Scout and Family Guide
Congratulations, and welcome to Pack 66! By becoming your child’s Scouting partner, you’ve also joined one of the greatest youth organizations in the world.
Everyone here at Pack 66 thanks you for choosing Scouting and allowing us to help support your child’s growth through character development, citizenship, leadership, and personal achievement.
Whether you’re completely new to Scouting or joining us from another Pack, this guide will help you understand how Cub Scouting works and what to expect during your family’s first year.
SCOUTING IS FUN WITH A PURPOSE
As a parent, you want your child to grow into a confident, dependable, and caring individual. Cub Scouting shares those same goals. Since 1910, Scouting has helped families build character, citizenship, leadership, and physical fitness through fun, hands-on experiences and adventures.
In Cub Scouts, children learn important values such as honesty, bravery, respect, and responsibility. Along the way, they gain confidence, develop new skills, make lasting friendships, and learn what it means to help others and be part of a team.
As a new Scouting family, you may be wondering how everything works. Over the next few weeks, our leaders and volunteer parents will organize dens based on grade level, and your den leader will contact you with meeting times and locations. In the meantime, we’ve put together the information below to help you better understand what to expect as you begin your Cub Scout adventure.
How Cub Scouting Works
The Cub Scout Den
Your child will be part of a Cub Scout den — a small group of Scouts in the same grade level who meet twice each month (except for Lions, who meet once per month). Each den is led by a Den Leader, who is typically a parent volunteer.
Den Leaders are supported by an Assistant Den Leader and sometimes a Den Chief — an older Scout who helps mentor younger Scouts — along with the other parents in the den. Meetings are filled with fun, hands-on activities such as games, crafts, outdoor skills, ceremonies, and adventures that help Scouts learn, grow, and build confidence.
Ideally, a den consists of 6–8 Scouts, giving children the opportunity to form strong friendships and work together as a team.
The Cub Scout Pack
Your child is also a member of a Cub Scout pack, which includes all of the dens within the Pack. The Pack meets once each month, and all Cub Scout families are encouraged to attend. Pack meetings are led by the Cubmaster and bring the entire Pack together for a fun and exciting evening.
Pack meetings are often the highlight of the month, featuring games, ceremonies, special activities, and the presentation of badges and awards that Scouts have earned through their adventures and hard work.
Pack 66 has proudly been chartered by Lloyd Road Elementary School for more than 20 years. Our Pack is supported by a dedicated committee made up of both experienced leaders and new parents, all working together to provide a fun, welcoming, and memorable experience for every Scout and family.
And because Cub Scouts is truly a family program, we’re always looking for parents to get involved, lend a hand, and join in the fun!
Uniforms
Class A Uniforms
Wearing the Cub Scout uniform helps Scouts feel like part of the Scouting program and gives them a sense of pride and belonging. It also provides a place to display the badges, awards, and patches they earn throughout the year.
Before your first meeting, you should visit either Morganville Scout Shop at 705 Ginesi Drive, Morganville, NJ (recommended) or The Hobby Shop at 1077C Highway 34, Aberdeen, NJ, and pick up the following items. You can also order most of them online at www.scoutshop.org.
| Shirt | Neckerchief | Slide | Belt | Cap | Den Numeral | |
| Lion (K) | T-shirt | Optional | Optional | Optional | Yes | No |
| Tiger (1st) | Cub Scout Uniform Shirt | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Preferred |
| Wolf (2nd) | Cub Scout Uniform Shirt | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Preferred |
| Bear (3rd) | Cub Scout Uniform Shirt | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Preferred |
| Webelos (4th) | Cub Scout Uniform Shirt | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Preferred |
| Arrow of Light (5th) | Scouts BSA Uniform Shirt | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | No |
Additionally, for all uniforms other than the Lion uniform, you will also need the following items:
- Monmouth Council patch
- Unit numerals (66)
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will also need Adventures Colors to display the adventure pins they earn on their uniform. And Arrow of Light Scouts need blue Shoulder Loops to distinguish their uniforms from Scouts BSA uniforms.
You’re probably wondering where all of these patches and pieces go on the uniform — don’t worry!
Check out at our Uniform page for patch placement information. The Morganville Scout Shop can also sew the patches onto the uniform for you.
Class B uniform
Our Scouts participate in many activities where the Class A uniform may be too restrictive or not the best fit. In those situations, Scouts wear their Pack T-shirt, often referred to as the “Class B” uniform. These shirts help us identify as a group while staying comfortable during outdoor activities, hikes, service projects, and other adventures.
Each Scout receives a Pack T-shirt with their registration (unless registration occurs after the main recruitment period). Additional shirts — including extras for family members — and other Pack apparel are available for purchase throughout the year. Visit our Scout Store for more information.
Parent Participation
Pack 66 is 100% volunteer-driven. Every leader, committee member, and organizer is a volunteer dedicated to creating a fun, supportive, and successful program for our Scouts. Throughout the year, parents and leaders work together to plan activities, organize events, and help the Pack run smoothly.
Because Cub Scouting is a family program, all Pack 66 families are encouraged to help in some capacity. After joining, you may be asked to complete a Family Talent Survey to help identify ways you can support the Pack based on your interests, skills, and availability. Every family plays an important role in creating a great experience for all Scouts.
Volunteer opportunities range from simple tasks — such as bringing supplies or refreshments to a den or pack meeting, assisting at an event, or helping maintain the website — to larger leadership roles like Den Leader, Committee Member, or Pack Treasurer. No matter your experience level or schedule, there’s a place for everyone to contribute.
What does it take to help?
No prior Scouting experience is necessary! You do not need a long history in Scouting to get involved. What matters most is a willingness to help and the ability to dedicate a little time to supporting the Pack.
