The Cub Scout Uniform

Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show uniforming to have many benefits, including these:

• Equality. The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Boys from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.
• Identification. The uniform identifies a boy as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire community.
• Achievement. The uniform displays badges and other awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be immediately recognized.
• Commitment. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.

For these reasons, among others, all parents should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions.

Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scouts

The Cub Scout uniform consists of the following parts:

• Shirt—The official uniform shirt is available with long or short sleeves and has button-flap pockets and "Boy Scouts of America" lettered in gold above the right pocket.
• Trousers or shorts—Official blue.
• Belt—Official navy-blue web belt with metal buckle and Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout emblem.
• Socks—Official socks are available in three lengths: ankle, crew, and knee. Tiger Cub socks are navy blue with orange tops; Cub Scout socks are navy blue with gold (yellow) tops.
• Cap—Official navy-blue cap with orange front panel and tiger cub emblem for Tiger Cubs, yellow panel and wolf emblem for Wolf Cub Scouts, blue panel and bear emblem for Bear Cub Scouts. Webelos Scouts wear an olive cap with a plain panel bearing the Webelos logo.
• Neckerchief—Triangular neckerchief is orange with navy-blue trim for Tiger Cubs, gold with navy-blue trim for Wolf Cub Scouts, light blue with navy-blue trim for Bear Cub Scouts, and plaid for Webelos Scouts. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the only neckerchiefs boys should wear. Packs should not make their own pack neckerchiefs for boys.
• Neckerchief slide—Official gold-tone metal slide with the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos logo. Boys may wear handmade neckerchief slides.

Webelos Scouts

Webelos Scouts may choose to wear either the blue Webelos uniform based on the Cub Scout uniform or the tan/olive uniform similar to the one Boy Scouts wear.

For the tan/olive uniform, boys wear the official Boy Scout olive trousers or shorts and official Boy Scout tan long- or short-sleeved shirt with blue shoulder loops. Official blue socks (with gold tops) are worn with the blue uniform, and official olive socks (with red tops) are worn with the tan/olive uniform.

With either uniform, all Webelos Scouts wear the Webelos neckerchief (plaid with the Webelos emblem), Webelos neckerchief slide (handmade slides are also acceptable), Webelos cap, and Webelos belt buckle.

Note that the Webelos belt buckle will fit either the blue or the olive belt, but the belt loop recognitions for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program fit only on the blue web belt.

Badges and Insignia

When a boy first joins Cub Scouting, his uniform will display only those badges that identify his status: the World Crest, which shows him to be a member of the worldwide Scouting movement; the national flag; his council strip; his pack number; and his den number. As he progresses, the Cub Scout will earn badges, pins, medals, and other insignia that tell of his accomplishments in Scouting. These items should be added to the uniform only after they have been earned.

For guidance on the proper placement of all badges and insignia, see the BSA's Uniform and Insignia Guide (No. 33066, available at your local council service center) or download the uniform inspection sheet from the forms page.

Wearing the Uniform

In general, every Cub Scout should wear his uniform to all Cub Scouting activities, including den and pack meetings, unit outings, and any activities done with members of the den or pack. When playing sports, going to camp, or participating in other physical activities, a pack may opt to have the Cub Scouts wear an alternate uniform, such as an activity shirt. Pack leaders should provide advance notice of any occasion when the boys should wear anything other than the complete uniform.

Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:

• DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The official uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last for years with proper care.
• DO be sure to wear the complete uniform. A Cub Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.
• DO NOT wear non-BSA badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.
• DO NOT mix uniform parts with non-uniform clothing, such as wearing a uniform cap with other clothing or wearing the uniform shirt with blue jeans. The uniform should be treated as a unit—worn in its entirety, or not at all.

Any time you are uncertain about uniform regulations, ask the den leader for guidance.

The Cubmaster will be doing uniform inspections as Pack meetings, so please have your uniforms purchased and the badges and insignia in the proper locations.

<a href="http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34282.pdf" target="new">Uniform Inspection Sheet/Badge Placement for Tigers, Wolfs, Bears</a>

<a href="http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34635.pdf" target="new">Uniform Inspection Sheet/Badge Placement for Webelos</a>

