Leadership Roles

Every pack is under the supervision of a pack committee. This committee consists of a minimum of three qualified U.S. citizens of good character, 21 years of age or older, who are selected by the chartered organization and registered as adult leaders of the BSA. One of these is designated as pack committee chair. Obviously, with a committee of three, members must assume responsibility for more areas of service than with a committee of seven or more, where the responsibilities can be spread around. Although packs can and do operate with a minimum of three committee members, experience has shown that a larger committee generally ensures a stronger, more stable pack. A larger committee is better able to perform all the required functions of a successful pack program. It is also a way of involving more pack families in meaningful service to the pack.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Make recommendations to the chartered organization for final approval of pack leadership.

• Recruit the Cubmaster and one or more assistant Cubmasters, with the chartered organization's approval. 

• Provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings. 

• Coordinate the pack program with the program of the chartered organization through the chartered organization representative. 

• Assist with pack charter renewal. 

• Help to stimulate the interest of parents through proper programming. 

• Supervise finances and equipment. 

• Work closely with the Cubmaster. 

• Ensure that Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts receive a year around, quality program. 

• Complete Pack Committee Cub Scout Leader Basic Training on my.Scouting.org. 

• Conduct, with the help of the Cubmaster, periodic training for parents. 

• Cooperate with other Scouting units. A strong pack committee will have individual members assigned to such areas as record keeping and correspondence, finances, advancement, training, public relations, and membership and re-registration. The pack committee chair decides how the responsibilities should be divided and gives committee members assignments. Details of the various pack committee functions follow.

Primary Purpose The chartered organization representative is the direct contact between the pack and the chartered organization. This individual is also the organization’s contact with the district committee and the local council.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Promote well-planned, quality unit programs, including outdoor programs, advancement, and recognition.

• Serve as a liaison between the units and the organization.

• Promote the recruiting of new members and units.

• See that Scouts transition from unit to unit.

• Help with the charter renewal.

• Suggest Good Turns to benefit the organization.

• Encourage the unit committee to hold meetings.

• Cultivate organization leaders and encourage necessary training of existing and new leaders.

• Utilize district help and promote the use of district personnel and materials.

• Use approved unit finance policies.

• Cultivate resources to support the organization.

• Represent the organization at the council level.

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.   Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.    

Primary Purpose: To lead the pack committee and thus be responsible for the administration, oversight, and support of the pack program while adhering to BSA Policies

Key responsibilities:

• Overseeing Pack Operations including filling pack roles as best as possible and mediating issues of or between members 

• Plan, coordinate, and lead the annual rechartering process.

• Assuring accurate records are kept (contact information, earnings, training, etc.) 

• Approving bills and purchases before payment by Pack Treasurer 

• Chairing the monthly parent committee meeting

•  Arranging an Annual Pack Planning involving scouts and adults 

• Assuring recruitment to keep pack strong as well as recharter of the Pack 

• Submitting annual quality unit report (currently Journey to Excellence) 

• Maintain a close relationship with the chartered organization representative and the chartered organization to cultivate harmonious relations and maintain communications. 

• Assigning duties to committee members and volunteers, as needed. 

• Ask the committee to assist with recommendations for Cubmaster, assistant Cubmasters, den leaders, and other roles, as needed. 

• Work with the chartered organization representative to provide adequate and safe facilities for pack meetings. 

• Cooperate with the Cubmaster on council-approved money-earning projects so the pack can earn money for materials and equipment.

•  If the Cubmaster is unable to serve, assume active direction of the pack until a successor is recruited and registered. 

• Develop and maintain strong pack-troop relationships, and work closely with the unit commissioner and other pack and troop leaders in bringing about a smooth transition of Webelos Scouts into the troop. 

Commitment - 4-10 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership.

• 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee and Committee Chair specific Training are available online at myscouting.org.  Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.    

Primary Purpose: Responsible for planning and leading the monthly pack meetings and working with the pack committee to make sure the pack is moving in the right direction while adhering to BSA policy

Key responsibilities:  

• Plan annual activities - With the help of other leaders, plan quality, year-round den and pack programs filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award. 

  • Conduct the annual pack program planning conference 

• Lead pack meetings - Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program including monthly pack meeting, with the help of others 

• Conduct impressive ceremonies - For advancement or other recognition such as Blue & Gold, Crossover Ceremony

• Advancement - Encourage high advancement standards from all Cub Scouts.