There are plenty of resources, training opportunities, and experienced leaders available to help you every step of the way. Volunteering with the Pack can be a fun and rewarding experience, and your involvement helps keep the program strong and successful for all of our Scouts.
If you would like more information about becoming a leader or volunteer, please feel free to contact our Committee Chairperson at [email protected].
The Advancement Plan
In Cub Scouting, Scouts work toward earning a badge of rank based on their current grade level. Scouts do not need to earn the previous rank before advancing to the next one.
To earn a rank badge, a Cub Scout must complete six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. The required Adventures focus on important Scouting values and skills such as citizenship, personal fitness, outdoor experiences, safety, and character development.
Each rank is designed to be age-appropriate for that grade level, so Scouts earn the rank that matches their current grade rather than working on ranks from previous years.
Lion
Kindergartners work toward the Lion rank. The Lion rank is earned by completing eight adventures as described below. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Lion awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only.
1. Complete the six required adventures:
Outside of the requirements, Lion Scouts can also complete any number of of their den’s or family’s choosing.
2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least two elective adventures of your den’s or family’s choosing.
Lions generally attend one Den Meeting and one Pack Meeting per month.
Tiger
First graders work toward the Tiger rank. The Tiger rank is earned by completing eight adventures as described below. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Tiger awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only.
1. Complete each of the six required adventures:
2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least two elective adventures of your den’s or family’s choosing.
Tiger scouts usually attend two Den Meetings and one Pack Meeting each month.
Wolf
Second graders work toward the Wolf rank. The Wolf rank is earned by completing eight adventures as described below.
1. Complete each of the six required adventures:
2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least two elective adventures of your den’s or family’s choosing.
Wolf scouts typically attend two Den Meetings and one Pack Meeting each month.
Bear
Third graders work toward the Bear rank. The Bear rank is earned by completing eight adventures as described below.
1. Complete each of the six required adventures:
2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least two elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.
Bear scouts typically attend two Den Meetings and one Pack Meeting each month.
Webelos
Fourth graders work toward the Webelos rank. The Webelos rank is earned by completing eight adventures as described below.
2. Complete each of the six required adventures:
2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least two elective adventure of your den’s or family’s choosing.
Webelos scouts typically attend two Den Meetings and one Pack Meeting each month.
Arrow of Light
Fifth graders work toward earning the Arrow of Light Award, the highest rank in Cub Scouting. This prestigious award helps prepare Scouts for the transition into Scouts BSA through increased outdoor experiences, leadership opportunities, and age-appropriate challenges.
To earn the Arrow of Light rank, Scouts complete six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Along the way, they participate in activities such as camping, setting up tents, learning knots, visiting a Scouts BSA Troop meeting, and taking part in outdoor activities and service opportunities.
The Arrow of Light rank is earned by completing eight adventures as described below.
1. Complete each of the six required adventures:
2. In addition to the six required adventures, complete at least two electives adventures of your den’s or family’s choosing.
In January or February of a Webelos Scout’s fifth-grade year, they graduate from Cub Scouting and begin the next stage of their Scouting journey by crossing over into a Scouts BSA Troop during a memorable and meaningful graduation ceremony.
Arrow of Light Scouts often attend 2-3 Den Meetings and one Pack Meeting per month.
Special Cub Scout Activities
Pinewood Derby
Parents and Scouts work together to build a gravity-powered miniature race car from a special kit for our annual Pinewood Derby, which is typically held in March. The event is always a favorite among Scouts and families, combining creativity, craftsmanship, and friendly competition.
Winners advance to the District Pinewood Derby and, hopefully, on to the Council Pinewood Derby.
Scouting for Food
Food drives are held to help support local food pantries and families in need. These service projects are part of Scouting America’s nationwide effort to help feed the hungry while teaching Scouts the importance of community service and helping others.
Blue and Gold Celebration
The Blue & Gold Celebration is a birthday party for Cub Scouting, traditionally held in February. Our Pack celebrates with a dinner along with a fun-filled program featuring entertainment, games, prizes, and special awards.
Family Camping
At least twice a year our pack has a camping trip for the whole family. Come for the activities during the day or stay for the whole weekend.
Cub Scout Day Camp
Cub Scout Day Camp is held at Quail Hill throughout the summer, with transportation available from locations around Monmouth County, for a reasonable fee. Day Camp provides Scouts with a fun, exciting program filled with outdoor adventure, new experiences, and opportunities to build confidence and friendships.
Using Quail Hill’s outstanding camp facilities, Scouts enjoy a wide variety of activities including swimming, boating, fishing, BB shooting, archery, crafts, hiking, nature activities, sports, and more — all under trained supervision. Day Camp is a great way for Scouts to stay active, have fun, and continue their Scouting adventure during the summer months.
Scout Life Magazine
Scout Life is a magazine created especially for Scouts and their families. Each issue includes articles about Scouting, sports, hobbies, science, history, outdoor adventures, and more — along with jokes, comics, games, and short stories that Scouts enjoy.
A subscription to Scout Life magazine is available as an optional add-on with registration for an additional $15 per year.
What does it cost?
Membership
The costs and fee associated with scouting can be found at the registration page and is good for a full year. Membership includes:
- Registration and insurance with Scouting America
- Pinewood Derby car
- All awards earned
Fundraisers
Throughout the year, the Pack holds a variety of fundraisers to help offset the cost of Scouting and support our program and activities. These may include selling camp cards, partnering with local businesses, and seasonal fundraisers such as wreath sales.
If you have a fundraising idea or would like to help organize a fundraiser, we’d love to hear from you!