Established in 1969, Pack 95 was formed to serve the students and families of Sacred Heart School and Parish. Our charter organization is the Sacred Heart Parish located at 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa. We are also part of the Raccoon River Valley district which is one of seven districts within the Mid-Iowa Council.
Scouting is a family affair. Parental participation is crucial. The Pack is what we, the parents, make it. Come grow with us and help us make a difference with our children.
Pack Meetings
The Pack meets the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) in the Sacred Heart Parish Center at 6:00; lasting approx. 1 hour. Schedule can vary depending on meeting space availability at Sacred Heart. See the Pack Calendar to verify dates and times. During the summer months we have fun summertime activities planned for the Scouts and their families to participate in.
The pack meetings provide opportunities for parents and families to be involved with their boys, and it is a chance to recognize boys, parents, and leaders.
The pack meeting is coordinated and led by the Cubmaster, with the help of other adult pack leaders. Each den has assigned duties at each meeting throughout the year.
The pack meeting is the pinnacle of the month’s den meetings and activities. The pack meeting program may include games, skits, songs, ceremonies, achievement recognition, announcements, exhibits of things the boys have made, presentations, stunts, and guest speakers.
Dens
A Den is made up of six to ten boys, meets 2 to 3 times a month for an hour. The Den is led by a Den Leader (a parent) and helped by one or more Assistant Den Leaders who are also parents. The weekly Den programs are designed around monthly themes supported by “Program Helps,” “Scouting Magazine,” Pack Committee Meetings, Council-sponsored leader meeting (Roundtables), and leader manuals (The Big Idea Book and Ethics in Action).
At Den meetings the boys will work on activities that develop their growth in accordance with the Mission of the Boy Scouts of America and the 10 Purposes of Cub Scouting. Some of these activities will help them work towards advancement in rank, earn special badges & awards, and elective activities. While at den meetings we will work towards the advancement of the Scouts, much of the work will need to be done at home with your guidance.
Sometimes Dens elect a boy leader (called a Denner) who carries out specific tasks at Den meetings. Some Dens are able to obtain the services of a Boy Scout who serves as a Den Chief.
Parents
The key to a successful Scouting program is parental involvement. Scouting is about all the things listed above, but at its core is helping you find new avenues to relate to your son and participate in your son’s growth. Please commit yourself to talking to your son about the requirements of his rank and how he can work on them with your guidance. You will likely find your son anxious to work together with you on these achievements. Cub Scouts is one way you can develop a bond with your son that enables open and honest discussions.
The Pack program is heavily dependent on parent volunteers. Many parents are involved in leading Dens; which requires planning, preparation, and implementation on a continuous basis. The Pack needs parents who are not already involved as leaders who can manage special events and projects for the Pack.