Tigers, Wolves, and Bears, Oh My!
Cub scouts belong to a rank according to age:
- Bobcat - cub scout initiation. All scouts start here! They learn the motto, sign, shake, salute, promise, etc. And then they move on to their rank by grade.
- Tigers - 1st grade
- Wolves - 2nd grade
- Bears - 3rd grade
- Webelos - 4th and 5th grade
If this is your son's first experience in scouting, he will start as a Bobcat no matter what. Once you help him learn a few basics about scouting, he will join a Den (a group of 6-8 scouts that work together to earn their next rank).
Parental Involvement
While Boys Scouts in 6th grade and up are mature enough to lead themselves (with some support), Cub Scouts requires parental involvement to ensure success. If your son is a Tiger your level of involvement will be much higher since you are required to attend every Den and Pack meeting and help your son learn how to lead a meeting. Beyond 2nd grade, scouts are expected to have more self-discipline and generally only the Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader or parent, (if there is no asst. den leader) need to stay during the meeting. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to stay and help for all den meetings. Entire families are asked to attend monthly Pack Meetings to help recognize the scouts for their achievements during the month.
Costs
- Council Dues - are $24 in 2015. Paid per March-March fiscal (not school) year and are pro-rated so that if you join late, you will pay less (but your son will miss a lot of opportunities).
- Pack Dues - vary by pack and by year, but are meant to help cover costs of awards (pins, belt loops, badges), supplies (craft, pinewood derby, etc.), leader resources (training, resource guides, etc.). Paid per Calendar (not school) year. Ours are currently $45 and include a book, kerchief, and slider for your son's rank.
- Uniform - Class A (dress uniform) can cost around $100 if you get all the pieces ... shirt, hat, pants, belt, kerchief, slider, required patches. In our pack, we would like the boys to wear at least the shirt so he has somewhere to put his badges. The shirt runs $25 plus costs for requisite badges (Denver Council, World Crest, Pack #). Ask your Cub Master if you are interested in obtaining a used uniform (there are uniform exchanges). New uniforms can be purchased at the Scout Shop off 6th Ave W and Kipling or online at http://www.scoutstuff.org. Scout Shop will also ship whatever they can fit into a box to you directly.
- Optional:
- Camp Fees - these vary depending upon whether the camp is local or district. Magness Adventure camp is $110 in 2015 including meals and counselors. Centennial District Camp is $60 for 3 days and $70 for 4 days in 2014 and will be held at Aurora Reservoir, all camp fees are subject to council and district changes.
Fundraising
In order to cover costs of leadership materials, scout badges, belt loops, and pins, and for supplies and materials, our scouts will need to help with fundraisers during the year. This experience gives scouts the opportunity to pay their own way. There are many things a pack can do to raise money.
- Popcorn Sales - a fall fundraiser
- Scout Show - sell Scout discount cards
- Garage Sale - donate and help sell used household items
- Any other ideas are welcome!
Service
Our scouts participate in various service opportunities throughout the year to assist Summit Elementary and our nearby communities. These vary from year to year.