Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect as a Cub Scout Parent?

Parental involvement is essential for a successful Cub Scouting experience. Parents can help their Scout in many ways, from working with them on projects and helping them along the advancement trail to attending meetings and going on outings or activities.

Parents should also consider getting involved with volunteer support for their Den and Pack. Being part of the parent committee allows parents to help shape the program that their Scout will be a part of. From helping plan meetings and outings to providing additional support for activities, having an active parent committee is essential in making Cub Scouting successful.

By being involved with their child’s Cub Scouting experience, parents can have an even bigger impact on the success of the program and the growth of their child. In addition to providing encouragement and support, parents can help guide their Scout along the advancement trail and take part in outings or activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and personal achievement.

Can parents attend meetings?

In Pack 205 parental involvement is encouraged. In fact, for Lion and Tiger (kindergarten and first grade) Scouts it is required that a parent attends all meetings and activities with their scout. For Wolf and Bear scouts the meetings are generally optional for parents, and for Webelos and Arrow of Light there is generally less parent participation in meetings as the scouts prepare for Crossover. Crossover is when older Cub Scouts are preparing to crossover to join Boy Scouts of America as Boy Scouts.

How often do Cub Scouts meet in Pack 205?

All dens except for Lions meet weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 at Olive Chapel Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina. Lions meet every other week. On the last Tuesday of each month we hold a Pack Meeting, where all of the dens get together to celebrate advancement, sing songs, and perform skits.

Must a child be a U.S. citizen to join Cub Scouting?

No, a child does not have to be a U.S. citizen to join Cub Scouting; however, the youth must meet all other age and residency requirements of their chartering organization.

What ages can join Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouts is a great program for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade who want to have fun and learn new skills. The Cub Scout experience could help them build lifelong character, learn the importance of giving back to their community, and develop important life skills such as communication, problem solving, responsibility, respect for others and more.

How are the kids assigned to dens?

In Cub Scouts, kids are assigned to dens based on grade level and gender. Generally, there will be a separate den for each grade from first through fifth, and these dens can either be all-male or all-female depending on the age group. The den leader (usually a parent or other adult volunteer) is responsible for setting up activities and meeting times, and helping the kids learn more about scouting. Den meetings typically last one hour and can include anything from group activities to individual projects.

It is important for leaders to foster a sense of community within their den so that the Scouts feel comfortable and enjoy their time together. Additionally, dens participate in larger pack events like campouts, hikes, and service projects. Through these activities, kids learn about leadership, responsibility, and the value of teamwork. Ultimately, dens provide an important foundation for kids to develop as young leaders and build character.

How do you handle girls and boys in the same pack?

In most Cub Scout packs, both girls and boys are welcome in the same den. All youth members of a den meet together to participate in activities, play games, and complete advancement requirements as they progress through the ranks of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light. In certain cases when a pack has more than one den, the dens may be divided by gender. This will depend on the individual Pack and its leadership decisions.

Additionally, there are also all-girl packs which welcome youth from grades K-5 and offer a version of the Cub Scout program that is tailored to their interests. With either option, girls and boys have access to a quality Scouting program with engaging activities and the opportunity to earn recognized awards.

Do Cub Scouts allow girls to participate?

Yes, Cub Scouts now allow girls to participate! In 2018, the Boy Scouts of America reversed its long-standing policy and opened up the Cub Scout program to both boys and girls. Girls can join as individuals in their own gender specific groups or under their family's existing membership. This change will help make sure all children have opportunities to enjoy the benefits of scouting and to become leaders in their communities. Girls and boys will enjoy the same activities, earn the same ranks, and receive the same patches, pins and awards that are earned by all Cub Scouts.

Additionally, girls can also now participate in Boy Scouts starting in 2019. This is a welcome change for many families as it gives them more options to help their children grow in character, courage, and confidence. By joining Cub Scouts, girls can learn important life skills such as problem solving, outdoor activities, camping, STEM projects and more! So don't wait - let your daughter join today and discover the fun of being a Cub Scout!

What does Pack 205 do to ensure scouts are safe?

Pack 205 takes the safety and security of scouts very seriously. We follow the policies of the Boy Scouts of America, which are comprehensive in scope. We have implemented a number of measures to ensure our scouts are safe from any potential harm, both physical and emotional. These include:

All adult leaders must pass thorough background checks before being accepted as part of our pack
All adult leaders must adhere to a strict code of conduct and are expected to provide a positive role model for the scouts
Two unrelated adults must be present at all times when working with scouts
All adult leaders must take part in mandatory training courses on child safety and protection
All activities must be approved by the pack leadership before being carried out

By taking these precautions, Pack 205 is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for our scouts. We strive to ensure that the scouting experience is both enjoyable and rewarding, while also giving young people the necessary skills to help them succeed in life.

Are Cub Scouts a religious organization?

