Frequently Asked Questions

There is always something going on in scouting!  In September through May scouts work together with their Den (small group) to complete requirements in "Adventures" to earn that year's rank.  Adventures are categorized by theme as follows: character & leadership, outdoors, personal fitness, citizenship, personal safety, and family & reverence.  There are also many elective adventures scouts can earn.  You can read all about the various Adventures HERE.  We try to do as much outdoor activities as weather permits.  We also do community service projects, march in local parades, and of course, go camping!  We are active during the summer with field trips and scouts (and non-scouts!) can attend our Council's local day camp at the Watchung Reserve. 

Our philosophy is that finances should NEVER be a barrier to scouting.  Our Council has financial aid and scholarships to help cover the cost of National & Council fees, uniforms, handbooks (see HERE), and their summer day camp (see HERE).  If Pack specific costs are a barrier to participation, let our Committee Chair or Cubmaster know so our Pack can provide assistance.  If cost is a barrier for you to become a registered adult leader, then you can be reimbursed by the Pack. 

Youth Registration Fees (these do NOT fund our Pack).  

• • Youth National Fees (as of Aug. 2025, paid annually): $85

  • Youth Council Fees (as of Aug. 2025, paid annually): $50

  • Optional 12-month Scout Life magazine subscription: $15

  • Total: $135 (+processing costs, without magazine)

Adult Leader Registration Fees (these do NOT fund our Pack)

• Leader National Fees (as of Aug. 2025): $65

• Leader Council Fees (as of Aug. 2025): $50

• Total: $115 (+processing costs)

Uniform & handbook costs: See our guide HERE.  

Pack Dues for 2025-2026: 

• Dues should be paid by October 1st

• Lion (K) through Webelos (4th Grade) rank is $25 per scout

• Arrow of Light (5th Grade) rank is $12.50 per scout

We follow a pay-as-you-go model for certain events such as field trips, camping, our banquet, etc.  You may need to borrow or purchase special equipment if you are planning on being an overnight camper (day trip campers do not require special equipment).      

We also may ask for parents to sign up to donate snacks or drinks for events, which is completely voluntary. 

We receive no money from National and Council fees.  Our Pack is funded by Pack dues and fundraising.  We also use a pay-as-you-go model for certain activities.  We require all members to participate in fundraising and "do their best" to help in our efforts.  Normally we do one BIG fundraiser by selling popcorn over the summer and at the beginning of the year.  Fundraising plans may change year-to-year.  We use raised funds to pay for: advancements/ patches/ pins, leader registration reimbursement, certain costs associated with Pack & Den Meetings, and to invest in long-term Pack equipment (such as camping equipment).

The only rank in Cub Scouts that requires camping is the Arrow of Light rank (5th graders).  Otherwise participating in camping is optional, though highly encouraged.  We do family camping, requiring at least one parent to attend with their scout.  Many of our families attend our camping trips as day trippers.  Day trippers attend the full day of camping and just do not stay overnight.  We do a minimum of 2 camping trips per year, one in the spring and one in early fall.  Being outdoors in nature for a full day or overnight is an experience we hope all families can see the benefits from.  

You have two options.  One, you can form a new Den in our Pack that meets at a time that works for you.  Two, you can reach out to another Pack via BeAScout.org to see if they have meetings when you can attend.  You can join any Cub Scout Pack that works for you!

No. The earliest your child can join is September of their kindergartener year.

Yes, as long as it is before March 1st!  5th graders have a shortened program year in Cub Scouts because they "crossover" (i.e. graduate) into a Scouts BSA Troop in February.  

Other things to know:

• Your child's membership in Cub Scouts will transfer to any Scouts BSA Troop because they both part of Scouting America.

• Your child does NOT need to have completed their Arrow of Light rank to crossover to a Scouts BSA Troop.

• If your 5th grader is already 11 years old, they can join a Scouts BSA Troop instead of a Cub Scout Pack.

• If your 5th grader is 10 years old and it is before March 1st, they can only join a Cub Scout Pack.  After March 1st, they can join a Scouts BSA Troop if they are still 10 years old as long as they are in 5th grade. 

Many of our scouts are very active in sports as well.  While sports are seasonal, scouting has activities that are year-round!  

Although it is a best practice, your scout does NOT need to complete all the requirements in a rank in order to participate in scouting activities.  To be clear, they will not be eligible to obtain their rank patch unless they do their best to finish all the requirements either with their Den or at home.  All the information you need to complete requirements are in the rank handbooks and online.  

Please read our "How to Join" page for details. 

The short answer is no.  Our meetings are designed to be family interactive and we welcome siblings to tag along.  Kindergartener and 1st grader scouts (Lions and Tigers) are required to have one adult partner with them at ALL scouting activities.  It is up to a Den Leader's discretion whether or not 2nd-5th graders (Wolves, Bears, Webelos, and Arrows of Light) be dropped off at meetings without a parent staying.  Generally our Den Leaders ask parents to stay and help their child with the activities during a meeting.  For family camping as a Pack, a parent is required to accompany their scout.  Regardless of rank, two registered adult leaders are required to be present at ALL scouting activities.  

We have two types of uniforms: Class A and Class B.  Class A is the formal uniform and Class B is our Pack t-shirt we wear on camping trips, community service projects, and other outdoor based activities.  The Pack provides a Class B t-shirt for each scout.  Parents are able to purchase them once a year during our t-shirt sale.  Class A uniforms are different for each rank.  You can read our guide to uniforms HERE.

Parents need to help their child (either at a meeting or at home if the meeting is missed) complete required adventures so they can earn their rank.  As a not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization, all families are expected to contribute towards the functioning of our Pack.  This is how we've been around for over 70 years!  Contributing towards the Pack includes volunteering your time and participating in our fundraiser(s).   

1. Volunteering.  During our Annual Pack Planning Event in April each parent picks something to complete during the year or proposes an idea of something they'd like to contribute.  It can range from a one-time task to a project to a registered position.  This is how our Pack is able to be successful as an all-volunteer organization.  If you are interested in becoming a registered adult leader read more HERE.

2. Fundraising participation.  We are able to keep our program affordable and invest in necessary equipment by raising funds within our community.  We typically do a big annual fundraiser every August-October selling popcorn in front of partnered stores, online, and to friends and family.  We have also done car washes and may do other fundraisers as necessary.  

For regular meetings, scouts just need their uniform, sneakers, and a water bottle. 

For outdoor activities we suggest waterproof and sturdy shoes, along with weather appropriate clothing, and scouts should have their Cub Scout 6 Essentials in a backpack (whistle, flashlight, simple First Aid Kit, sun protection, water bottle, and snack).  

To participate as a day tripper on one of our camping trips, you will need the aforementioned items, and we highly suggest that you bring reusable dishware and travel mug for meals (i.e. a mess kit or a DIY mess kit).  

For overnight camping, you will also need basic items like a tent, tarp, and sleeping bag.  The Pack has some tents available to new campers to borrow for a camping trip.  See our Family Camping Resources page for further details.