What Does the Cub Scout Pack Committee Do?

You’ve probably wondered what your Pack Committee does. You know you have a Cubmaster, and you assume that he or she is in charge of the pack. I think of the Cubmaster as the “face” of the pack.  He or she interacts with the Scouts and runs the pack meetings. The Cubmaster is also a member of the Pack Committee in most units.

But the Cubmaster can’t do everything alone. In addition to ensuring that there is a solid pack program, there are many administrative tasks that must be done to make a good pack. That’s where the Pack Committee steps in. 

According to the Boy Scouts of America, the Pack Committee responsibilities include:

• Recruit the Cubmaster and one or more assistant Cubmasters, with the chartered organization’s approval.
• Coordinate the pack’s program and the chartered organization’s program through the chartered organization representative.
• Complete the pack annual charter renewal.
• Help stimulate the interest of adult family members through proper programming.
• Supervise finances and equipment.
• Actively assist the pack committee chair and Cubmaster.
• Ensure that all Cub Scouts receive a quality program.
• Complete leader position-specific training.
• Conduct, with the help of the Cubmaster, periodic training for parents and guardians using the Unit Leadership Enhancements found in the Cub Scout Leader Book.

A Pack Committee must have at least 3 members–a chairperson, a secretary and a treasurer.  However, it’s better to have more people involved. This keeps the chair, secretary and treasurer from having too many responsibilities. Since Cub Scouting is a family activity, we try to get all of our families involved at the pack level in some capacity.

Some of the other committee roles are:

• Advancement Chair – Manages the advancement & awards of the Scouts. Helps plan and conduct awards ceremonies. Collects, compiles and stores advancement records. Purchases awards to be given to the Cub Scouts.
• Outdoor Activity Chair – Assists Cubmaster in planning and executing outdoor activities. Ensures that a properly trained adult is in attendance at any outdoor activity. Knows and carries out the BSA outdoor program policy.
• Membership and Registration Chair – Assists with recruitment activities including collection of membership applications and medical forms. Manages the pack’s recharter process.
• Fundraising Chair – Manages the pack’s fundraising efforts.
• Public Relations Chair – Ensures that the pack’s activities are visible to the public.

In our pack, we ask parents to head up some of our larger events such as the Pinewood Derby and the Blue & Gold Banquet. Parents who may not be able to commit to an ongoing role can manage these short-term projects. This alleviates a burden for the pack committee.

If you aren’t already involved at the pack level, ask your den leader or Pack Committee chair how you can help. Believe me, they will appreciate your willingness!

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S. If this description of the pack committee was useful, sign up below for more Cub Scout information!