  • Help organize and encourage graduation into a Scouts Scout troop by establishing and maintaining good relationships with Scouts Scout troops. 

• Cultivate relationships and stay informed Maintain good relationships with parents and guardians. Seek their support and include them in activities.

  • Attend monthly roundtables.  

• Ensure leaders are trained. -  Ensure that all den leaders have completed Youth Protection training and Den Leader Position-Specific training

  • Monitor training

  • Prompt leaders to complete required training

• Recruit leaders and scouts - Coordinate pack recruiting of scouts and leaders. Work as a team with the pack committee chair and others recruit, educate, guide, support, motivate, and inspire the other adult leaders.

  • Work with the pack committee on program ideas, selecting and recruiting adult leaders, and establishing a budget plan.

• Budgeting & Fundraising - Collaboratively draft and monitor budget, Work with committee to identify fundraising opportunities

• Teamwork - See that the responsibilities specified for the assistant Cubmasters are carried out. 

  • Work as a team with the pack committee chair to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting. 

Commitment - 4-10 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership.

• 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.   Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose – Maintain regular communication with pack committee, cub master and parents in the pack. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Keep informed of all Cub Scouting literature, materials, records, and forms to help leaders function effectively. Assist new den leaders by telling them what items are available. 

•  Acquaint den leaders with contents of the Pack Record Book so they will know how to supply the information that should be recorded there. 

• Maintain up-to-date information on membership, leadership, attendance.

• Manage Pack calendar in Scoutbook. 

• Handle correspondence for the pack. This may include regular communication with pack newsletter “Smoke Signals”, writing letters of appreciation and requests for reservations or ordering supplies through the local council service center.

•  Keep notes on pack leaders and committee' 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.

Commitment – 1-2 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership.

• 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is not required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.  Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.  

Primary Purpose: Maintain Pack Finances 

Key responsibilities: 

• Help the Pack Committee and Cubmaster establish a sound financial program for the Pack with budget.

• Collaborate with OLP Treasurer to maintain a bank account in the Pack's name and arrange for all transactions to be signed by pastor and treasurer.

• 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 dues from Cub Scout and Webelos den leaders at the Pack Leaders' meeting, preferably in sealed den dues envelopes. Open envelopes in presence of den leaders or the den leader coach. Give receipts for these funds and deposit money in the bank account. 

• Keep up-to-date financial records. Enter all income and expenditures under the proper budget item in the finance section of the Pack Record Book. Credit each Cub Scout with payment of dues. From time to time, compare the records with those of the den leaders to make sure they are in agreement. Give leadership in developing a coordinated record keeping system in the pack. 

•  Be responsible for thrift training within the pack. Encourage each den leader to explain the pack financial plan to each scout and his family, so that scouts will accept responsibility for paying dues and parents will be alert for opportunities for scouts to earn dues money and develop habits of thrift. 

• On request of den leaders, sympathetically counsel with a scouts who does not pay dues, determine the reason, and encourage regular payment. If the scouts are unable to pay, work out a plan with the Cubmaster and pack committee so the scouts can earn dues. 

• Periodically report on the pack's financial condition at the monthly pack meeting. Make regular monthly reports to the pack committee at pack leaders' meeting, and report to chartered organization as often as desirable on the financial condition of the pack

• Guide the pack in conducting council-approved, pack money-earning projects.

Commitment – 1-2 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership.

• 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.  Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose: Support pack program and be prepared to fill-in for the cubmaster. 

Key responsibilities:  

• Plan annual activities - With the help of other leaders, plan quality, year-round den and pack programs filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award. 

• Support annual planning and lead selected events.

  • Summer activities and monitor participation for National Summertime Pack Award

  • Plan and lead parent’s Night Out

  • Participate in other activities as available

• Cultivate relationships and stay informed Maintain good relationships with parents and guardians. Seek their support and include them in activities.

  • Attend monthly roundtables.  

• Advancement - Encourage high advancement standards from all Cub Scouts.

  • Help organize and encourage graduation into a Scouts Scout troop by establishing and maintaining good relationships with Scouts Scout troops. 

• Support Recruitment

  • Coordinate school talk dates 

  • Attend new Cub registration niht

  • OLP Open House

• Supervise den chiefs and see that they are trained.

