Fellow Scouters, Cub Scouts and Scout Parent,
If you are new to Pack 16, welcome to our Pack! If you are a returning parent, welcome back for another year of scouting fun and adventure! The attached information will help answer many questions about Cub Scouting in general and Pack 16 in particular. This information will make you an informed Scout Parent and help your son make the most of his Cub Scouting experience. I ask that you please take 5 minutes to carefully read this information, even if you are veteran of the Pack as the National Office has made changes to the Cub Scouting program overall.
To give you some background on the rationale of the changes, the BSA’s National Office started this process back in 2011 to ensure that the Cub Scout program stayed as dynamic and relevant to today’s youth and families as possible.
A task force was formed which included subcommittees focusing on the following program objectives– the aims of Scouting and two strong Scouting methods:
· Character Development
· Participatory Citizenship
· Personal Fitness
· Outdoor Skills and Awareness
· Leadership and Life Skills

NEW PROGRAM MODEL

The general structure of the new Cub Scout content is a series of “adventures,” which Cub Scouts (individually and as part of their den) will experience while working on their badge of rank. Once a Cub Scout has completed the seven core adventures, including one on “Duty to God”, he will have earned his rank. In addition to the adventures required for rank advancement, there are additional elective adventures that members of the den may earn. Each adventure is designed to take roughly three den meetings to implement, one of which may be an outing, ranging from attending a sporting event as a den, to taking a hike, to visiting a museum or going on a campout. At the conclusion of each adventure, a recognition device is awarded in the form of a belt loop which will replace the ones previously offered.
The new program also offers a series of elective adventures in addition to the adventures required for rank advancement. These electives are worked on as a Den only, not Individually, once rank has been met. This allows dens to create and customize a program for the interests of the boys in the den, as well as create the opportunity for a year-round Cub Scout program.
I for one am very excited about the changes and look forward to the many “ADVENTURES” we will experience together.
In addition to the program changes I am thrilled to announce some leadership additions and changes.
Pack 16 is very proud to announce that Scott Kuperman has volunteered to assume the Role of Tiger Den Leader. Mr. Kuperman is a seasoned veteran of the Pack Committee and dedicated Scouter and Scout Parent. We are lucky to have him in this new role.
Additionally, Mr. Jose Lopez has accepted the appointment as Pack Committee Chairman replacing Dr. Turban who has moved over to the Troop as Assistant Scoutmaster. Replacing Jose as Assistant Cubmaster will be Larry Levine who will function in this role in addition to being Bear Den Leader.
I am also pleased to announce that David Yung has stepped up to be an Assistant Den Leader for the Webelos in addition to continuing in his role as Pack Treasurer. We are thrilled to see him in uniform this year!
Last but certainly not least Chitra Maridi has also stepped up and will assume the role of Assistant Den Leader working with Larry Levine and the Bears. We look forward to the energy she will bring to the Pack as a uniformed leader.

As we had strong popcorn sales last year, the Pack registration fee will not be raised. As a reminder annual dues will be $88.00. There is an additional $12.00 charge for a subscription to Boys Life Magazine. Boys Life is not required but Highly Recommended. If you wish to include a subscription your son’s registration will then total $100.00.
If you are new to Pack 16, we have a special initiation rate of $125.00 which includes the following.
Your son’s Class B shirt
A subscription to Boys Life Magazine,
Non Uniform Pack Patch
Pack Unit Patch
Pack Car Magnet
Leather Uniform Totem
If your son is already a member of the Pack there is no need to fill out an application, simply return the required paperwork attached with appropriate payment by September 1, 2014. All checks should be made to “Pack 16”

PLEASE SEND YOUR SONS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS ASAP.
Mr. David Yung
5 Northfield Court
Livingston NJ 07039
PLEASE ALSO MAKE SURE TO DENOTE WHAT DEN RANK YOUR SON WILL BE THIS COMING YEAR.

Periodically your Den leaders or I will send important information via email. I know everyone is busy but it is important that you take a moment to carefully read all correspondences so that you are informed. Failure to do this will only result in confusion, delay, disappointment and frustration. Not to mention the additional work it will inevitably cause the leadership team. Keep in mind, all adult leaders are volunteers and work outside of their involvement in scouting. Please be respectful of their time and dedication.
Hopefully you have found value in and continue to visit and use our Packs Web-Site www.livingstonpack16.org. It is our intent to continue using this site as a convenient form of communication to you. Our plan is to keep it current with information regarding Den Schedules, Pack Schedules, Upcoming Events and Event Pictures. Please visit the site regularly.
The annual Pack Calendar is included with this packet, Please keep in mind that on occasion dates change and events are added. Please pay attention and read all announcements and check the website regularly. Den schedules will be published by your Den Leaders as soon as they get approval on meeting room space.
For the 4th year in a row, the Leadership Team and Pack Committee are very proud of having achieved the Gold Level in the “Journey to Excellence”. We are confident that the program put in place this year will once again allow us to maintain this high level of Unit Quality and recognition.
Please get involved and help all of our boys to have fun while learning.
As always we will “Do Our Best” and expect the same from each of you and you’re Scout(s).
Let’s have A GREAT YEAR WORKING TOGETHER!

Yours in the Fellowship of Scouting
Michael Smith
Cubmaster