New Parents of Cub Scouts –
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Below are some common questions we’ve received, but please, let us know if you have additional questions.

Q.   Who can join Cub Scouts?

A.   Any boy in grades 1 through 5, or who are between the ages of 7 and 10, may join Cub Scouts.

Q.   How do I decide which pack to join?

A.   Packs cover a geographical area that generally aligns with the areas for the local schools. Pack 557 covers the area served by Einstein and Rockwell Elementary schools. As a parent, you have the right to select any pack that you would like, so please choose one whose values, organization structure, and expectations align with those of you and your son.

Q.   How much does it cost to join?

A.   Please see the parent info page for the current fees.  This fee covers your child’s Cub Scout handbook, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, subscription to Boy’s Life magazing, and all awards that your son earns through the year.   There will occasionally be costs associated with special activities or trips, such as summer camp that are boys are encouraged to participate in, but are optional.  Pack 557 can provide scholarships to those boys whose family are unable to cover the costs of Scouting. If you need this assistance, please contact Tom Staggs (cubpack557@pack557.org) and he will work out the details with you.

Q.   How is a Cub Scout Pack organized?

A.   The Pack is run by the Pack Committee, headed by the Committee Chair, who functions like the CEO. The Pack itself, along with the actual Pack meetings, are run by the Cubmaster.  The boys are organized by age and grade into groups of 6-9 called Dens. Each Den is headed by a Den leader, who typically has a son in the group.

Q.   How much time is required from the boys and the parents?

A.   The pack meets 3 times per month:  2 den meetings and one pack meeting..

• Two evenings per month, we will meet as separate Dens, which allows for more focused discussion and activities, such as making things.

• One Monday per month, we will meet as a pack, allowing all of the different Dens to get together. It is at the Pack meetings that advancement and recognition will occur.

• The final schedule for the year is published on this website's calendar page.

Scouting is a volunteer organization – we rely on parents and other interested adults to provide the support necessary to run the Pack. Although it is not mandatory to volunteer, without volunteers, scouting wouldn’t exist. Volunteer roles range from short tasks of just a couple of hours on a one-time basis, to recurring roles that require from 1-4 hours per month. If you are interested in volunteering to help the Pack, please contact Tom Staggs, Committee Chair at (cubpack557@pack557.org).

Q.   What are some ways can I volunteer?

A.   We are always in need of volunteers from organizing events, helping out during den meetings, to making runs for supplies. There are many opportunities to help out during the year. Best place to start is to ask your scout leaders.

Q.   What's the different between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts?

A.   Cub Scouts is the scouting program for boys from 1st grade through 5^th grade or age 6 through 11.  Boy Scouts is a separate program for boys from ages 11 through 18.  There is also a program for girls and boys ages 14 through 20 (Venturing).

Q.   What's the difference between the den meetings and the pack meetings?

A.   The den meetings are led by a parent or two in your age-appropriate den.  These are meetings where the boys will get together an average of twice a month to work on different activities. Additionally, scouts in the Tiger Dens will have “Go See It activities as part of their achievements. Other groups may have field trips as desired, but they are not an actual part of the achievement process like in Tigers.

The pack meeting is once a month where parents and scouts come together to:

• share with other scouts what they've been learning
• Parents learn about upcoming scout events and meet other parents in the pack

Q.   Does my Cub Scout need to go to all the activities?

A.   Your scout does not need to attend every activity. There may be some field trips or activities where you and your scout will go as a den. These are required towards earning certain badges or working on the next rank. Check with your scout leader if the field trips are towards a badge.

Q.   What is the Pinewood Derby Car Race?

A.   The pinewood derby is an organized activity for our entire pack. Scouts are given wooden kits where they carve out and build their own pinewood derby car. Cars are inspected, weighed and checked in so that on the day of the race, boys will see their cars raced on the track. Parents are welcomed to help their boys design and build their cards.  Building the cars takes a little time, so plan ahead!  This activity is great to promote competition and learning sportsmanship.

Q.   Do outside activities count toward the badges?

A.   Absolutely! Activities done at home or school count towards the badges and pins. There are some activities where your scout will need to do it with the den. The important thing to remember when doing activities with your scout is having fun while learning!

Q.   Who can sign my Cub Scout's book?

A.   As a parent, you can sign your scouts book when they have completed their activity (at the 4^th/5^th grade levels only the leaders may sign the books). It's important that you also get your scout leader's signature and to make sure they record it for badges earned.

Q.   What does my Cub Scout need to wear for the meetings?

A.   Scouts needs to wear their uniform - jeans or khaki pants with their Cub Scout shirt neatly tucked in with belt. Scouts will also need to wear their neckerchief and slide. Scouts will also need to bring their scout books to every meeting.

Q.   Is Cub Scouts a religious activity?

A. Because of the highly diverse demographic of Pack 557, den and pack activities are entirely secular in content. Parents are encouraged to work through the faith activities in their sons' cub handbooks at home.  Pack 557 is accepting of all boys, regardless of their family's religious views.