Our Pack was chartered in 1955 and has been in operation since that time. We offer a varied program to suit the needs and interests of all members while still fulfilling the Boy Scouts of America's mission. We use of the Scout method to achieve this mission.
Cub Scout Pack 456 is part of the Horse-Shoe Trail District of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council , Boy Scouts of America, and each Pack is actually "owned" by their sponsoring organization through a chartering agreement with the Boy Scouts of America. Trinity United Church of Christ, South Railroad and Pine Streets, Palmyra PA is the chartered partner of Boy Scout Troop 456.
Membership
Membership in Pack 456 is open to any boy between grades 1 and 5 or who is at least 6 years old but has not reached his 11th birthday. To join, a membership application must be completed and signed by one parent. Forms for medical history and insurance information must be filled out and there is a small membership cost of a few dollars which covers a subscription to Boy's Life, the Boy Scouts of America magazine for Scouts. Contact the Pack, or come to one of our Pack meetings, if you are interested in more information about joining a Scouting program.
Pack 456 supplies parents with a Pack Guidebook containing information that will help you enjoy your Scouting experience. The policies and procedures of the Boy Scouts of America, the local Pennsylvania Dutch Council, and our own Pack methods of operation and traditions are contained in the Guidebook.
Meetings
Regular Pack meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every Month from 6:45 to 8:00pm During the School year, with regular monthly outings planned during the summer holidays. Meetings are held in the fellowship hall of Trinity United Church of Christ, South Railroad and Pine Streets, Palmyra.
Pack Calendar
All the planned activities for the year are listed on our Pack calendar (found in our pack portal) prepared by our Pack Leadership at their annual planning meeting. Our calendar is prepared from accurate and available information at the time of our annual planning session. Any changes to the calendar will be announced at Pack meetings. Our monthly newsletter, the Smoke Signal, will contain the most up-to-date information if it is available far enough ahead of time, as will the online calendar.
Pack Organization
Pack 456 follows the Boy Scouts of America's plan, by being organized into "Dens". We have the following Dens:
Tiger Den - Boys in 1st Grade
Wolf Den - Boys in 2nd Grade
Bear Den - Boys in 3rd Grade
1st year Webelos Den - Boys in 4th Grade
2nd year Webelos Den - Boys in 5th Grade
Trained adults are present to facilitate and run the Den meetings and activities.
Activities
Boy Scouting is not just about having meetings and wearing uniforms. It is about doing things and learning about one's self and our world. Each year, the Leaders plan a variety of activities, including trips, campouts, hikes, meeting themes, and parties. After the year is outlined, each family receives a copy of the Pack calendar to use for planning the year.
Cub Scouts have a lot of fun outdoors. They also learn a lot about themselves and their world by being outdoors. It is a great place to build self-confidence while learning new skills. Their are also many advancement requirements based on outdoor activities. Pack 456 attempts to provide planned outdoor activities to satisfy the interests of all of the members. This includes summer camp, day hikes and outings and trips and family camping trips. All Scouts, in living the Oath and Promise, seek opportunities to provide service to others through Pack sponsored Service Projects for the community.
Parents are required to attend our regular outings, including overnight camping. Information and sign up sheets are always available at Pack meetings. Parents will tent with the other adults unless it is a specified parent-son campout. Parental permission slips are required for all activities.
Pack Committee
The Pack Committee provides support for the Cub Master, his Assistant, and Den Leaders in many ways. All parents are encouraged to join the Pack Committee. Meetings are held at 6:00 pm on the third Sunday of each month, except for the summer Break. They meet in the Library of the church and the meetings generally last one hour.
The chartering organization and the Boy Scouts of America approves adult leaders. These men and women are trained to use the Scouting program to bring out the best in each of the boys. They are interested in helping boys become men that will be assets to society. Adult leadership positions include the Cub Master, Assistant Cub Master, Den Leaders, and Assistant Den Leaders. All leaders must be over the age of 18 and registered with the Boy Scouts of America.