AMENDMENT: Amended Jan 2006 - Ratios of adults to young people; Amended Nov 2006 - clarification of ratios.
Size of Pack
The recommended maximum size for a Pack is 36 Cub Scouts.
This number may be exceeded with the agreement of the Group Scout Leader.
When deciding on the Pack size, Leaders should take into account the leadership available and the capacity of the meeting venue and whether it might be more effective to run more than one Pack.
Leadership
The operation of a Pack must be overseen by a Warranted Leader.
The Warranted Leader must plan to ensure that at least two adults (aged 18 or over) are present at the Pack meeting, at least one of whom should hold a Warrant.
In the event off the Warranted Leader not being able to attend the Pack meeting, it is possible on occasions for another adult, with youth leadership experience, to take their place at the meeting or similar event, as long as the Group Scout Leader is consulted and supports the arrangement. Such adults must have satisfactorily completed the Personal Enquiry process and would normally have completed Getting Started or the equivalent.
Other than two adults being present there is no minimum ratio of adults to Cub Scouts set for regular indoor Pack meetings, but Leaders should arrange for sufficient adults (aged 18 or over) to ensure a safe meeting environment for the operation of the Pack, which may vary depending on the programme.
It is good practice to have a mixed leadership team.
The recommended minimum ratio for both outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place and residential experiences is 1 adult to 8 Cub Scouts plus the Leader in charge.
Age Range, Uniform and Programme
The core age range of the Cub Scout Pack is from 8 years to 10½ years. A young person may remain in the Pack until their 11th birthday (see also Rule 3.11b).
Cub Scouts wear the approved uniform with distinguishing badges and scarves as described in Chapter 10.
All Cub Scouts should be offered a Balanced Programme run in accordance with the Association's official publications for the Section.
All Cub Scouts should have the opportunity to attend a nights away experience every year.
Minimum Standards
The minimum standard for a Cub Scout Pack is:
Operation overseen by a Warranted Leader (Rule 3.8c)
Two adults present (Rule 3.8d)
The delivery of an appropriate Balanced Programme (Rule 3.8j)
The opportunity for each Cub Scout to attend a nights away experience every year (Rule 3.8k)
The District Commissioner, with the District Team is required where necessary to assist Packs to reach the minimum standards detailed above.
If a Pack fails to reach the minimum standard for 2 consecutive years, the District Commissioner, with the approval of the District Executive Committee, may close it. If it fails to reach the minimum standard for 3 consecutive years, it must be closed.
