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	Pack 97 Bylaws Back to Table of Contents Activities and Events The Pack leadership will provide a calendar of events at the beginning of each Scout year Prohibited items at Pack functions: Electronic items such as music players, hand held games, radios, etc. (except cell phones – for the express purpose of talking to their parents) Knives without having earned a “whittlers chip” or card – Bear or older to be eligible & parental consent. Only adults will be allowed to use sharp tools such as saws, hatchets, axes and the like. Rolling shoes or toys - including but not limited to "heelies", rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters. Previously mentioned adult items (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons). Prohibited items will be confiscated and returned to parents at the end of the event. Pack Camping Trips Camping is an integral part of the Scouting program and is not considered optional. Boys who do not attend campouts will miss out on some of the best learning opportunities during the program year. Lessons of self-reliance, responsibility & leadership take hold quickly, away from the distractions of every day life. Boys develop a sense of camaraderie and build memories that will last a lifetime. As stated previously, the Pack tries to hold several campouts during the warmer months (September, October, November, March, April, May & June). A parent or guardian must accompany Cub Scouts during every campout. Family participation is encouraged. Nearly every camping event will include advancement opportunities or training in basic Scout skills, which may count toward rank advancement and other awards. Our camping program will include activities & events that are appropriate for 1st through 5th grade boys. These may include, but are not limited to: day-hikes; bicycling; field games; cooking with parents; compass courses; campfire programs & skits; songs, etc. Backpacking, mountain climbing, rappelling, whitewater rafting, etc. are not age-appropriate events as defined by BSA guidelines. There will be plenty of time for high-adventure activities once the boys graduate to the Boy Scout program. It is nearly impossible to schedule pack events where they do not conflict with soccer, baseball, basketball, karate, piano recitals, etc. The Pack Leadership Committee will attempt to pick weekends that are most appropriate based on school, district and council calendars. If a boy has a scheduling conflict for part of a “local event” weekend, he should plan on attending as much of the event as possible once the conflicting event is complete. (In other words, a 2 - hour game should not keep a boy out of an entire 2-day long campout.) The pack will consider camping at any facility that complies with BSA policies and the BSA publication “Guide to Safe Scouting”. This means that we will use private land, private campgrounds, and public parks in addition to BSA-owned property to fulfill our outdoor program objectives. At times, amenities such as showers and hot running water may be unobtainable. As previously stated electronic entertainment equipment (EEE) will not be allowed by anyone on camping trips (iPods, radios, hand-held electronic games, laser pointers, etc.) The boys and parents have plenty of time for these gadgets at home. They need to forget about these distractions and focus on having fun & learning outdoors Electronics that serve a specific utility purpose are permitted (weather radios, cell phones, medical equipment, 2 - way radios, GPS units, etc.) Equipment requirements & suggested packing lists may be obtained from the pack leaders. Specific safety regulations will be addressed in a separate document (Pack 97 Camping Guidelines). Any new, non-established camping facility must be visited, inspected and approved by two or more representatives of the pack before an event can use that facility to ensure it is safe, clean and appropriate. Cub Scout expenses for camping (fees, food, registration, etc.) are normally covered by Pack 97's budget (the dues parents pay). Parents (required) and siblings (welcome) will have an extra fee to attend - normally from $10 to $15 which covers fees, food, registration for the whole event. Pack 97 aspires to be as GREEN as possible! We will not purchase plates, cups and plastic ware for overnight camping. We have found in the past that this promotes an excessive amount of waste and feel that it does not coincide with “Leave No Trace” and “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” as we are taught and required to practice in scouting. Each person who attends a pack scheduled camping trip will be required to bring their own “mess kit” or dinnerware consisting of at least, one spoon, one fork, one knife, one plate and one cup. These items can be purchased at any camping outlet store, Wal-mart, Target, etc. Adults who drink coffee will also be required to bring their own coffee cup/mug. Washing stations will be available after each meal. Council Events Several times during the year, the local Boy Scouts Council (Central Council) will hold "Council Events" - these are usually camping events at Camp Barnhardt and are open to Packs or individual families. Pack 97 will endeavor to incorporate these Council events into our calendar and be supportive of our Council by attending these events as a pack. However, there may be times when the Pack leadership chooses not to attend an event. Other Events & Extra Fees Some extraordinary events - long distance, special events, - such as a spend the night at the Myrtle Beach Aquarium, a spend the night to the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown, Winter Snow Skiing trip to West Virginia etc. may require additional costs for each participant and will usually have to be paid in advance for reservations and therefore non-refundable.