Congratulations! You’ve agreed to become your child’s scouting partner and you’ve also become a member of the greatest youth organization in the world. The BSA and we here at Pack 66 thank you for selecting Scouting and allowing us to help you raise your child by building character, promoting commitment to citizenship, and ensuring personal growth.
SCOUTING IS FUN WITH A PURPOSE
As a parent, you want your child to grow-up to be a person of worth, a self-reliant dependable and caring individual. Scouting has these same goals in mind. Since 1910 we have been weaving lifetime values into fun and educational activities designed to assist parents in strengthening character, good citizenship, and physical fitness in youth.
In Cub Scouting, children learn ideals like honesty, bravery, and respect. These values help children make constructive decisions throughout their lifetime and give them the confidence they need to grow and develop.
As you become a new scouting family, you may not have any idea of how Cub Scouting works. In the next few weeks, leaders and volunteer parents will meet to assemble dens. You will then be contacted by your den leader to inform you of the meeting places and times. In the meantime, we have put together a summary here so that you can know what to expect until then.
How Cub Scouting Works
The Cub Scout Den
Your child is a member of a Cub Scout den. The den meets several times per month and the meeting is lead by a den leader (a parent of one of the scouts).
The den leader usually has an assistant den leader, a den chief (a Scout helper), and parent helpers. Den meetings have games, crafts, songs, ceremonies, and lots of fun. Dens generally consist of 5-8 children.
The Cub Scout Pack
Your child is also a member of a Cub Scout pack. The pack consists of all the scouts from all the dens. A pack meets once per month, and all Cub Scout families are invited to attend. The pack meeting is led by the Cubmaster. The pack meeting is the highlight of the month’s den meetings and activities. Pack meetings have games, songs, skits, stunts, ceremonies, and presentations of badges that children earned during the month
Pack 66 has been chartered out of Lloyd Road School for over 20 years. The pack committee consists of both veteran leaders as well and new leaders and parents.
The Uniforms
Class A Uniforms
Wearing the Cub Scout uniform helps to make the scout feel like a part of the scouting program. It gives the scout a place to display awards and patches.
Before your first meeting, you should go to either The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen or the Monmouth Council Scout Shop at 705 GINESI DRIVE, MORGANVILLE and pick up the following items:
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 | Den 2 |
Wolf (2nd) | Cub Scout Uniform Shirt | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Den 3 |
Bear (3rd) | Cub Scout Uniform Shirt | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Den 6 |
Webelo (4th) | Cub Scout Uniform Shirt | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Den 1 |
Arrow of Light (5th) | Scouts BSA Uniform Shirt | Webelo Neckerchief or Optional | Webelo Slide or Optional | Optional | Yes | No |
For all uniforms other than the Lion uniform, you will also need to pick up:
- Monmouth Council patch
- Unit numerals (66)
So… You are probably wondering where this stuff gets sewn on your uniform.
Look at our uniform page for patch placement locations.
Class B uniform
Our scouts participate in a number of activities where the Class A uniform is either too restrictive or not appropriate. Our pack T-shirts allow us to identify as a group while at these activities. Each scout receives a class B uniform with their registration (unless the scout signs up in the middle of the year). These (in case you want a second one or one for yourself) and other scout apparel are available for purchase throughout the year. See our Scout Store for more details.
Parent Participation
All families in Pack 66 are asked to participate in the running of the pack. When you return your child’s cub scout application, you must also submit a parent volunteer form. This form lists all the ways that you can help out in the pack. You must choose one position or committee for you child’s application to be accepted.
The available positions range from simple things like helping to pick up the popcorn for our fundraiser, assisting in the planning of an event, or helping to maintain the web site, to positions of more responsibility, like being a den leader or pack treasurer.
What does it take to help?
A long, rich background of scouting involvement is NOT required! What is needed is a desire to work with and help young people, and a willingness to make a bit of time in your schedule. Lots of resources and training are available and many people will support your efforts. Helping to keep the pack alive and vibrant for the children can be an exciting and rewarding experience. If you want more information about being a leader, feel free to contact our Committee Chairman.
The Advancement Plan
In the 2024-2025 scouting year, the program has been significantly updated.
CLICK HERE FOR A PDF VERSION OF THE GRAPHIC ABOVE.
On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their grade. They need not have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next. To earn each badge of rank a Cub Scout earns the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting. Each badge of rank is age-appropriate, so earning a rank below a Cub Scout’s current grade is not permitted.
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 optionally 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.
Webelo scouts typically attend two Den meetings and one Pack meeting each month.
Arrow of Light
Fifth graders work towards the Arrow of Light Award, the highest award in Cub Scouting. In order to earn this prestigious award, scouts will once again be expected to take part in more camping and outdoor programs. This rank requires scouts to work on six adventures and two electives. Some of these requirements have scouts camping, setting up tents, tying knots, visiting a Scout Troop meeting and an outdoor activity.
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 into the adventure of Scouting at an impressive graduation ceremony.
Webelos/Arrow of Light often attend 3-4 den meetings and one pack meeting per month.
Special Cub Scout Activities
Pinewood Derby
Parent and child work together to build a gravity-powered miniature race car from a special kit. The race is conducted annually, usually in March.
Scouting for Food
Food drive held each year to benefit local food shelves. It is part of a nationwide program of the BSA to help feed the hungry.
Blue and Gold Celebration
This is a birthday party for Cub Scouting held by your pack, usually in February. Our pack holds packs hold a dinner, and a program of entertainment, prizes, and awards.
Family Camping
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 four weeks each summer. Buses bring scouts to camp each day from locations throughout Monmouth County. The program provides fun with purpose and develops enthusiasm. Day camp helps strengthen the dens and packs for better year round program.
The day camp uses the fine camp facilities to provide many exciting activities. Supervised swimming, aquatics fun, boating, and fishing provide for water excitement. Scouts become marksmen on the BB and archery ranges. Crafts hikes, nature, and sports are all a part of the program.
Webelos Resident Camp
Webelos Scouts enjoy the opportunities of a week-long camp at Quail Hill. Cub Scouts camp for three nights during resident camp. Resident Camp gives scouts new skills in nature, hiking, swimming, camp crafts, and sports. Activities are planned and supervised to support the Cub Scout advancement program. Different advancement activities give variety to the program for scouts of all ages.
Scout Life Magazine
Scout Life is a magazine for scouts and adults. Scout Life has interesting features on Scouting, sports, hobbies, magic, science, and U. S. History. There are also jokes, comics, and short stories. A Scout Life Magazine subscription is available for an additional $15.
What does it cost?
Membership
The costs and fee associated with scouting can be found at the registration page and is good until September of the following year. Membership includes:
- Registration and insurance with BSA
- Pinewood Derby car
- All awards earned
Den Dues
Den dues are determined by the individual den depending on their needs. They are usually around $20 per year. Den dues help support the crafts and activities of your den. Ask your den leader how den dues will be collected.
Fundraisers
During the year we will have various fundraisers to help offset the cost of scouting. Some of these include selling camp cards, partnering with businesses, and selling wreaths. If you have a fundraising idea, let us know!