What is Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of young boys and their parents. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness.  Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.  Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting and parents are encouraged to play an active role in the program. Through interaction between parents, leaders, and friends, boys learn citizenship, compassion, and courage. This family-and community-centered approach to learning means that Cub Scouting is truly time well spent.

What are the requirements to join Cub Scouts?

Must be between the ages of 5 and 10.  Boys are grouped by ages/grades:   Lion Cubs (kindergarten) Tiger Cubs (first grade) Wolf Cubs (second grade)   Bear (third grade) and Webelos Scouts (fourth or fifth grade).

What does Cub Scouting offer my son?

Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities?

The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is two Den meetings and one Pack meeting per month. Scouting is very supportive of sports and other activities and boys who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities though Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform. Your Den Leader will be happy to work with the Adult Partners to help keep each boy on track while working around outside commitments.

What are the responsibilities of a parent?

• Provide help and support for the Den and Pack.
• Work with your son on advancement projects and activities.
• Attend Pack Meetings with your son and participate in recognition of advancement awards.
• Attend and assist with Den Outings.
• Attend Cub Scout Family Campouts with your son.

Who are the Den Leaders?

The Parents of the scouts in both the Lion and Tiger Dens take turns running a meeting and a "field trip" each month.  This may seem daunting to a new parent, but rest assured that the books for the program are very specific in what needs to be done each month, and there are additional resources both through scouting and mentors in the Pack itself to help if there are any questions.

The Wolves through Webelos II Dens have one adult leader and an assistant leader, most often parents of the scouts in the Den.  Like with the younger Dens, the requirements for each achievement that the boys must complete are specifically outlined in the book for each rank, and there are additional resources both through scouting and the Pack itself to help if there are any questions.  Hundreds of ideas and down-loadable forms can be found through links on the web, and the Pack also has resources left from previous leaders who have already been down this road! 

How often are the meetings?

Cub Scouts usually meet in their Dens once or twice each month, and a Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month, along with an optional "fun day" each month. Beyond that, it depends on the Den and Pack: a Den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, the Pack may conduct a special event such as the Pinewood Derby, a campout, or a service activity as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly Pack meeting.  Pack 136 also offers a "Scout Fun Day" once a month that is entirely optional and done for the sole purpose of getting the boys of all ages together to just have fun.

 

Do Cub Scouts go camping?

Yes, but they ease into it. They may go camping with a parent, or even with the entire family. More on Cub Scout camping can be found at http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/activities/outdoor/camping.y.html

What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families?

Pack 136 is very active, providing a rich environment for boys and their families. Typical annual events include:

• Fall Camporee
• Popcorn Sales
• Scouting for Food
• Blue & Gold Banquet
• Pinewood Derby
• Raingutter Regatta
• Summer Day Camp
• Community Service Activities
• and more!

How much is it going to cost?

The annual Pack 136 dues of $18 covers such items as the National registration fee, Boys' Life Magazine is available for an additional $12.   Scouts can join any time throughout the year and may pay a prorated fee for the remainder of the year, depending on when they register. Contact the Committee Chair for a prorated dues schedule.

Youth members participate in one fund-raising activity (popcorn). Providing enough funds are generated through the annual popcorn fundraiser, the neckerchief and handbook appropriate for your son's rank, the Pinewood Derby kits, and all patches and awards for the year are paid for by the Pack

Other optional costs include scout uniforms and some activity fees including those for the monthly "Scout Fun Day" (if applicable), Day Camps and Resident Camps.

Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches?

Click for Scout Shop locations

If you can't make it to the store, and are comfortable specifying your son's shirt size (S/M/L), they will also take phone orders and ship via UPS. Alternatively, you can order everything online from the BSA retail store at ScoutStuff.Org

How can I learn more?

The best way to learn about what a Cub Scout really does is to talk with a Cub Scout who is engaged in the program. Alternatively, you can learn more about the Cub Scout program by contacting any of the adult members of the Pack and asking questions, or use the "Contact our Pack" option at the top of this page to receive a call from a Pack representative.

Additional Resources:

Boys Scouts of America National Council - website with everything you need to know about Cub Scouts

BSA FAQ's about Cub Scouting

Northern Star Council - http://www.northernstarbsa.org/

Many Waters District - http://www.manywaters.nsbsa.org/