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Meet our Pack Leaders!
Meet our Pack Leaders!
Find out more about what each role entails HERE. Want to volunteer? Speak to a pack leader and fill out this Google Form.
Key 3
Key 3
These three folks work together to guide the pack, handle any challenges that arise, and ensure Cubs and their families are set up for success.
Check out this article from Aaron on Scouting for more information.
Chartered Organization Representative
The Chartered Organization Representative (COR) is the direct contact between the unit and the Chartered Organization. This individual is also the organization’s contact with the District Committee and the Local Council. The chartered organization representative may become a member of the district committee and is a voting member of the council.
Committee Chair: Mrs. Maria Talbot
While Mrs. Talbot was not involved in Scouting as a youth, she is happy to serve behind the scenes today to support Pack 171.
Cubmaster: Mr. Dave Wood
Mr. Wood has been the Cubmaster of Pack 171 for over five years, serving as the Assistant Cubmaster before then. He also volunteers as the North Shore District Membership Chair and received the Silver Squirrel in 2024 for his commitment to the pack.
Program Leaders
Program Leaders
These men and women lead the "program" side of Cub Scouts, aka the fun activities and Adventures!
Program Leader Handbook (Scouting America)
Cubmaster: Mr. Dave Wood
Mr. Wood has been the Cubmaster of Pack 171 for over five years, serving as the Assistant Cubmaster before then. He also volunteers as the North Shore District Membership Chair and received the Silver Squirrel in 2024 for his commitment to the pack.
Asst. Cubmaster: Mr. Matt Nelsen
Mr. Nelsen has been scouting in the Austin area since childhood, including earning the rank of Eagle. Throughout his ten years in the pack he has crossed over two Arrow of Light dens, guiding them through the Cub Scout program from start to finish. As his time in Cub Scouts winds down, he is happy to share his knowledge with the pack.
Lion Guide: Mr. Steven Soulen
Mr. Soulen has been involved in Scouting since childhood, including earning the rank of Eagle. This is his first year with Pack 171; he is looking forward to guiding his Den on their Scouting journey.
Tiger Guide: Mrs. Hillary Blankers
This is Mrs. Blankers' first year as a den leader and second year with Pack 171. With a background in art, she is excited to help the Tigers find creative approaches to the adventures this year.
Wolf Den Leader: Mr. Brian Talbot
Mr. Talbot began his Scouting journey in 2nd grade, eventually earning the rank of Eagle as a member of Troop 271. He was also involved in Venture Crew 271 and served as Chapter Chief for Tonkawa Lodge #99 as part of the Order of the Arrow. He is also honored to serve as the North Shore Assistant District Commissioner for Special Needs Scouting.
Bear Den Leader: Mr. Ryan Barrett
Mr. Barrett stepped into the role of Den Leader after volunteering as an assistant. He brings a spirit of joy as he guides the Bear den.
Webelos & Arrow of Light Den Leader (boys): Mr. Kyle Bickling
Mr. Bickling started his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout. He has been with this den from the beginning and is immensely proud of their growth. He also volunteers as the North Shore District Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner. In 2022, he received the Northern Star Award from the North Shore District.
Webelos & Arrow of Light Den Leader (girls): Ms. Megan Hoover
This is Ms. Hoover's first year as a den leader. She is excited to help guide the female Webelos and AOL dens as they finish their Cub Scouting journey.
Pack Committee
Pack Committee
These men and women do behind-the-scenes work to support the program and the Cub Scouts.
Pack Committee Handbook (Scouting America)
Core Committee
Core Committee
These three positions are required by Scouting America and are critical to running the pack committee.
Adults in these positions must be Registered Leaders and complete all required trainings.
Committee Chair: Mrs. Maria Talbot
While Mrs. Talbot was not involved in Scouting as a youth, she is happy to serve behind the scenes today to support Pack 171.
