Cub Scout FAQ

What is Cub Scouts?
Cub Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of young children and their parents. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness.  Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide children through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, children also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.  Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting and parents are encouraged to play an active role in the program. Through interaction between parents, leaders, and friends, children learn citizenship, compassion, and courage. This family-and community-centered approach to learning means that Cub Scouting is truly time well spent.

What are the requirements to join Cub Scouts? Lion Cubs (entering kindergarten or age 6), Cub Scouts (entering first, second, or third grade, or age 7, 8, or 9), Webelos Scouts (entering fourth or fifth grade, or age 10).

What does Cub Scouting offer my child? Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide children through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, children also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities? The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is two Den meetings and one Pack meeting per month. Children who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities though Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform.

What are the responsibilities of a parent?

• Provide help and support for the den and pack.
• Work with your child on advancement projects and activities.
• Attend pack meetings with your child.
• Attend and assist with den outings.
• Attend Cub Scout Family campouts with your child.
• Attend monthly pack hikes with your child.

Do Cub Scouts go camping?  Yes, but they ease into it. They may go camping with a parent, or even with the entire family.

What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families? Pack 35 is very active, providing a rich environment for children and their families. Typical annual events include:

• Rocket Launch
• Fall Campout
• Scouting for Food
• Veteran’s Day Observance
• Blue & Gold Banquet
• Pinewood Derby
• Spring Campout
• Summer Day Camp
• Summer Adventure Camp
• Community Service Activities
• and more!

How much is it going to cost? The annual Pack 35 dues of around $50 covers such items as the National registration fee, the neckerchief and handbook appropriate for your child’s rank, the rocket and pinewood derby kits, and all patches and awards for the year. Since the Pack 35 charter begins on April 1, new Cub Scouts may pay a prorated fee for the remainder of the year, depending on when they register. Contact the Cubmaster for a prorated dues schedule.

Other costs include uniforms and some activity fees including those for the Day Camp and Resident Camps. Youth members participate in one fund-raising activity (popcorn), which helps to cover Den supplies, equipment, and other activities.

Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches? The Scout Shop is located at 335 West Main St, Belleville, IL. The office is located just West of the fountain in Belleville.  More information about the store including hours and directions can be found at 618-222-1574.

An alternate location for most Scout supplies is A&R Paints and Crafts in Troy, IL.  They are located at 201 S. Main St, in Troy, IL.  The store is located near the old downtown just North of Hwy 40.  They can be contacted at their web site or at 618-667-6211.

If you can’t make it to the store, and are comfortable specifying your son’s shirt size (S/M/L), they will also take phone orders and ship via UPS. Alternatively, you can order everything online from the BSA retail store at ScoutStuff.Org

How often are the meetings? Cub Scouts usually meet in their Dens twice, sometimes three times each month, and a Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Beyond that, it depends on the Den and Pack: a Den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, the Pack may conduct a special event such as a rocket launch, campout, or service activity as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly Pack meeting.

How can I learn more? The best way to learn about what a Cub Scout really does is to talk with a Cub Scout who is engaged in the program. Alternatively, you can learn more about the Cub Scout program by selecting “Contact our Pack” (above) and asking questions, or leave your phone number to receive a call from the Cubmaster.