No, Cub Scouts is not a religious organization. We are a non-sectarian organization in good standing with all major religions in the U.S. All of our programs and activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible for families from all walks of life, regardless of religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds. Our goal is to teach young people about duty to God, country, others and self—in a way that is respectful and appropriate for all. In addition, we invite religious organizations to become charter partners in order to help provide spiritual support and guidance to the families they serve.

We are proud of our relationships with faith-based organizations throughout the United States who choose Cub Scouting as an avenue of faith formation. We strive to provide an environment that honors each family’s religious beliefs while promoting an understanding of and respect for differences among faiths. We are committed to providing a fun, safe Scouting experience in which all youth can participate.

Where can I get the uniform?

We have a great Scout Shop located at 3231 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh NC 27604. Uniforms purchased at the Scout Shop will have the Occoneechee Council patch pre sewn, and they offer sewing services for Den and Pack unit patches. You can also shop online at https://www.scoutshop.org/. We also have a sharing closet where uniforms are donated and sold at a discounted price, check with the Cubmaster or Assistant Cubmaster for more information.

What are the uniform requirements?

Each Cub Scout is expected to have a complete “Class A” uniform to be worn to pack meetings, den meetings, and other special events. Every scout will be provided with a “Class B” t-shirt as part of their pack dues. The “Class A” uniform consists of a Cub Scout shirt, Cub Scout hat (specific to their rank), rank neckerchief and slide, bottoms (pants, shorts, or skorts), and Cub Scout belt.

How are the dues spent?

Dues cover the calendar year from January through December. The dues pay for the National Fee, Council Fee, and Pack Fee, the latter of which includes awards, loops, pins, patches, class B t-shirts, events, and volunteer leader registration, as well as a subscription to Scout Life magazine.

How do Scouts advance?

Scouts in Cub Scouting advance from rank to rank by completing activities that help them learn skills and have fun. As they complete each adventure, scouts must demonstrate their understanding of the lessons taught. To earn a new rank, Scouts must complete six required adventures and two electives. They also must participate in service projects, learn how to live ethically, and wear their uniform correctly. Through this process, Scouts will grow in character and gain valuable life skills that will help them become responsible citizens. With the help of Den Leaders, Cubmaster and parent(s), Scouts can look forward to earning new awards and having exciting experiences each time they advance to the next rank!

How does the Bobcat rank work?

The Bobcat Badge is the first badge a Cub Scout earns when they join, with the exception of Lions (Kindergarten). The Bobcat Badge can be completed in one meeting and is designed to introduce Cub Scouts to the values of Scouting and for them to complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parents’ Guide with a parent or legal guardian.

What is the Scout Law?

The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.

A Scout is:

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TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.

LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.

HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.

FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.

COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.

KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.

OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.

CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.

THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.

BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.

CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.

REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.

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What is the Scout Oath?

The Scout Oath is an integral part of the Scout Law, which was developed by Robert Baden-Powell in 1908. The full version of the Scout Oath reads:

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

The pledge is a commitment to uphold the principles and values of scouting, such as truthfulness, loyalty and respect for others. It serves to reinforce the importance of living a moral life, both in Scouting and beyond. Furthermore, it encourages young people to use their skills and abilities to help create a better world. As such, the Scout Oath is an important part of the scouting tradition, and it remains relevant today as scouts strive to make their communities and the world a better place.

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What is the vision of Scouting?

The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.

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What is the Mission/Vission of the Boy Scouts of America?

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

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What are the methods of Cub Scouting?

Living the ideals
Belonging to a den
Using Advancement
Involving family and home
Participating in activities
Serving home and neighborhood
Wearing the uniform

Do you offer any financial assistance?

At the Pack level, we often provide camperships that help cover some or all of a scout's camp fee. We also have fundraising opportunities throughout the year where scouts can earn money towards their dues and camp fees. Additionally, families may be able to take advantage of discounts available through our partners in the community.

Our Council also has a Scouting for All program that helps families in need with their dues or camp fees. This is available to families who meet certain income thresholds, so please ask your Pack leader for more information about this program.

Finally, there are many local organizations, businesses, and churches that offer scholarships to help cover a Cub Scout's dues and camp fees. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help!

We want every scout to be able to experience the fun and adventure that Cub Scouting has to offer, so don't let financial hardship get in the way of your Cub Scout's journey!

How much does it cost to participate in Cub Scouting?

There are several components to the cost of scouting. For new members there is a $25 joining fee. Each new scout will need a full uniform. The good news is that often one uniform will last your scout’s cub scouting experience, though you may need to purchase additional pants as your scout grows. Cub Scout uniforms aren’t cheap, but they are well made and will serve as mementos long after your scout is grown. You can expect to pay about $100 for a full uniform at the Scoutshop or online. In addition there are annual dues in the amount of $250. Click here to see how the annual dues break down. Finally, there are some costs associated with activities throughout the year. Camping events, field trips, and other activities may have an additional expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

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