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| Cub Scouts is an adventure, for boys in 1st through 5th grade.
Each Cub Scout belongs to two groups -- the den, and the pack. The den is a
small group of 4 to 8 boys, who are all in the same grade. They are all in
the same scouting level, and work out of the same book in den meetings twice
a month. Once a month, all the dens get together at a pack meeting, where
the boys show off what they have learned and are recognized for their
accomplishments. Cub Scouts has several different focus areas. Nature and
the outdoors, sports and physical fitness, citizenship and service in the
community are just a few of the things we build into our program. Boys learn
by having fun, as they explore their world and spend some quality time with
their family and a small group of friends. | |
Time Commitment |
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Dens usually meet twice a month. Meetings for the
younger grades are usually an hour in length. By the time they are in 4th or 5th
grade, they might be an hour and a half. In 1st grade, a parent or adult friend
must be with the scout for every meeting. Starting in 2nd grade, boys can be
left at meetings, as long as leadership needs are met. The Pack
meets once a month, usually the third Monday. The pack meeting starts at 7 pm,
with a gathering activity starting at 6:45. We are done between 8 and 8:15. Each
month, we also have a pack event -- a service project, a campout, or just a fun
family activity like the Pinewood Derby. The time commitment for these varies,
but is indicated in advance. Generally, a parent should be present for pack
meetings and events. During the summer, the dens follow
a different schedule, as set by the den leader. The pack does not have meetings
during the summer months, but we do have two pack-wide activities per month.
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| Cost |
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The cost for joining Pack 497 for the year is $50. The scouting year runs
from June 1st through May 31st. Your registration fee covers the basics of
scouts, but to provide the wide programming that we do, we have a fundraiser in
the fall, selling wreaths and calendars. There is a sales minimum we ask each
scout to reach, but it is very reasonable, and most scouts pass it and head
towards higher goals within a day or two. When you join our pack, we provide
you with your scout handbook, a neckerchief and slide, and a pack t-shirt. You
will need to purchase a uniform shirt and some basic patches, available at the
scout shop. The cost for these usually runs about $35. Take a look at our
calendar, and you'll see that we are busy with events throughout the year. Many
of these events are free, or the pack supplements the cost. There are a few
times during the year where you will need to write a check to participate, but
we try to keep these to a minimum. Top
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| Volunteering |
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Our Cub Scout pack and dens are run entirely by volunteers -- people just like
you, parents within the pack. Because we keep our den size small, a high
percentage of people are needed in leadership positions. Each den must have two
registered leaders, and the pack needs 2-4 leaders up front in pack meetings,
and 5 or more people working behind the scenes.
Parents who are not registered leaders are asked to help set up and
coordinate pack events during the year. Everyone gets involved somehow, and that
makes less work and more fun for all.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
Can my son be in sports and scouts?
Yes!
Most of our scouts participate in at least one sport during the year. Some will
leave their sport early and come to the pack meeting a little late (and still in
their sports uniform - that's OK!). When you can, set up the sport for a
different night. When you can't, try to balance it out so you don't miss the
scout meetings that cover requirements that are hard to make up. Most people
find that sports and scouts are very compatible.
Your calendar is really busy -- do we have to go
to everything? No!
We set up a calendar with a variety of activities to
appeal to many different boys. Some people try to do everything. Others start
off with just the basics, and add on some events as they look interesting or
fun. Pack events are never required. They might help you earn a requirement for
your badge, but that wouldn't be your only opportunity. We have lots of
activities so you can miss some and still stay in touch with the group.
When is the best time to join Scouts?
Some boys join in 1st grade, some wait until 2nd grade or later. If you join in
the spring, you can participate in all the activities of summer, and get to know
people from many different dens at the pack events. If you wait until fall, you
can start up Scouts with the school year, and make it part of your routine. It
is really up to you -- people join scouts at any time during the year.
My idea of roughing it is a Holiday
Inn -- will my son feel left out? No!
Many people get their first taste of camping, or do their first camping in a
long time, during their Cub Scout years. Some just don't do the camping part.
While we build camping into our program, and highly encourage going to camp,
especially as 4th and 5th grade scouts, there are a LOT of activities throughout
the year that don't involve camping. There are also NO badge requirements that
involve camping, so it is always possible to earn your rank badge without it.
And, if you do decide to get your feet wet and try out a night in a tent, what
better time and place than with a group of scouts, ready and willing to help you
every step of the way?
What about moms? Is Cub Scouts just for
dads and their sons?
Each Cub Scout needs to have an Akela -- an adult that helps them throughout
scouting. Akela can be mom or dad. It can even be an uncle or a close family
friend. We have lots of moms that are Akela in our pack. In fact, Cub Scouts is
a family organization - moms and dads both come to den and pack meetings, as do
siblings (even some sisters!) Top of
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| What makes Pack 497 unique? |
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We've mentioned many things in passing, but here is a summary of what makes our
pack worth checking out: Small den size. If we hit 9 boys in a den, the
choice to split is up to the den leader. Once the number hits 10, it is time to
recruit some new leaders and make the split.
Two den meetings a month. If you miss a den meeting because your son
is sick, you don't want to go for two months in between meetings.
A pack event every month. They're optional, but lots of fun!
Free t-shirt. Every new scout in our pack gets a pack t-shirt for
free. These can be worn to school, sometimes to pack or den events during the
school year, and are our standard uniform for summer events.
$50 registration fee. We rely on our fundraiser to fund our pack year.
Service Projects. We have several kid-friendly service projects during
the year. Kids can learn that helping others is fun at a young age.
Two activities each month during the summer. We set one up for a
weekend, and one for a week night. Twice as many chance that your schedule will
be free!
Parent Involvement. Every parent is involved in some way in making scouting a
positive experience for his or her child.
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