Welcome to Pack 53 Cub Scouts

An Introduction to the Cub Program at Pack 53

Den: a small group (6-7) boys usually of the same age group working on activities towards Rank. The Den meets once a week in the home of the Den Leader.

Rank: A level of achievement based on age and earned by completing required activities either as part of the Den Meeting or at home with a family member. Second graders = Wolf; third graders = Bear; Fourth and Fifth graders = Webelos. Bobcat rank must be earned by all Cubs before going on to any other rank. Tigers are first graders and they meet at different 'Tiger Homes' during the scouting year.

Pack: All the Dens and their family members get together at a monthly meeting for special activities and awards. The Pack Meetings are lead by our Cubmaster Russell Young.

Connecticut Rivers Council : A specific geographic area of Connecticut which has its offices in East Hartford. The council is divided into Districts. Pack 53 is part of Algonquin District.

Pack Activities

Fund Raiser: Every Organization must have money in order to operate. We earn our money through a Fund Raiser by the direct sale of a product. Cubs are asked to sell to family, friends, and neighbors. Mom and Dad can help by taking the Fund Raiser to work. There is a minimum level of sales which helps to meet the cost of badges, activity pins, special events, Pack Trip, prizes and the Blue and Gold Banquet. If the minimum is not met, the family will be required to pay the minimum profit that would have been realized from the fund raiser.

Bottle Drive: this is a continuous Den activity beginning in October and ending in April. It encourages recycling and helping the environment while earning some additional dollars which has traditionally helped with the cost of the coach bus for the Pack Trip. The Den with the highest contribution earns a special treat (such as a movie and pizza).

Scouting for Food: Is the annual food collection which helps the local food banks. Cubs will be given special collection bags which they give out to friends and family for donations of nonperishable food items. Family helpers with vans or truck are needed to transport the Pack's collection to the collection site.

Christmas Party: This is the only time when just the Cubs attend a Pack meeting. A committee of families help put together a holiday party for the Cubs. The Den Leaders provide a special activity.

Toys for Tots: This is a chance for 'kids to help kids.' Parents are asked to pay the boys for good turns (doing dishes, lawn or other tasks). The money earned is then used to purchase a new toy that is donated to the Toys for Tots program. If sufficient tickets are available, the whole Pack will attend the Symphony on Ice performance at the Hartford Civic Center on the first Saturday in December. The entrance fee is a ticket (provided by the Pack) and a new, unrapped toy (earned by the boy). Parents are invited if they have their own toy to donate.

Pinewood Derby: Cubs receive a derby car kit consisting of a block of wood, axles and wheels. They, with supervision and some help from Mom or Dad, shape and paint a race car. At the January Pack Meeting all the Cubs race their car on a special track. Trophies, medals, and ribbons are awarded. Best Boy Made and Most Original are two special awards given.

Blue & Gold Banquet: February is the anniversary of Scouting in America. It is like a birthday party and is celebrated by a family banquet and special awards ceremonies. Cubs who have sold the minimum amount in the Fund Raiser have earned their ticket to the Banquet. Family members purchase tickets for a nominal fee. A committee of families organize the event (site, menu, decorations).

Family Night: A new tradition was started last year. It's the parents turn to have fun and "put on the show".

Pack Trip: An all day event involving a bus trip to a special destination. The May trip has been to the Boston Museum of Science, Mystic Aquarium, Battleship Cove, the Maritime Museum and other places. Tell us your idea for a trip that is within the Pack’s budget.

Memorial Day Paradee: Cubs are required to march in the town's parade. The boys need to be in full uniform. Everyone gets a turn carrying the flags and banner. Refreshments for the marchers.

Committee Members

All the Den Leaders are committee members and assist in the decisions and plans of the program. Committee Chairman is John Rakoczy and the Den Leader Coach is Sharon Rakoczy. If you have any questions or concerns please call one of us (646-7858).

The Official Registration is held in September in the gym at 7pm. Please be prepared to pay your registration fee ($15) at that time. You may also subscribe to Boy's Life at that time ($9/yr. begins in January). See you then!

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