to Your Contacts

To make sure you don't miss important Pack announcements, please add our official email address, pack970friscotx@gmail.com, to your email contacts or address book. This tells your email provider that you trust us and helps prevent our messages from getting lost in your spam or junk folder.

4. Sync the Pack Calendar

Our Pack runs on a Google Calendar. We strongly recommend adding it to your own personal calendar so you never miss an event. To sync, simply visit our Calendar & Events page and click the "Add to Google Calendar" link in the bottom corner of the calendar. This will add all Pack and Den meetings, campouts, and special events right into your own schedule.

5. Complete Youth Protection Training (YPT)

The safety of our children is our highest priority. We require every adult leader to complete the BSA's online Youth Protection Training (YPT), and we strongly encourage every parent to take this 30-minute course. It is a critical part of understanding the policies that keep our Scouts safe.

How to take the training:

    1.  Go to my.scouting.org and create an account.

    2.  Click "Menu" and then "My Training."

    3.  Select "Youth Protection Training" to begin the course.

6. Get Your Scout's Handbook

Each rank in Cub Scouting has its own handbook, which is your family's guide to the year's adventures. Pack 970 provides each Scout with their new handbook at no additional cost. Your Scout will receive their book at the first monthly Pack meeting they attend after joining. 

7. Download the "Scouting" App

This free mobile app is a great tool for parents. It allows you to communicate with leaders and see your Scout's advancement progress right from your phone. You can even mark off requirements your Scout completes at home and report them to your Den Leader. Get it on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Cub Scouting has its own structure and terms that can be new to families. This guide will quickly get you up to speed on the basics of how our Pack is organized and how your Scout will progress.

Den vs. Pack: Your Two Scouting Groups

Your Scout is part of two groups at the same time: a small team called a Den, and a larger community called the Pack.

• The Den: This is a small group of about 5-10 Scouts who are all in the same grade level. The Den meets twice a month to work on fun activities, play games, and learn new skills together.  Think of the Den as your Scout's immediate team.

• The Pack: The Pack is made up of all the Dens combined, from Kindergarten through 5th grade.  Once a month, all the dens and their families come together for a big Pack Meeting. These meetings are led by our Cubmaster and are filled with games, songs, skits, and the presentation of awards that the Scouts have earned. 

The Advancement Trail: Earning Awards

A big part of the fun in Cub Scouting is earning recognition for trying new things and doing your best. As Scouts complete activities, called "Adventures," they earn awards - usually belt loops - that they can proudly display on their uniform.

To earn their official rank badge for the year (like Tiger, Wolf, or Bear), a Scout must complete six required Adventures and two elective Adventures, guided by the Den Leader. Once these are completed, your Scout will be presented with their new rank patch at a Pack meeting, which is a very exciting moment for them!

Who's Who: A Guide to Our Pack's Leaders

Our Pack is run entirely by dedicated parent volunteers. Here are the key leaders you'll meet:

• The Cubmaster: The Cubmaster is the energetic leader and emcee of our monthly Pack meetings. They plan and lead the big group activities, games, and award ceremonies for the entire Pack.

• Your Den Leader: The Den Leader is the direct leader for your Scout's grade-level Den. They plan and run the den meetings where Scouts work on their adventures. This is your go-to person for most of your questions about schedules and activities.

• The Pack Committee: This is a team of adult volunteers who handle the administrative side of the Pack. Led by the Committee Chair, they manage our budget, coordinate registration, plan big events like the Pinewood Derby, and make sure our leaders have the resources they need.

Cub Scouting is an adventure for the whole family. Your participation is the single most important ingredient in your child's success and enjoyment of the program. This module outlines how you can be part of the journey.

You Are the Secret to Success

Unlike many other youth activities, Cub Scouting isn't a "drop-off" program. It's a hands-on experience that you and your Scout discover together. You'll help your Scout with some adventure requirements at home, cheer them on at meetings, and celebrate their achievements along the way. Your enthusiasm and support are what make Scouting a rewarding family experience.

Our Parent Partnership Model

To provide the best possible program, our Pack relies on a partnership between Den Leaders and the parents in each den. Here is what that looks like at different grade levels:

• For Lions (Kindergarten) and Tigers (1st Grade): In these dens, a parent or adult partner is required to be present and participate at all meetings and events. To make the meetings dynamic and fun, we also have an explicit expectation that parents in the den will rotate serving as an assistant den leader. This means you will work with the Den Leader to help plan and lead a specific activity or part of a meeting during the year. This is a fantastic way to get to know the other families, understand the Cub Scout program, and see your Scout in action.  We've found this is the best way to build a strong sense of community right from the start.   

• For Wolves, Bears, Webelos, and Arrow of Light (2nd-5th Grade): As Scouts get older, they become more independent. While we don't have a formal parent rotation in these dens, the spirit of partnership continues. We find that parents who were actively involved in Lions and Tigers naturally continue to help out, whether it's by assisting with an activity, helping to keep the den organized, or lending a hand at a campout.

