Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
- How much does it cost to join Cub Scouting?
- How active will we be as parents have to be in the Pack?
- We are very involved in sports and other family activities and don't feel like we can do everything. Does this mean my son can't be a Scout?
- Why do all scouts and adult leaders wear uniforms?
- How are Cub Scouts organized?
- I am a new adult leader. How can I quickly get some training to get an idea of what I should do?
- What is a Charter Organization?
How much does it cost to join Cub Scouting?
Each boy pays a total of $33.00 to Pack 36 once a year to be a registered member. This $33.00 fee helps to cover a subscription to Boys Life, all awards earned during the year, registration fees charged by BSA national headquarters, and adult registration fees. If your son is a new Cub Scout or Tiger Cub, you will have to purchase a uniform for him. There will be other activities during the year, such as the Blue & Gold Banquet, which will have additional costs, but we'll try and let you know how much that will be as soon as possible so you can plan ahead for that. We also have a fund-raiser every year that may help offset some of these other costs.
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How active will we be as parents have to be in the Pack?
We expect all parents to be involved. You can help by serving on our pack committee (we have several jobs available), as a volunteer for one of our many activities, or as a den leader or assistant leader for your son's den. The pack will provide training for any position you select and experienced leaders will always be available as a resource to help you. The more involved you are, the more your son will get out of the program. If your son is a Tiger Cub, one parent will be required to attend each den and pack meeting in order for your son to be able to participate.
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We are very involved in sports and other family activities and don't feel like we can do everything. Does this mean my son can't be a Scout?
We welcome your son's involvement at any level of commitment he and you can make. If sports is a big part of his life, you'll be pleased to learn that many of his sports activities can qualify for advancement and other awards in the Cub Scouting program. All we ask is that you let your den leader know in advance that you won't be able to make a meeting or activity so that they don't expect you to come. You will be required to pay the registration fee and meet all of the other requirements for the program, including the uniform guidelines.
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Why do all scouts and adult leaders wear uniforms?
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. We uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles to which we are committed: character development, citizenship, values, physical and mental fitness. The uniform is not intended to hide our individuality. It is a bond which ties millions of scouts throughout the United States. It is a way of making visible our commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and to helping other people. Uniforms may be bought at the Scout Shop.
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How are Cub Scouts organized?
The Pack is a group made up of several dens. The Pack includes not only the boys in those dens, but also their families, and their leaders. The Packs meets once a month with Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The Pack meeting is the climax of the month's den meetings and activities. It gives the dens something to look forward to and work toward. This is a chance to recognize the boys, their parents, and their leaders. In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects. These include community projects (e.g., Adopt a Highway trash pickup days), outdoor activities (e.g., field trips, family campouts, etc.), fund raising activities, and fun competitions (e.g., Pinewood Derby). The Cubmaster is an adult volunteer who serves as master of ceremonies at all Pack meetings and leads Pack activities of all kinds. Pack Leadership positions may be held by women or men. The Pack Committee is a group of adult volunteers who plan the Pack program and individual activities as well as managing such things as record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. The Pack Committee meets monthly and meetings are open to any interested parent. A Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups of about eight boys called dens, who meet weekly under the direction of adult Den Leaders. The Den Leaders are trained parent volunteers. The den allows boys to get to know each other better and engage in activities that would be difficult in a larger group. The den also provides leadership opportunities for the boys as they elect "denners" or help to teach each other. Den meeting activities are planned around the monthly theme and include games, handicrafts, hikes and other outdoor fun, practicing skits and stunts in preparation for the next Pack meeting and taking part in simple ceremonies and songs. Sometimes work on advancement requirements is included, but most of that work is accomplished by the boys with their parents (see details on the Webelos rank for an exception). The Den Leaders may ask for special help occasionally from parents (helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or just providing a snack for the boys). Dens are organized by rank. Ranks are organized by grade and age: · Tiger Cub Dens (1st grade) · Bear Dens (3nd grade) · Wolf Dens (2nd grade) · Webelos Dens (4th & 5th grades)
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I am a new adult leader. How can I quickly get some training to get an idea of what I should do?
The Cub Scouts require two types of introductory training. The first is called "Fast Start" and it only takes about 20 minutes. You can watch a video or get this training online at http://www.bsa.scouting.org/cubscouts/faststart/ . The second training required for leaders is called Cub Scout Leader Basic Training and is given by the Colonial Trails Council. Contact the Suffolk Scout Office at 757-539-7051 or visit the Colonial Virginia Council site for dates and registration information. The Boy Scouts of America requires all leaders to have this training. As always, your best resource is your Den Leader Coach or any other den leader.
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What is a Charter Organization?
A Charter Organization is the sponsoring organization for a Cub Scout pack, usually a church, PTA, homeowners' association or other community group. The primary responsibilities of the Charter Organization are to select the leadership of the pack and provide a meeting place. Each year, the pack must renew its Charter with its local council. The Charter Organization must approve the re-chartering application in order for the Charter to be renewed.
