New to Pack 160, or just need a refresher? Here are the questions we hear most often from families. Still stuck? Use the email button at the bottom and we will get back to you.
About Pack 160
What is the difference between Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts?
Within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), our younger scouts (K-5) are in the Cub Scouts. Fifth grade scouts officially cross over to the BSA Troop in February to join the older scouts, up to 18 years old.
What is Pack 160?
Pack 160 is the K-5 Cub Scout group chartered by the White Meadow Lake POA. While the majority of our members attend Stony Brook and Dwyer elementary schools, we welcome boys and girls in and out of Rockaway Township.
Pack 147 is another local pack, chartered by the Presbyterian Church in Rockaway Boro, that primarily serves children from DBO, KDM and Birchwood. Scouts are welcome to join whichever pack best suits their family.
What are dens?
Dens are grade-level groups:
- Lion - Kindergarten (Lee Ann Rivera)
- Tiger - 1st Grade (Stephen Christie and Frank Duba)
- Wolf - 2nd Grade (Lee Ann Rivera and Erik Rivera)
- Bear - 3rd Grade (Chris and Lindsay Kramer)
- Webelos and Arrow of Light - 4th and 5th Grade (Drew Buxbaum and Shannon Matlaga)
Dens typically meet once or twice per month.
Meetings
What is the difference between Pack Meetings and Den Meetings?
Den meetings are grade-level meetings where scouts complete activities that earn badges.
Pack meetings bring all K-5 dens together to recognize scouting awards. Pack 160 meets the 2nd Thursday of the month in the Clubhouse.
The first pack meeting your child attends will be a special one - the first award is given by a parent or guardian, and you will learn a special handshake used by the scouts.
Do parents come to the meetings?
In the Lion and Tiger dens, a parent or adult partner must be present and available to assist their scout during activities such as crafts.
We are a family pack and encourage parents and adult partners to stay with their children in the older dens as well, especially for larger dens.
Can siblings attend?
Younger siblings are affectionately known as the Dragon Den, because they are always dragged along.
If siblings tag along they must always be supervised, and should not distract the scouts from their activity.
Uniforms
What is the uniform requirement?
Class A uniforms are the formal collared shirts, plus neckerchief and slide. Hats are optional. Class A is expected at all meetings and events including den meetings, pack meetings, parades, popcorn sales, and volunteer events where a visible presence matters.
Class B uniforms are t-shirts and sweatshirts that say Pack 160. Class B is an option for active events such as hikes.
Contact Lee Ann Rivera to donate a uniform, or to see what donated Class A or Class B uniforms are available.
Where do I get a uniform?
Online: scoutshop.org
In store: 1 Saddlebrook Rd., Cedar Knolls
A few things worth knowing:
- The collared shirt is the main part of the Class A uniform.
- The neckerchief shows the den, by grade level.
- Neckerchief slides are part of the uniform and can fall off if not secure. If you are saving costs, nobody will be looking for the slide.
- Den hats are optional.
- The store can sell a uniform with patches attached or bare. Shirts bought online will not have patches attached.
- Your first badge should say Patriots' Path Council.
Speak with your den leader if a book is required for your den.
Getting Involved
Who is who?
- Drew Buxbaum - Cubmaster
- Chris Kramer - Assistant Cubmaster
- Lee Ann Rivera - Committee Chair
How can I become more involved?
All are welcome to join the virtual Parent Volunteer Meetings on the 4th Thursday of the month.
I want to help, but I have limited availability. Is there anything small I can do?
Yes. Speak with a leader and share any skills, talents or preferences you have - there is almost always something that fits.
Staying Connected
How do I keep up with what is happening?
- Facebook: Pack 160 Facebook Group
- Instagram: cub.scouts.pack.160wml
- GroupMe: Join the Pack 160 GroupMe (requires approval to join)
- Calendar: Pack 160 Calendar
How does Pack 160 fit into scouting overall?
- Den - by grade level
- Pack 160 - White Meadow Lake and beyond
- Fishawack District - Eastern Morris County
- Patriots' Path Council - Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Union counties
Special Events
Camporee (Fall and Spring)
A camporee is a pack camping trip. Details and packing lists are shared ahead of each one.
Pinewood Derby (January)
Scouts design a car from a wooden block and race it. Cars are handed out at the December pack meeting, where scouts get a chance to start shaping them. Scouts then paint and finish their cars at home so they are ready to race.
Blue and Gold Banquet (February)
This is the Arrow of Light moving-up ceremony, as our 5th graders cross over to the older Boy Scout Troop. All dens are welcome to support our AOL scouts at this dinner. There is no fee to attend.
Raingutter Regatta (June)
Scouts build a model sailboat from a kit. Boats are handed out at the May pack meeting, where scouts start shaping them, then finish them at home. At the June pack meeting scouts race their boats on an inflatable track.