Commitment - 4-10 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership.

• 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.  Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose – Sustain strong membership and engage youth and their families in the unit. Serve as welcoming ambassador for the unit.

Key responsibilities: Serve as welcoming ambassadors for the unit.

• Work with Pack Committee members to promote recruitment plans.

• Share the benefits of Scouting. 

  •  Develop and share your own Scouting story, showing the impact of Scouting on your family.

  • Identify and access research data and local examples confirming the fun and value of Scouting to youth, families, and the community. 

• Coordinate unit recruitment. 

  • Oversee unit recruitment efforts such as joining events, informational presentations, and peer-to-peer initiatives. 

  • Appeal to potential youth members and their families through well-designed and widely distributed invitations shared through electronic media, handouts, and personal contacts. 

  • Collaborate with local school representatives and community leaders, particularly in the chartered organization, to foster promotion of Scouting opportunities. 

• Guide the joining and welcoming process for youth and their families. 

  • Help youth and adults to greet newcomers warmly and to establish friendly, enjoyable relationships so that new members form a strong sense of belonging.  

  • Promote feedback and sharing of ideas through customer satisfaction surveys and other means.

• Plan, coordinate, and lead the annual rechartering process.

  • Prepare registration papers and an annual report to the chartered organization. Secure signatures and registration fees for the coming year. 

  • Arrange for the annual membership inventory and the annual charter review meeting. 

  • With the chartered organization representative, submit a charter application and annual report to the chartered organization for approval. 

  • Along with the Cubmaster and pack committee, see that eligible Scouts transition to the next rank at the appropriate time, and that Webelos Scouts and parents/guardians have a smooth transition into a Scouts Scout troop. 7. Along with the Cubmaster, follow up on former pack members who are now Scouts and recruit them as potential den chiefs.

Commitment – 1-3 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership. 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org. Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose – responsible for educating, motivating, evaluating, and expanding the usage of the religious emblem programs

Key responsibilities:

• Encourage all youth to earn the emblem of their faith

• Promote religious emblems usage like BSA promotes other youth advancement

• Establish goals and track the number of religious emblems to be completed every year

• Reinforce BSA values through religious emblems

• Improve relationships with religious chartered partners

• Establish relationships with potential Religious partners

• Become familiar with the REC position, rationale, and responsibilities

• Gather promotional resources on Religious Emblems

• Make your Plan of Work: set goals, recruit presenters, schedule presentations

• Stay Connected: sign up for email updates and spread the word!

Baden-Powell stated, "No person is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion….Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and Serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbor."  (Scouting For Scouts, 1908)

Commitment – 1-3 hours monthly during school year. 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support: National Catholic Committee on Scouting, Pray Pub Org 

Uniform is required for this role. This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: National Catholic Committee on Scouting, Youth Protection Training, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org. Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose - The advancement chair helps scouts move through the ranks of Cub Scouting and transition into a Scouts Scout troop. The advancement chair will:

Key responsibilities- 

• Have a working knowledge of the Cub Scout advancement plan.

• Help plan and conduct induction and advancement recognition ceremonies, coordinating as needed with the den leader or Cubmaster.

• Educate parents, guardians, and pack committee members in ways to stimulate Cub Scout advancement.

• Promote the use of Scoutbook.com to recognize and record advancement in the den.

• Collect den advancement reports at pack leaders’ meetings for use when ordering badges and insignia from the local council service center.

• Promote Scouts' Life magazine as an aid to advancement.

• Help build or obtain advancement equipment for use in making advancement ceremonies more effective.

• Purchase awards and other supplies from scout shop.

• Promote the wearing and proper use of uniform and insignia.

Commitment – 1-3 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership. 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org. Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose – Organize and lead popcorn fundraiser.

Key responsibilities:

Organizes and leads the Popcorn Committee.

• Stays informed of Council and District information by attending council of the sale and communicates that to the unit.

• With the Unit Committee ...

• Set a unit sales goal to fund the Pack’s annual budget. 

•  Set a per Scout goal - $350 per Scout is attainable or fill up one Take Order form  

• Helps decide on the quantity of Show-N-Sell popcorn to order. 

• Help decide on unit incentives to encourage Scouts, ex: Scout prize program, Den/Patrol Award, free unit dues or camping trips, etc. 

