Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three membership divisions; the others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.

Cub Scouting means "doing." Everything in Cub Scouting is designed to have the boys doing things. Activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness.

Take this Seriously! This year, all Scout Leaders who have direct contact with any youth member of the Boy Scouts of America or Cub Scouts has to complete leader training.  Failure for Troops and Pack to comply with the BSA training initiative can have dire consequences for the Troop or Pack.  To put it simply, if a registered leader within Pack 286 does not meet this training requirement by the time we have to recharter for 2011, they cannot continue in a leadership position until they meet the new requirement.

There are a series of online course that all leaders are required to take.  The District Training committee conducts the training for Leader Essentials, generally on a Saturday morning and afternoon.  You can also get this training from one of the other districts in our area.  You need to make certain that any Course completion cards that you earn are turned into us so that we can relay them to our District Training Committee and get you credit for the courses.  Not doing so is considered as if you never took the course by the District and Region training Committees.

Taut-Line Hitch

(ABOK # 1734, p 298)

In Ashley’s Book of Knots (ABOK) this knot is known as an alternative version of the Rolling Hitch.  It is also referred to as the Mariner’s Hitch, as it is the only knot that you are recommended to use in the event that you suffer the misfortune of falling overboard while sailing, and had the good sense to have a line trailing your boat.  Unlike the Bowline Knot (often used for rescue work), it can be tied while under a load, making it an excellent knot for rescue work as well.  When tied correctly, you can slide the knot by moving the knot itself, but under a load, it will not slip.

This knot can be used to set up tent stake lines, or set up any taut line used in a campground.  It is easy to adjust and can be tied and untied easily while under a load, but is considered relatively secure.

For more information on knots, visit Knots Knut.