What to Expect

When you join our pack, we want to make you feel welcome. We have put together this list to help you jump right in and feel prepared for camp outs, meetings and events. 

PACK MEETINGS

Once a month all Dens meet together for a “Pack Meeting", which all Cub Scouts and their families are encouraged to attend. The Pack Meeting is a fun time for everyone. Dens show off the projects they have been working on, lead songs, perform skits, and awards are presented to the Scouts. It is a time for the family to get information on upcoming activities and share in the Scouting spirit. Be sure to attend and join in the excitement while watching your child advance! We encourage scouts to wear their uniform.

DEN MEETINGS

Den meetings are held once or twice a month and provide your scout with opportunities to enjoy various planned activities, learn new skills, and have great fun. While parental attendance is not required at Den Meetings (except for Lions and Tigers), it is certainly encouraged! Some Dens will require parent participation at specific meetings. Please keep in touch with your scout's Den Leader so that you will know what activities are taking place and can track the progress your child is making. 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee meetings are held once a month at the church.  All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.  This is a casual forum where everyone can voice ideas for the program year, sign up for event subcommittees, or just be in the know about how the Pack is run.  

OVERNIGHT CAMP-OUTS

Scouting is an outdoor-based program. Camping is permitted by Cub Scouts only in an age-appropriate context. Scouts must have an adult family member with them at all times when camping. Camp-outs normally take place in the fall and spring. Medical forms will need to be filled out and turned in prior to camp. Bring all the equipment you will need to enjoy the camp-out: tent, sleeping bags, lanterns, bug spray, etc. The pack will typically provide the meals.

FUNDRAISING

Every year the Pack participates in the Scout Popcorn sale. The campaign runs from August through October. This is the only fundraising activity of our Pack. All scouts participate in this event and receive prizes and other recognition. The Pack relies heavily on the funds generated by this fundraiser. Everyone’s participation is expected and appreciated. The pack retains 30% of the proceeds of the popcorn sold and is the single largest source of funding for all Pack activities.

PINEWOOD DERBY

The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families and then race in a Pack competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track.  Multiple trophies/prizes are awarded so get creative.  It's not just about speed.

SPACE DERBY

The space derby is a racing event for Cub Scouts that is similar to the pinewood derby car race. Cub Scouts race miniature balsa wood gliders that are propelled by a rubber band and propeller. The space derby kit consists of a balsa wood block, propeller assembly, rubber bands, plastic sheet (for fins), and a mounting bracket. The wood block comes out of the box with a drilled out center hole. The block should be carved into the desired shape, sanded, and painted. The mounting bracket and fins can be added either before or after painting. The rubber bands are inserted through the center hole with one end on the propeller and the other held in a cross-piece at the rear. 

BLUE & GOLD

Each year, Cub Scouts celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Scouting in the U.S. by having a Blue and Gold Banquet. This is a significant event that the entire family is encouraged to attend. It is usually held in February or March and it takes the place of the Pack Meeting for that month.  

This is also when we celebrate our Arrow of Light den as they crossover to Scouts BSA. For these 2nd year WEBELOS, the final night of being a Cub Scout is at our Blue and Gold Banquet.  In addition to a memorable “bridging” ceremony to Scouts BSA for those scouts who are continuing the scouting adventure, we also present graduation “career arrows” to the scouts for them to remember their time in Pack 279. The whole family and grandparents are encouraged to attend. Scouts MUST wear their full uniform.

GRADUATION

Our Pack graduation occurs at the end of the scouting year.  This is when we celebrate the achievements of all our scouts as they earn their rank badge and move onto their new den.  The ceremony includes the removal of the old neckerchief and slide and the placement of the new rank garments. The Pack usually provides a casual dinner or snacks.

RAINGUTTER REGATTA

The Raingutter Regatta is a racing event for Cub Scouts that is the sailboat equivalent of a Derby. The official Raingutter Regatta kit includes: racing hull, two wooden outriggers, sail, mast, screws and sanding stick. Within the basic design rules, Scouts are free to paint and decorate their sailboats as they choose. The Pack provides the kit and a race is scheduled during one of the Pack Meetings. Scouts love this and parents are encouraged to let the children use their own imaginations in decorating the boats.