Cubmnaster - Buzz Kleinert
Asst. Cubmaster - TBD
Committee Chairman - Sean Wallace
Asst. Comm. Chair - TBD
Web II Den Leader - Micheal That
Web II Asst. Den Leader - Robert Hutcheson
Web 1 Co-Den Leader - Charlie Michaelis
Web 1 Co-Den Leader - Greg Linn
Bear  Den Leader - Curtis Beckett 
Bear  Asst. Den Leader - John Odendahl
Wolf  Den Leader  -  Rob Bramhall
Wolf Assnt. Den Ldr. - Joe Forkey
Tiger Den Leader - TBD
Tiger Assnt. Den Ldr. - TBD
Popcorn Kernel -Chrissy Bramhall
Finance - Brian Sulka
Big Trip - Joe Forkey
Pinewood Derby - Brian Sulka
Communications - Sean Wallace/Julie DePieto/Chrissy Bramhall
Quartermaster - Steve Witt/Michael Hutcheson
Camping co-chairs - Steve Witt./Michael Hutcheson
Outings Coord. - Julie DiPietro
Re-Charter/Recruit - Tom Radford
Blue & Gold/Crossover -Jim Jones
Advancement Chair - Andy Press
Training - TBD
Volunteer Coord. - Chrissy Bramhall
Website - Robert Bramhall/Chrissy Bramhall
Photographer - Julie DiPietro
Uniform Closet - Mike Hankinson

Pack Photos

Fall campout 2009

Mother Son Dance 2009 Part 1

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful events in Cub Scouting.  Every year, millions of Cub Scouts and their parents team up to participate in a pinewood derby event in cities all over the country.  They take great pride in creating and racing their cars.  This partnership of parent and son has become a symbol of the event’s success.

Like all successful activities, participation in the Pinewood Derby requires planning and preparation, but its value in fun and strengthening family relationships has been proven over the years.  Racing requires participants to learn two main things: the craft skills necessary to make your car and the rules that must be followed.  

Pinewood Derby Race Car Specifications
We handed out Pinewood Derby cars at the pack meeting on Monday 12/6.  If you didn't make the meeting, please pick one up from your den leader.  All cars must pass inspection on Friday, January 7, between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm in the Old Chapel of John’s Creek United Methodist Church.  The inspection points are as follows:

• The car must have been made for this year’s race.  Car’s that were previously entered are not eligible.
• Car must be made from an official BSA “Cub Scout Pinewood Derby  Kit”.  (not “pinewood car” kit for example)
• The overall width of the car (including the wheels) shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.  The wood block where the axles are to be inserted should be approximately 1-3/4” wide to ensure that the wheels will fit over the guide strip on the track.
• The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7-1/8” inches.
• The overall height of the car shall not exceed 6”.
• The wheel base (distance between the centers of the front and rear axles) shall measure between 4-1/4” and 4-5/8”.
• The car shall have a minimum bottom clearance of 3/8” so as to prevent the car from scraping the track guide.
• The weight of the car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.  Weight is the single most important factor in the car’s speed.  The car may be hollowed out or weights added to achieve this maximum weight.  (HINT: It may be wise to allow your car’s weight to be adjusted by approximately 1/10 oz., to allow for final adjustments at pre-race weigh-in. This can be done through the addition or removal of accessible, applied weights…).
• VERY IMPORTANT!!  - ONLY THE AXLES, WHEELS, AND BODY WOOD PROVIDED IN THE KIT ISSUED TO YOU BY THE PACK CAN BE USED.  Cars made using axles, wheels and/or body wood from any kit or source other than the official kit issued by the Pack will be disqualified. For example, nail type axels only, across the body axels will not be accepted.
• The car must have four (4) wheels on the ground.
• The wheels must not be modified in size or profile beyond removing any minor manufacturing defects.  For example, no drilling holes in wheels.  
• Wheels can be sanded to remove surface imperfections, but the treads must be left flat.  Wheel treads that have either been sanded/filed so as to “round” off the wheel or create a “knifelike edge” on which the wheel runs are unacceptable.  The width or diameter of the wheels may not be altered.
• Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.
• Wheel covers, hub caps, or wheel stickers cannot be used.
• The car shall not ride on any type of springs.
• Any details (i.e. driver, roll bars, exhaust pipes, etc.) added must be within length, width and weight limitations defined above.
• The leading edge of the car must be centered and shall not exceed 1” above the track, to allow the car to properly align with the starting peg.  No part of the car can extend beyond the contact side of the peg. For example, if the front bumper of your car is concave, you must have something in the middle to rest against the starting peg.  
• The car must be freewheeling with no starting or propulsion devices (such as adhesives, magnets, rubber bands, etc.).
• No loose materials of any kind are allowed on or in the car.  No mercury-weighted cars will be allowed.
• The car must have the Cub Scout’s first and last name and Den No. as well as Rank clearly written on the bottom on the bottom of the car.
• Dry powdered graphite can be used to lubricate the axels prior to check in.  NO OTHER LUBRICANTS ARE ALLOWED.
• The judges’ rulings are final.

At the inspection, Race Officials will conduct two inspections of each car.  The first inspection will be a Preliminary Inspection.  Following the Preliminary Inspection, Race Officials will return the car to the participant who will have an opportunity to: 1) test his car on the track; and, 2) make any adjustments that may be necessary before submitting his car for the Final Inspection and Registration For Race.  When a Cub Scout submits his car for it’s Final Inspection, he will be given a Registration Card which will include the “official number” assigned to your car.  Following the Final Inspection, the Race Officials will impound your car until after the completion of the race.  Once the car is submitted for Final Inspection, the Cub Scout is not allowed to have any contact with the car until after the race.

