What is the time commitment for cub scouts?Cub scout dens meet twice a month (typically on Sunday afternoons) for one hour to do group activities and work on rank requirements. All of the dens will gather at least once a month for a pack activity. That activity will typically be either a pack meeting or some group event which may range from rock climbing to hiking to going to a hockey game.
What will cub scouts cost?The first cost in cub scouts is the annual registration fee which is $60. The second charge will be for their scout uniform and patches which they will probably be able to use for 3 - 4 years which will cost around $40. Scouts will be expected to purchase their first scout handbook, neckerchief and slide but the pack will pay for those in subsequent years. The scouts will be expected to pay for attendance at activities the pack is charged for (ex. overnights, rock climbing, etc.) however the pack will generally be able to obtain a group rate and in certain cases subsidize the cost of the activity. The pack will utilize profits from fundraisers to cover the costs of our adult volunteers, the cost of awards and prizes throughout the scout year, and for occasional donations to the community.
What is expected of the parents?Cub scouts is designed to be focused on family involvement. Parents will be expected to stay for each den meeting and assist the den leader where possible. Pack activities will always be open to full family participation from a simple pack meeting with a magician to camping in tents and fishing.
Do we have to attend all of the pack activities?All scout activities are optional, however attendance at den meetings will certainly help ensure that the scout attains their rank awards with their friends. Each of the pack events are designed to help promote self worth and camaraderie within the scouts as well as expose the boys to new activities they might not otherwise have a chance to participate in.
What can I do to help?There are several ways an adult can assist the pack. The first is to take an active role in your own son's advancement by reviewing the handbook and understanding the requirements for his rank as well as the various belt loops and pins. Work with your son to help them accomplish these and then communicate this to your den leader so it can be recorded in the pack record. The second way is to actively participate in your son's den by volunteering to assist the den leader and where possible schedule or run a den activity. This will not only benefit your own son but also the other boys in the den. The third way to assist is to take an active role in the pack by becoming an adult volunteer and joining the pack committee. This will give you an opportunity to help shape the pack activities and introduce new ideas and events into the pack calendar.
What age groups are scouts?
Boys typically begin scouting in first grade and can join at any time up to sixth grade. By that time, the boys will have matured enough to advance to Boy Scouts where they will be able to exercise more independence and build additional leadership and organizational skills.
How do I sign up?
If you decide that Cub Scouts is for your son and your family then go ahead and contact us at dracutpack80@comcast.net. Basically we'll need to meet so you can pick up an application. Once we've received a completed application and registration fee then you will officially have joined the pack. We'll add the new scout into our tracking records and into our website. One warning that almost all of the pack notifications are done through email.