• Ensures key popcorn dates are on the Pack’s calendar. 

• With the Kernel assistant, schedule and promotes a Unit Popcorn Kickoff. 

• Either designates a Show-N-Sell assistant or schedule sales at store fronts in the community.

• Either designates a Kick-Off assistant or leads a unit popcorn Kick Off.

• Locates one or two volunteers to be Pickup and Distribution assistant.

• Store popcorn in a climate-controlled area. 

• Manage Inventory and audit regularly to make sure product matches with spreadsheet.

• For Show-N-Sell Popcorn: 

  • Either designate a Show N Sell Pick-Up assistant or arrange with volunteer(s) to pick up at distribution warehouse(s).

  • Complete order for Show and Sell and submit before deadline.

  •  Decide how and where Show-N-Sell popcorn will be stored and how it will be “checked-out” for days on sale. 

• For Take Order Popcorn: 

  • Collect all popcorn order forms and prize selection from Scouts. 

  • Collect all money due from each Scout. 

  • Calculate amount of Take Order popcorn to be ordered and complete in spreadsheet.

• Complete prize incentive order in Trail’s End System.

• Collaborate with Treasurer to make sure every scout is credited for their pack dues

• Make payment (or Committee Chair and/or Treasurer) of funds due to Council by the deadline.

Commitment - 10 hours monthly from August through December, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership. 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Training: Youth Protection Training, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.   Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose - Lead a Den (small group) of Scouts.

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful part of the pack.

• Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the assistant den leader and den chief (if Wolf, Bear, or Webelos den leaders) or adult partners (if Lion or Tiger Cub den leaders).

• Attend the pack leaders’ meetings.

• Lead the den at the monthly pack activity.

• Ensure the transition of Cub Scouts to a den of the next rank (or to a Scouts Scout troop if Webelos Scouts) at the end of 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.

• Provide meaningful responsibilities for the denner and assistant denner so that they can learn responsibility and gain satisfaction from their efforts

Tiger & Lion den leaders should do the following.

• Coordinate shared leadership among the Tiger Cub adult partners in the den.

• Ensure that each Tiger Cub and his adult partner have the opportunity to be the host team, planning and executing the den activities, rotating responsibilities monthly.

Commitment - 4-10 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership.

• 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, the Webelos Leader Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role. This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.  Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.

Primary Purpose - This position helps the scouts develop a love for the outdoors. Specifically, the outdoor activity chair will:

Key responsibilities:

• Help the Cubmaster plan and arrange for outdoor activities.

• Arrange for property, fire, and tour permits when required.

• Arrange for safe transportation when needed.

• Plan first aid for emergencies.

• Help Webelos den leaders plan overnight campouts. Help arrange for equipment as needed.

• Arrange for Safe Swim Defense implementation for all outings involving swimming.

• 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) 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.

• 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.

Commitment – 1-3 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership. 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, Introduction to Cub Scout Outdoor Program, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org. Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) Training. Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.  

Primary Purpose: This position keeps pack activities visible to the public, as well as to the families of the pack.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and promote pack service projects in the chartered organization, school, and community.

• Promote family participation in all pack events.

• Urge pack participation in appropriate programs of the chartered organization. Suggest ways of showing interest in the chartered organization’s overall program.

• Publicize and promote pack participation in Scouting Anniversary Week activities.

• Circulate Cub Scout recruiting fliers and brochures to invite scouts to join. Along with the pack committee, promote new membership. Let the people in the neighborhood know that a Cub Scout pack is available.

• Consider using a monthly or quarterly pack newsletter to inform families of pack plans, guide new parents and guardians in pack policies, and create a feeling of unity among members of the pack family.

• Provide pack announcements for regular release in the official bulletins, newsletters, Web sites, etc., of your chartered organization.

• Make use of the news media in publicizing pack events.

• Update the Pack website as needed

Commitment – 1-3 hours monthly during school year, varies according to ability to recruit volunteers and delegate to established leadership. 2 years in role as well as be a resource for your replacement 

Support Monthly District Round Table meetings are packed with further resources.  Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide, and Scouting.org should also be used. 

Uniform is required for this role.  This position can be used towards earning a Leader Knot.

Training: Youth Protection Training, This Is Scouting, and Pack Committee Training are available online at myscouting.org.   Additionally, University of Scouting offers courses on advancements and other award opportunities.