Pack 143 Pinewood Derby Race For Cub Scouts

Pack 143’s Pinewood Derby Race is scheduled to start at 9:00 AM on Saturday, January 8 in the Old Chapel of John’s Creek United Methodist Church.  The race is run in “heats”.  Each “heat” will include four cars, starting by gravity from a standstill on track and run down a ramp to the finish line.  The track is an inclined ramp divided into 4 lanes.

Each car will race in a total of four heats.  Each car will race in a separate lane in each heat.  The heats are randomly determined by the computer.  The Race Officials will use care to place all cars on the race track starting line in a consistent manner.  Participants and Spectators are not allowed to comment, contest or otherwise complain about the placement of a race car on the starting line.  The overall time for each car will be used to determine the overall finish for each car.  Awards that the Cub Scouts are competing for are discussed below.

Pack 143 Pinewood Derby Race For Siblings:

We will also facilitate a separate division for Scout’s siblings who wish to build and race their own car.  Pinewood Derby Car kits will be available for sale ($5.00 per kit) and can be purchased online at Scoutstuff.org (http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=CRAFTS&c3=DERBIES&c4=&lv=3&item=17006) or at the Scout store.  Stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby may also carry the car kit but make sure it is the The BSA®'s official Pinewood Derby® car kit .  The same rules regulations will apply to the Sibling race.

A Few Reminders

First, the “Pits” are closed during the race.  In the interests of fairness to all participants, NO repairs will be allowed to be made to any car that loses any parts during the race regardless of circumstances.  The only people who are allowed to handle the cars during the race are the Race Officials.  Cub Scouts will be called to the starting line when it is time for their car to race.   The Race Officials will attempt to run every car for all four heats regardless of condition. (HINT – PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE WHEELS ON YOUR CAR ARE SECURELY ATTACHED AND THAT YOUR CAR IS DURABLE.)  

Second, if a failure of the track equipment is noted by the Race Officials, they may, at their discretion, elect to re-run a heat.

Finally, all participants and spectators must remain behind the ropes at all times.  In the interest of time, parents wishing to take a photograph of their son with their car at the starting line should do so quickly and from the designated “picture taking spot”.  After you’ve taken your photo, it is requested that you return to your seat so that the next parent wishing to take a picture can do so without having to elbow their way through the crowd.

Awards

Cub Scouts will compete for the following awards this year:
•    Fastest Cars Overall Pack – First, Second and Third Place Finishers
•    Fastest Cars By Rank  - First, Second and Third Place Finishers (Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelo1 and Webelo 2).  

Prizes will be awarded for the winning entry, as determined by our panel of judges, for the following:
•    Most “Scoutlike” (this is the car that most celebrates Scouting)
•    Most Original Design
•    Best Of Show
•    Most “Race Car Like”
•    Most Patriotic
•    Best “Paint Job”

Coaching Hints For Parents

•    Help your son plan a schedule to prevent a last-minute project and allow time for him to do his best.
•    Help your son understand the rules and specifications found in the kit and any rules developed by the Pack.
•    As your son chooses his favorite design, help him trace it on the block of wood from the kit.
•    Guide him in the use of tools in the shaping of the model and encourage him to sandpaper the model to a smooth finish
•    Help your son feel that this is a joint project, with him doing much of the work.
•    Help your son to understand that “doing your best” is as important as having the fastest model.
•    Help your son feel a sense of pride and satisfaction when the model and race are finished.  Share it with your son.  You have both earned it.
•    Spending time with your son helping him “do his best” will be remembered by both of you long after the race is finished.

There is also a third part to competition that is very important – SPORTSMANSHIP.  This has to do with how you act and behave while participating in the derby.

Sportsmanship

The first thing to remember about sportsmanship is that everyone’s skills are a little different.  Some people are better than others at certain skills.  You may be good at one thing but not as good at another.  This doesn’t mean that you are a good person one time and not good at another.  You can always be a good person, whether or not you have good skills for racing.  Remember, you and your friends are individuals first and racers second.  This idea is sometimes called having respect for others.

The second thing to remember is to follow the rules.  Without rules, there would be no pinewood derby.  You will never know if you are really good at doing something if you don’t follow the rules.  This is sometimes called being fair and being honest.

The third thing to remember about good sportsmanship is that there are winners and losers in every competition.  You know this when you choose to compete.  There are times that you will win and be happy, and times when you will lose and be unhappy.  Being a winner is easy, but being a loser is sometimes hard.   To be a good sportsman, you must be able to say “ I did my best” and be satisfied with the results.  To be a good winner means to show respect for all other participants regardless of what place they may have finished in.

Finally, have fun!