Apply now to be a Lion Pilot Pack!

Hi, I'm Gary Moore, Assistant Council Commissioner and Chair of the Lion Pilot Steering Committee. I'm pleased to announce that the Pine Tree Council is now accepting applications for Packs to run the new Lion program for kindergarten age boys. The committee has been working hard to plan the introduction of this exciting pilot program. Because this is a BSA pilot program, there are some standards Packs must meet in order to be accepted. These are really pretty simple:

First, conduct the program, the whole program and nothing but the program. To enable the National Council to understand what works about the program and what needs to be improved, we need to be sure that all of us are offering the same program. There is plenty of opportunity to suit the program to individual Pack needs, but must adhere to the plan laid out in the Parent and Leader Guidebook. The Guidebook will be available in the Scout Shop for purchased by approved Packs by mid-July.

Second, provide experienced leadership. One Lion Coordinator per Pack works with the Pack Committee and leadership, the District Lion Coordinator and the District Lion Training Coordinator to share the latest information and to give feedback on needs and successes of the Pack Lion Den. A Lion Guide for each den mentors the Lion parents, encouraging them to share the planning and leadership of meetings and outings. The Guide is not a Den Leader, but more of a coach for parents.

Third, understand that the Lion program is based on FUN! The Adventures in the Guidebook are age appropriate for kindergarten age boys. While the boys who participate in the activities are recognized with stickers and there is a Lion patch for those who participate in the five required Adventures, there are no requirements in any Adventure, so there is no advancement in Lions.

The Lion Pilot Steering Committee will be active all year to provide training, guidance and encouragement. This blog site will be a resource to share information, answer questions and highlight the activities of Lion dens across the Council.

So let's get started! Click the "Download Pack Application" above to get the application. It is a fillable PDF document. Open it and fill out the required information, then save with a title including your Pack # and Lion App and send a copy to LionPilot@ptcbsa.org. If your PDF viewer does not allow you to save, you can print it out , then scan as a PDF and email that. If you have problems, please email LionPilot@ptcbsa.org and we'll be glad to help!

We look forward to working with you to introduce this great new program!