We Are All Volunteers

It's important for new families to know that Pack 970 is run entirely by parent volunteers. Every leader, from the Cubmaster to your Den Leader, is a parent in the Pack who has stepped up to help. The Pack's success depends on families pitching in to help, whether it's for one hour at a single event or in a larger role.

Share Your Skills: The Parent Talent Survey

Every family has unique skills and talents that can help our Pack thrive! To help us understand how you might like to contribute, we ask every family to fill out a quick "Parent Talent Survey." This isn't a commitment to volunteer; it's a way for us to learn what you enjoy doing. Whether you're great at organizing, handy with tools, skilled at graphic design, or just willing to help serve snacks at one meeting, letting us know helps us make a better program for the kids. Please take two minutes to fill out our Parent Talent Survey.

his section provides a clear, straightforward guide to the costs and equipment needed for a great year of Scouting. We are committed to financial transparency and ensuring every child can participate, regardless of family income.

The "Class A" Uniform

This is the official uniform that Scouts wear to all Pack meetings and other formal events. It's a source of pride for our Scouts and shows they are part of the team. Detailed uniform information can be found here.

Here's what you'll need:

• The official Cub Scout uniform shirt

  • Lions (Kindergarten): Blue Lion t-shirt ($15)

  • Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos (1st - 4th Grade): Blue Scout uniform shirt and required patches ($55)

  • Arrow of Light (5th Grade): Tan Scout uniform shirt and required patches ($75)

• The neckerchief specific to your Scout's rank ($15)

• The official Scout belt to display the adventure belt loops they will earn ($15)

• Optional Items:

  • The official pants/shorts, socks, and rank-specific hat and neckerchief slide are available but are not required by Pack 970

Patch Placement: Wondering where all the patches go? The BSA provides an official guide to help. You can find it here. The staff at the Scout Shop are also happy to help.    

Pack 970's "Ready-to-Wear" Uniform Service: We know getting all the right patches and sewing them on correctly can be a hassle. To make it easier, we offer a one-stop service for new families. For an additional $30, we will purchase a new uniform shirt, neckerchief, belt, all the required patches (Council, Pack numbers, World Crest, etc.), and have them professionally sewn on for you. Your Scout's uniform will be ready to wear from day one! Please contact our New Member Coordinator if you are interested in this option.

The "Class B" Uniform

For more casual events, den meetings, and outdoor activities like campouts, we use our "Class B" uniform. This is our official Pack 970 t-shirt. It's a great way to show our pack spirit! We provide every new Scout with one free Class B t-shirt when they join.

Where to Buy

You can purchase all uniform items and other Scouting gear at our local Scout Shop:

Lyle-Gamble Scout Shop
5600 US Hwy 75
Fairview, Texas 75069

Financial Assistance is Always Available

We believe every child deserves the chance to be a Scout. If dues or uniform costs present a hardship for your family, please speak with us privately. We are committed to making Scouting accessible to everyone and have scholarships and payment arrangements available.

We know you'll have questions as you get started on your Scouting adventure, and we're here to help! This section provides a list of key leaders you can contact directly and answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Key Pack Contacts

You can always start by asking your Den Leader, but here are the contacts for Pack-wide questions:

• Cubmaster: Andrew Carroll, andrewlcarroll123@gmail.com

  • Contact for questions about Pack meetings, program activities, and the overall Scouting experience.

• Pack Committee Chair: Kyle Abel, kyle_abel@hotmail.com

  • Contact for questions about Pack administration, budget, and volunteer coordination.

• New Member Coordinator: Sarah Cordill, sarahm1984@gmail.com

  • This is your dedicated contact for any and all questions during your first few months. They can help with uniforms, registration, or just point you in the right direction if you're not sure who to ask.    

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if we have to miss a meeting?

No problem! We understand that families are busy. Just let your Den Leader know you won't be able to make it. They can tell you what you missed and help your Scout catch up on any adventure requirements at home or at the next meeting.

How do we report an adventure my Scout completed at home?

That's great! Many adventures have requirements that are completed with the family. Simply let your Den Leader know which requirement(s) your Scout finished. You can tell them at the next meeting, send an email, or mark it complete in the "Scouting" mobile app.

What exactly are the Pinewood Derby and the Blue & Gold Banquet?

These are two of the biggest and most exciting Pack events of the year!

• The Pinewood Derby is a classic Cub Scout tradition where Scouts, with help from their parents, build and race small, engineless cars from a block of wood. It's a fantastic event full of creativity and friendly competition.    

• The Blue & Gold Banquet is our Pack's annual birthday party for Scouting. It's a big celebration with food, fun, and special ceremonies. It's a highlight of the year for our families.    

Can my Scout's siblings attend meetings and events?

Absolutely. Siblings are always welcome at our monthly Pack meetings and most of our special events like campouts and the Blue & Gold banquet. For weekly Den meetings, which are more structured for a specific age group, please check with your Den Leader first.

How does the annual fundraiser work?

Our Pack holds one main fundraiser each year, selling popcorn in the fall. This fundraiser is what allows us to keep our Pack dues low and cover the costs of awards, Pinewood Derby kits, and other program supplies. Participation is optional, but we strongly encourage it, as the funds raised keep the annual dues hundreds of dollars lower.