Question 1) What is Youth Protection?
Answer: Cub Scout Pack 279 and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout program. To learn more, please visit http://www.scouting.org/Training/youthprotection.aspx
Question 2) What is the age requirement for boys wanting to join Cub Scouts?
Answer: The Cub Scouting program is designed for boys in grades 1 through 5. A boy may join Cub Scouts at any time during any of these grade levels. His grade at the time that he joins will determine which den he enters. The dens are as follows.
· Kindergarten – Lion Den
· Grade 1 – Tiger Den
· Grade 2 – Wolf Den
· Grade 3 – Bear Den
· Grade 4 – Webelos Den
· Grade 5 – Arrow of Light Den
Question 3) What are the yearly dues?
Answer:
· Returning Scouts – $85
· New Scout, Kindergarten – $55
· New Scout, Grades 1-5 – $100
Dues includes fees assessed from BSA for registration and insurance, a Boys Life magazine subscription, awards and recognition items. However, no boy is ever turned away from Cub Scouting due to an inability to pay. If finances are a concern, please feel free to contact, in confidence, the Pack 279 Cubmaster.
Question 4) How does the Pack finance all of its activities and operational expenses?
Answer: Pack 279’s only fundraiser is the sale of popcorn each fall. The proceeds from the popcorn sales allow the Pack to purchase awards, advancement supplies, pinewood derby car kits, space derby kits, and raingutter boat kits, and to pay for Pack meeting guest speakers, needed supplies and more.
Question 5) Are there any other fees?
Answer: When the Pack goes camping or visits parks or museums, we ask that the scouts attending contribute a set amount to help defray the costs of admissions, food and/or lodging. Typically these fees are under $25 per event. However, inability to contribute does not preclude a scout from participating. Please discuss, in confidence with the Cubmaster, any financial concerns that you may have.
Question 6) What forms are required to enroll or re-register your son in Cub Scout Pack 279?
Answer: There are several forms that are required including:
· BSA Youth Application (new Scouts only)
· Annual Health & Medical Record (Part A & B only)
· Activity Consent Form
· Family Talent Survey Form
· Photo Release Form
Question 7) When do I need to complete part “C” of the Annual Health & Medical Record?
Answer: Part “C” of the Annual Health & Medical Record is only required when the scout or parent will be camping for over 72 hours. For Pack 279, the only annual event that requires Part “C” is the Webelos Resident Camp.
Question 8) Can I email or electronically submit the Annual Health & Medical Record?
Answer: No. Although the form can be completed electronically, for HIPAA and security reasons, Pack 279 only will accept paper copies of the form with ink signatures. Further, as no electronic copies of any medical forms will be kept, Pack 279 highly recommends that parents retain a copy of the Annual Health & Medical Record for their own records and in case the Pack requires additional copies for summer camp or other needs that may arise.
Question 9) What is the required uniform for Cub Scouting?
Answer: You can find out more about the Cub Scout and Webelos uniforms here. However, Pack 279 does not require official BSA shorts, slacks or socks. Parents also do not need to purchase a neckerchief and slide. Your child will be recognized and will be presented a neckerchief and slide at the first Pack meeting or Pack event that your child attends after joining. For all other parts of the uniform, please visit the Mechanicsburg Scout Shop. The staff there is extremely helpful in helping scouts obtain the shirt, hat, belt and all of the required patches.
Question 10) What is the time commitment for Cub Scouting - for both the boys and their parents?
Answer: Pack 279 has a yearlong program, with meetings and events several times per month. Although scouts are not required to be at every event, they are encouraged to try to attend meetings and events on a regular basis. Furthermore, as parents are very involved in the program and are a large part of what makes the program successful, at least one parent or adult is expected to accompany his or her scouts at most events. Monthly meetings and events include:
· Pack Meetings - A one-hour meeting on the third Thursday of every month, September through May.
· Den Meetings - One two-hour meeting per month, September through May.
· Events - One or two events per month, year-round. The times vary by event, but most range anywhere from one to four hours.
· Fall and spring family camps - A 24-hour camping trip at one of our Council’s camp sites.
· Summer camp - Either a three or five day camping trip (depending on the scout’s age) at Camp Tuckahoe in Dillsburg, PA.
Question 11) My son is active with other school and sporting activities. What happens if he misses some Cub Scout meetings or events?
Answer: Pack 279 understands that kids today are busier than ever and we don’t want to force parents to have to choose between activities. We encourage you to try to attend as many events as possible to provide your son with a quality Cub Scouting experience. Should a scout need to miss meetings or events, the Pack and den leaders will work with the scout and his family to ensure continued advancement through the program and to bring the scout up to speed on what was missed.
Question 12) As a parent, how can I help or volunteer with my son’s Cub Scouting?
Answer: Volunteering is essential to a successful Cub Scout program and Pack 279 is fortunate to have a great group of volunteer leaders and committee members. While parent involvement at all levels is key, the Pack is always looking for persons to help run the program and serve in leadership and committee roles. By doing so, parents can help to provide the best possible Cub Scouting program for our boys. If you are interested in serving Pack 279 in any capacity, please contact the Cubmaster.
Question 13) What about my son’s sibling(s) – may they participate?
Answer: Yes! Pack 279 tries to include siblings (boys and girls, younger or older) at every opportunity during our Pack events and outings.
Question 14) Where can I learn more about Cub Scouting?
Answer: There are several online resources for Cub Scouts, including:
· Cub Scout Parent Information Guide
· Cub Scout Parent Resource Page