Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Den Will My Scout Be In?
What is the First Thing My Scout Will Learn?
With the exception of Lions the first step to all new Scouts is to earn Bobcat. This is in each of the books. This requires the scouts to learn: the Scout handshake, Scout Salute, Scout Oath, Scout Law and Cub Scout Motto. All this can also be found here: http://www.boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/bobcat-scouts.asp. We also perform most of this during our Den and Pack Meetings.
What is Normally Covered in a Monthly Den Meeting?
The scouting program is set up to complete all the required activities to meet all the requirements by Blue and Gold in February. There are 6 required activities that are completed as a Den and one that is completed at home, Duty to God. Individual Den Leaders will organize their activities as they see fit and as time allows.
What is Blue and Gold?
Blue and Gold is also know as the birthday of Scouting. The birthday party/meeting night is used to award each of the scouts their rank and any other electives that they have earned up to that point.
Are Uniforms Worn to the Monthly Meeting?
Yes, to both the Den and Pack meeting. Unless otherwise put out, either at the previous meeting or via email, we will wear what is called the Class A uniform. Here is a link to what that that looks like: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Uniform/cubscout.aspx. There are a couple of Scout shops close by, which will be able to completely outfit you in the uniform. http://www.northernstarbsa.org/shop
We are working towards a new Class B uniform. These are normally worn when we will be working on something that could get get the scouts dirty, or most scouts will wear them while at camp. Our current Class B is a red shirt that you may see some of the scouts wearing at various meetings or events until we order new shirts.
Do Parents Attend the Meetings?
Yes. The pack as a whole likes to maintain the 1 parent to 1 scout ratio. This is in part of helping ensuring the safety of our kids, Child protection training is part of all leaders required training. At no time should a non-parent be only 1 on 1 with a younger Scout.
The entire Scouting program is based on family. Not only does it help our kids grow, it also helps us as parents/leaders (Akelas as we are referred to in Scouting) grow with our kids. We also try to get the parents as involved in everything that we can. Unlike other programs where you can drop off the kids and depart, you will need you to stay. Although there are times when we understand that is not possible, if arrangements are made ahead of time its normally acceptable to not attend with your scout.
How much does Scouting Cost?
Annual BSA Membership is $2.75/month, so initial sign up is $44 which covers your scout until the end of 2019.
There is also the option for the scouts to receive monthly issues of Boys Life at a cost of $1/month, but will not start coming until January for $12.
There are also Pack Dues of $125, which covers everything the Pack provides during the course of the year. These include meeting/activity facilities, their first Class B uniform, Halloween Party, Blue & Gold entertainment, Pack picnic, pinewood derby cars, and other expenses. This breaks down to $10.50/month. All or most of the Pack dues can be covered by participating in Popcorn Sales. When the Pack dues are covered by what is raised, then additional money earned is placed into a Scout account for them. This additional money can be used to cover uniforms, camps or camping/scout related items.
We Just Moved or Are Late to Start. Can We Still Join?
Most of the Dens have already started their meetings for the year, but it is never too late to start. Den meeting schedules can be found on the website and you can reach out to myself or the specific Den Leaders.
How Can I Get Involved?
Attending the Pack Parent Meeting: This is where we discuss how the pack is going and plan/organize upcoming events and look out long term at events. This is open to all parents and kids are more than welcome to attend.
Consider accepting a small role in the Pack to help pack grow and run smoothly.
Most importantly, be active in the scouting program with your scout.
- Lions - Kindergarten
- Tigers- 1st Grade
- Wolf- 2nd Grade
- Bear- 3rd Grade
- Webelos- 4th Grade
- Webelos II or Arrow of Light- 5th Grade
What is the First Thing My Scout Will Learn?
With the exception of Lions the first step to all new Scouts is to earn Bobcat. This is in each of the books. This requires the scouts to learn: the Scout handshake, Scout Salute, Scout Oath, Scout Law and Cub Scout Motto. All this can also be found here: http://www.boyscouttrail.com/cub-scouts/bobcat-scouts.asp. We also perform most of this during our Den and Pack Meetings.
What is Normally Covered in a Monthly Den Meeting?
The scouting program is set up to complete all the required activities to meet all the requirements by Blue and Gold in February. There are 6 required activities that are completed as a Den and one that is completed at home, Duty to God. Individual Den Leaders will organize their activities as they see fit and as time allows.
What is Blue and Gold?
Blue and Gold is also know as the birthday of Scouting. The birthday party/meeting night is used to award each of the scouts their rank and any other electives that they have earned up to that point.
Are Uniforms Worn to the Monthly Meeting?
Yes, to both the Den and Pack meeting. Unless otherwise put out, either at the previous meeting or via email, we will wear what is called the Class A uniform. Here is a link to what that that looks like: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Uniform/cubscout.aspx. There are a couple of Scout shops close by, which will be able to completely outfit you in the uniform. http://www.northernstarbsa.org/shop
We are working towards a new Class B uniform. These are normally worn when we will be working on something that could get get the scouts dirty, or most scouts will wear them while at camp. Our current Class B is a red shirt that you may see some of the scouts wearing at various meetings or events until we order new shirts.
Do Parents Attend the Meetings?
Yes. The pack as a whole likes to maintain the 1 parent to 1 scout ratio. This is in part of helping ensuring the safety of our kids, Child protection training is part of all leaders required training. At no time should a non-parent be only 1 on 1 with a younger Scout.
The entire Scouting program is based on family. Not only does it help our kids grow, it also helps us as parents/leaders (Akelas as we are referred to in Scouting) grow with our kids. We also try to get the parents as involved in everything that we can. Unlike other programs where you can drop off the kids and depart, you will need you to stay. Although there are times when we understand that is not possible, if arrangements are made ahead of time its normally acceptable to not attend with your scout.
How much does Scouting Cost?
Annual BSA Membership is $2.75/month, so initial sign up is $44 which covers your scout until the end of 2019.
There is also the option for the scouts to receive monthly issues of Boys Life at a cost of $1/month, but will not start coming until January for $12.
There are also Pack Dues of $125, which covers everything the Pack provides during the course of the year. These include meeting/activity facilities, their first Class B uniform, Halloween Party, Blue & Gold entertainment, Pack picnic, pinewood derby cars, and other expenses. This breaks down to $10.50/month. All or most of the Pack dues can be covered by participating in Popcorn Sales. When the Pack dues are covered by what is raised, then additional money earned is placed into a Scout account for them. This additional money can be used to cover uniforms, camps or camping/scout related items.
We Just Moved or Are Late to Start. Can We Still Join?
Most of the Dens have already started their meetings for the year, but it is never too late to start. Den meeting schedules can be found on the website and you can reach out to myself or the specific Den Leaders.
How Can I Get Involved?
Attending the Pack Parent Meeting: This is where we discuss how the pack is going and plan/organize upcoming events and look out long term at events. This is open to all parents and kids are more than welcome to attend.
Consider accepting a small role in the Pack to help pack grow and run smoothly.
Most importantly, be active in the scouting program with your scout.