Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Cub Scouting?
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Click here for more information.When and where do we meet?
Pack meetings are held monthly throughout the school year. Unless otherwise specified, meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at the Greenwich School. The Calendar provides exact dates, places and times of all pack meetings.Where do the dens meet?
Dens meet in various places. Some meet at Stewartsville Presbyterian Church, some meet at Greenwich Elementary School, and others meet at a den leader's or parents home. Your den leader will let you know of the details.Can my son join any den?
Yes and no. Dens are arranged by school grade, in fact the whole program is geared for differing ability groups, so that is the main limitation. Otherwise you are free to choose with the single caveat that the Pack Committee may restrict choices to keep the dens healthy. Dens that are too big or too small have problems.How can I join Pack 61?
At the beginning of each school year, during our annual membership drive, we provide information to the local elementary schools about how to join Pack 61. However, new boys are welcome to join our Pack at any time during the year. All boys in grades 1st through 5th are eligible to join. For more information on joining, just contact us!What does it cost to join?
Annual membership dues are $150. These go to cover the many costs the Pack incurs; registration fees and insurance for scouts, quality or honor unit patches, advancement patches, belt loops, pins, trophies, Pinewood Deby Cars, other race vehicles, Blue and Gold Banquet, and other awards for scouts.To keep out of pocket costs down, Cub Scouts participate in a popcorn sale fundraising event in September and October. If a Scout successfully sells a minimum $230 worth of popcorn, proceeds from the sales will offset $85 from the Scouts annual dues. So typically a parent or guardian is expected to pay $65 dues in September, and sell popcorn to cover the balance.
Scouts will also need to purchase a uniform for around $75.
What is a Pack?
A pack is a group of Cub Scouts, adult leaders, and parents who belong to the same Cub Scout unit (e.g., Pack 61 of the Forks of the Delaware District, Minsi Trails Council). A pack generally draws its membership primarily from elementary schools in the local area. Each pack is made up of Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear and Webelos dens. Cub Scout Packs are sponsored by chartered organizations.What is a Den?
A den is a small group of boys (ideally 6-8) of the same grade (age) level. Each den meets usually twice a month to work on achievements and other activities. The den is led by adult Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders, who are responsible for planning and conducting the activities at each den meeting.What is a Chartered Organization?
A Chartered Organization is the sponsoring organization for a Cub Scout pack, usually a church, PTA, homeowners' association or other community group. The primary responsibilities of the Chartered Organization are to select the leadership of the pack and provide a meeting place. Each year, the pack must renew its Charter with its local council. The Chartered Organization must approve the rechartering application in order for the Charter to be renewed. Pack 61's chartered organization is the Stewartsville Presbyterian Church of Stewartsville, NJ.What are Pack Meetings like?
Each pack meeting is planned around a theme, such as "Genius Night" or "Pinewood Derby". Most pack meetings will include songs, skits, games, advancements, adult recognition, raffles, refreshments, and other activities. The master of ceremonies is the pack Cubmaster. All Cub Scouts and at least one parent are expected to attend. Cub Scouting is a family activity and all family members are welcome. Pack meeting are always lots of fun.What are Den Meetings like?
Den meetings usually start with a short opening ceremony (e.g. Pledge of Allegiance) and announcements. Then the boys begin working on the project of the day. In den meetings boys work on a wide variety of projects, all with the development of a particular skill in mind. As the boys progress through the ranks (Wolf, Bear, Webelos) they will be introduced to subjects such as; building, fixing, cooking, camping, hiking, arts & crafts, music, games, environment, leadership, fitness, science, and communication, just to name a few. Each den chooses its own direction under the guidance of its leaders. Sometimes den meetings will involve outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, sports) or a field trip (e.g. library, fire station). Den meetings usually end with a short closing ceremony (e.g. recite the Cub Scout Promise), and then snack. Although the purpose of the den meeting is to develop skills and learn, the emphasis is always on having fun.I'm worried that my son can't meet the advancement requirements.
The standard in Cub Scouting is "Do your best" and this is the yardstick used to determine if the boy has met the requirements. This doesn't mean that it will be easy! The scout is expected to push for his best but we realize that there is considerable variation at this age level.The program is flexible for boys with learning disabilities or physical handicaps. The degree of adaptation varies from case to case and there is a wide range of choices.
Who runs the Pack?
The pack is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. The Pack Committee, which consists of the Committee Chairman, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Secretary, Treasurer, and Den Leaders, develops budgets, approves expenses, arranges for facilities and conducts overall planning. The Committee usually meets once a month. Unless otherwise specified, the meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at the Stewartsville Presbyterian Church.The Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders are most directly involved with the Cub Scouts. It is hoped that an adult member of each Cub Scout household (not including Tiger Cubs) will participate in a volunteer position or serve on a committee.
Where can I get a uniform?
Scout uniforms, handbooks, etc. can be purchased at:
| All Sports 297 Route 31 South Washington, NJ (908) 689-0411 |
The Scout Shop 991 Postal Road Allentown, PA (610) 264-8551 |
Where can I get more information?
For more information just contact us! Also check out our "Why Join?" page.
