First some Cub Scout Vocabulary!
Cub Scout: A boy or girl from Kindergarten to 5th grade
Lion: a kindergarten aged Cub Scout
Tiger: a first grade aged Cub Scout
Wolf: a second grade aged Cub Scout
Bear: a third grade aged Cub Scout
Webelos I: 4th grade aged cub scout
Webelos II: 5th grade aged cub scout
The Den: a group of 6 to 12 cub scouts all of the same grade level. There may be more than one den per grade level.
The Pack: all the dens together with their families.
The Troop: As cubs complete the 5th grade or for older siblings we have a sister organization Troop 566 and Crew 566.
Adult Partner: parent/guardian of a Lion or Tiger Cub who participates with the Cub in the program
Den Guide: an experienced adult leader who is advises the den
Cubmaster: adult leader in charge of the Pack.
Den Leader: adult in charge of a particular Den.
Den Chief: older Scout (age 11-18) who comes back to Cub Scouting to assist a Den
Denner: Cub Scout who helps lead his own den
The Committee: group of parents who plan Pack events, review the Pack budget, and set policy for the Pack
Zero: number of paid leaders in our Pack. We lead because we see the value of the program.
About our Pack
Although we our sponsored by Saratoga Presbyterian we are NOT religiously affiliated with them. We are multi-denominational and do our religious requirements in each home. We serve the Saratoga/Cupertino/WestSan Jose/Los Gatos area. We accept new members (Boys and Girls grades K-5) all year long. We have an active schedule including Den Meetings (2 most school months) , Pack Meetings (1 per month) , Field Trips, Adventures and Overnighters (1 per month).
About the Cubmaster
Manasa Lakshmikanthan is the current Cubmaster. She has one son currently in the pack and another who aged out to Troop 566.
About the Assistant Cubmasters
Mike & Teresa Lorenzen are the current Assistant Cubmasters. Mike was a Den Leader during his son's era. He was Scoutmaster of Troop 566 for 12 years and Assistant Scoutmaster for 2 years. Teresa was cubmaster of Pack 566 for 10 years and involved heavily in the Troop Committee. Their 3 sons went through Pack, Troop, & Crew 566 and all became eagle scouts.
About the Treasurer
Lisa Guo's son was a member of Pack, Troop, and Crew 566. Her son achieved Eagle Scout and is now going to school at Cornell. Lisa lived her second childhood on many 566 outings. She was treasurer of the Troop until her son graduated out. She offered to come out of retirement to be the Pack Treasurer.
What kind of Technology do you use?
We have our Public and Private Websites hosted by Scoutlander.com. Backup site bsa566.comWe use WhatsAPP for easy communications and last minute updates.
Most fees are click and pay Square-Up Email Invoices. Also Zelle and PayPal.
We use PackMaster browser based app for Calendar, RSVPs, Payments, Advancement Tracking, and more.
We use email to collect information about trips, drivers, special needs.
We use Google Forms and Docs for surveys and sign-ups.
We also use good, old fashioned technology, namely access to the knowledge and experience of the previous four Cubmasters covering the last 25+ years of Pack activities.
How do we make the group safe?
We went virtual during Covid lockdown and are careful as we reopen our in-person meetings. We currently require any one in attendance 12 and over to be fully vaccinated. Everyone 2 and over will be in masks, and we will wash our hands with soap and water at entry.
Background checks have been completed by the National Boy Scout Organization on all registered adult leaders as well as the new required California fingerprinting and FBI background check. Leaders must complete training and periodic re-training in youth protection. Top leadership takes additional training in weather, first aid, and specifics related to each Cub Scout rank/grade level. Every event requires 2 registered/background checked adult leaders. Most of our leaders have taken national training or are working on it. Our parent committee reviews policy and procedures. We subscribe to the national insurance offered by the Boy Scouts.
Are you ready to Join or Have Questions? Click Join Us in left margin.