Abbreviations:
BSA = Boy Scouts of America, CM = Cubmaster, COR = Chartered Organization Rep, DL = Den Leader, FOS = Friends of Scouting
1) Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts?
Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America—so in that sense, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are both members of the same organization. However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys.
2) How often do Cub Scouts meet?
Cub Scouts meet in their dens biweekly and a pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a 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 biweekly meetings or in addition to the biweekly meetings. Likewise, a pack may conduct a special event such as a blue and gold banquet as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly pack meeting.
3) Can parents attend den meetings?
Cub Scout den meetings are intended to be an activity for the individual boys. However, parental involvement is not forbidden and all meetings should be open for your participation. If you would like to be present at a den meeting, ask the DL in advance so that the leader can plan a way for you to observe or participate.
4) What is a Pack Committee?
The Pack Committee helps run the pack. The committee consists of a minimum of three registered adult members, one of whom will be the Pack Committee Chair. The Pack Committee Chairperson organizes and chairs the Pack Committee.
The Pack Committee consists of the following people or roles:
- Pack Committee Chair
- Chartered Organization Representative (COR)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Fundraising Chair
- Advancement Chair
- Public Relations Chair
- Outings Chair
- Membership and Reregistration Chair
- Friends of Scouting (FOS) Chair
- Pack Trainer
Advisers
- Cubmaster (not a voting member)
- Assistant Cubmaster (not a voting member)
5) How can I become an adult volunteer in Cub Scouting?
Express your interest to the pack leaders—the Cubmaster, chartered organization representative, or members of the unit committee. While there's no guarantee that a specific role or position will be available—and there may be a selection process among several candidates even if the position is currently vacant—there is usually some way in which you can contribute, and most units are glad for any offer of help.
Qualifications: Adult citizens, or adult non-citizens who reside within the country, may register with the Boy Scouts of America in any capacity if they agree to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law, to respect and obey the laws of the United States of America, and to subscribe to the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle. All leaders must be 21 years of age or older, except assistant Scoutmasters, assistant den leaders, assistant Cubmasters, assistant Webelos den leaders, and assistant Varsity Scout coaches, who must be 18 or older.
6) Is there compensation for volunteering?
The short answer is NO. As a volunteer you are agreeing to freely dedicate your time and experience to a worthy cause.
7) How much time will I have to dedicate as a volunteer?
Depending on your role you may be required to attend all den meetings and pack nights, whereas other positions may require you to only show during pack night and/or at Pack Committee meetings. We do understand that other life events may prevent you from attending every meeting, just inform the Committee Chair or Cubmaster of your absence.
8) What is Youth Protection Training?
Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position. New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training within 30 days of submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted to the pack Committee Chair. For more information visit www.scouting.org
9) What is the Cub Scout uniform?
There are two uniforms, “Class A” and “Class B”. The “Class A” uniform consists of the official blue Cub Scout shirt, neckerchief w/ slide, and the hat is optional. Pants can be Blue (Dickie/uniform “type” pant). The “Class B’ uniform is the official pack t-shirt and jeans (pack t-shirts are determined by the Pack Committee).
10) Where can I purchase a scout uniform and other scout related accessories?
All uniforms and accessories can be purchased at:
Des Plaines Valley Council Scout Shop
811 Hillgrove Ave.
LaGrange, IL. 60525
11) Why are monthly dues mandatory?
The BSA is a non-profit organization, Cub Scouts falls under the BSA umbrella. The BSA relies heavily on fundraisers and donations, as the organization is not funded by any particular entity. To help offset pack expenses, we ask that all parents/guardians pay $60.00 per year (equivalent to $5.00 per month), per scout. This will help with snacks, outings, birthday celebrations, project materials, etc… Dues are to be paid in one payment of $60.00 or three payments of $20.00 ea., due in September, December, and March. If you choose not to pay dues, you will be held responsible to provide materials for projects, payments for outings, snacks, etc… for your Scout(s). Monthly dues are to be paid to the pack Treasurer. You will receive a receipt for any payment provided.
12) Is it mandatory to participate in pack and/or district fundraisers?
It would be nice to have 100% participation from everyone. However, if you choose not to participate in a fundraiser this will generate more out of pocket expenses for YOU. Participation will be tracked and monies will be divided evenly among the Scouts that participate as a group, in Pack and/or District fundraisers (such as the popcorn Show & Sells).