Treasurer: Mr. Kyle Bickling
Mr. Bickling started his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout. He has been with this den from the beginning and is immensely proud of their growth. He also volunteers as the North Shore District Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner. In 2022, he received the Northern Star Award from the North Shore District.
Secretary: Mrs. Erica Wood
While Mrs. Wood was not involved in Scouting as a youth, she is happy to serve behind the scenes today to support Pack 171.
Committee Members
Committee Members
These positions help spread the workload; members frequently overlap with the Program Leaders.
Adults in these positions do not need to be Registered Leaders, but should work complete any relevant online trainings. Almost all of these are new positions due to pack growth.
Activities & Civic Service: TBD
In the meantime, please see the NSD Community Ties page for more information on getting involved.
Advancement & Recognition: Mr. Brian Talbot
Mr. Talbot began his Scouting journey in 2nd grade, eventually earning the rank of Eagle as a member of Troop 271. He was also involved in Venture Crew 271 and served as Chapter Chief for Tonkawa Lodge #99 as part of the Order of the Arrow. He also serves as the North Shore Assistant District Commissioner for Special Needs Scouting.
Event Teams
Event Teams
These teams help plan and execute some of our favorite events, in conjunction with the other pack leaders.
You do not need to be a Registered Leader to help out on these teams, but you do need to complete the annual Safeguarding Youth training.
Derby Team
The Derby Team works to put on the annual Pinewood Derby and any other racing events throughout the year. You do not need to be a Registered Leader to volunteer on this team.
Ceremonies Team
The Ceremonies Team plans and executes recognition and celebratory events throughout the year, such as Arrow of Light Crossover, the Blue and Gold banquet, and Bridging (Rank Advancement). You do not need to be a Registered Leader to volunteer on this team.
Outdoor Activities Team
The Outdoor Activities Team puts on events like our Bike Rodeo, Campouts, and Summertime Fun. You do not need to be a Registered Leader to volunteer on this team.
What's "knot" to love?
What's "knot" to love?
Here's a brief guide to the insignia you might see on our pack leaders' uniforms. This is especially helpful for new or curious Scouts. Find out more about adult insignia at this link.
Every registered leader will have a position patch on their uniform, specifically on their LEFT sleeve. This tells you what their job is for the pack.
Every registered leader should have a trained patch. This indicates they have completed their position-specific training. The Cub Scout "trained" patch has red lettering and a red border on a tan background.
Leaders may also have some of the OPTIONAL patches and "square knots" on their uniform. The most common ones for our pack leaders are below.
See a patch or square knot that's not here, or you don't recognize? Please ask! Our pack leaders are happy to share more about what they're wearing.
Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout
This person earned the rank of Eagle Scout. They may have palm pins on their square knot. Ask them about their project!
Arrow of Light
Arrow of Light
This person earned the rank of Arrow of Light while in Cub Scouts as a youth.
Youth Religious Emblem
Youth Religious Emblem
Anyone wearing this patch earned at least one Religious Emblem as a youth. Find out more about Religious Emblems here.
Den Leader Training Award
Den Leader Training Award
This award recognizes den leaders who have completed training, tenure, and performance requirements. Find out more here.
Cubmaster's Key
Cubmaster's Key
This award recognizes Cubmasters who have completed training, tenure, and performance requirements. Find out more here.
Scouter's Training Award
Scouter's Training Award
This award recognizes unit leaders who have completed training, tenure, and performance requirements. Find out more here.
Order of the Arrow Pocket Flap
Order of the Arrow Pocket Flap
The person wearing this was/is a member of the Order of the Arrow, a Scouting honor society. The local lodge, Tonkawa #99, is shown as an example; there are many lodges throughout the United States.
Service Stars
Service Stars
Service stars indicate the number of years someone has been involved in Scouting. The color behind the star tells you what program they were in, and for how many years. (Note: some people choose to consolidate their years into just their "Scouter" pin.)
Gold - Cub Scouts (youth)
Green - Scouts BSA (youth)
Brown - Varsity (youth)
Red - Venturing (youth)
Blue - Scouter (adult)
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