FAQ's

Why Cub Scouting?  

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.
For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believe that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts/Scouting America?

Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting America  program—so in that sense, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are both members of the same organization. However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger youth.

What are some of the things Cub Scouts do?

Community service projects, craft projects, games & sports, campfires with songs & stories just to name a few. We gather both as a pack (once a month) and separately in our dens (twice a month). Gatherings can be geared toward community service, completing rank achievements and/or just having fun!

What is the purpose of Scouting?

Cub Scouting has twelve core purposes:  character development, spiritual growth, personal achievement, promoting good citizenship, advancing sportsmanship and fitness, encouraging family understanding, supporting respectful relationships, developing friendly service, fun and adventure, and preparation for Boy Scouts.

What will I have to do as a parent?

All Cub Scout activities are done as a pair - the Cub Scout and his adult partner.  In addition, there are many different ways to be involved.  Please see the Cub Scout Parents’ Participation Guide for more information. Want to be a more active member in the Pack? Find out more information here.

Who Leads the Pack?

VOLUNTEERS!  A lot of volunteers.  It is required that all parents help out with at least one event, see Megan B or Nate C to sign up!  We are currently looking for leaders for special activities like the Pinewood Derby.  All leaders are offered training for their positions. If you need to contact any of us at any time, you can find us here.

How often do we meet?

Your child's Den will decide when, where and how often to have Den meetings.  Dens usually have 5-10 children and typically meet two times a month.  The Pack (all the Dens together) meets once a month for a Pack Meeting.  In addition, there are special events and community service projects. Find out more info about events here. 

When is the first meeting?

Den Meetings are held September through June.  The Leadership will meet with ALL parents in late June (check the Pack google calendar for specific date, time and location).  At this initial meeting we will address our Pack needs and schedule for the coming year. The Pack meetings, Den meetings and Committee Meetings are all held in the East Rochester High School Cafeteria, which is located at the first right after single point of entry/High School doors.  We always kick - off the year with our Popcorn Sale!  It is our biggest fundraiser and it is mandatory for each Scout to participate in selling a minimum to help support the Pack with activities throughout the year. Find out more info about events here. 

Why do Cub Scouts need to wear a uniform?

Scout uniforms are a key aspect of the Scouting America program. The uniform creates a sense of unity and symbolizes the principles to which we are committed – character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness. The scout uniform also allows each scout to display individual accomplishments and recognition. By wearing your uniform, you show others that you are a member of the worldwide Scouting program.

What is a Class A or Class B Uniform?

Class A refers specifically to the formal uniform (w/ neckerchief and hat) and should be worn at all pack meetings and various events in the community. Class B is our pack’s t-shirt and should be worn for events where the scout might get dirty (sporting/hiking events, park clean-up, etc). Typically, emails are sent out regarding each specific event and will include a note on what uniform is appropriate.

What do I need to purchase for my son or daughter?

Cubs need a uniform shirt, about $60.  They may be purchased at the Seneca Waterways Council Scout Shop in Henrietta: 2320 Brighton-Henrietta TL Rd, Rochester, NY 14623.  The Shop hours are Mon—Fri from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and  Sat from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  They are closed on Sunday.  The Pack will provide a neckerchief  and slide for your son in October when they start attending Pack Meetings.  If you are having difficulty purchasing a uniform for your son, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help.

Are their other fees?

Registration for scouting is $185 (includes Council Fees and Pack dues) with a one time joining fee of $25.  You are encouraged to purchase a subscription for your scout for Boys Life.  There are sometimes additional fees to cover the cost of activities or for materials you might need for activities in your dens.

Worried about the cost of scouting?

We have a Pack Scholarship Account set up to help any families that need assistance in Scouting! After you join, please contact the Committee Chair or the Treasurer anytime you need assistance. Your participation is completely confidential.

When a Cub Scout earns the Arrow of Light, may they immediately join a Scouts BSA troop?

Boy Scouting is available to youth who have earned the Arrow of Light and are at least ten years old—so a Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light is eligible to join a troop immediately (provided they are at least ten years old).
However, many packs coordinate with a local Scouts BSA troop to facilitate the transition from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting. In these instances, it is better for the youth, their family, and both units if all Webelos Scouts make the transition together, in a coordinated fashion, rather than having each youth leave the pack as soon as they is eligible.

How do the Cub Scouts earn awards?

While having fun, scouts also earn badges and awards. Scouts will work on projects with their dens, the pack and their family members. Many of these achievements will be recognized during pack meetings, giving the scout the opportunity to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The most popular awards for Cub Scouts are the advancement awards. Cub Scouts do requirements to advance and earn their badges of rank: Tiger Cub, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and the Arrow of Light Award. The Arrow of Light is the highest award in Cub Scouting. Webelos Scouts also earn activity badges.
Scouts may also earn “Belt Loops” and pins in the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. This enables scouts to be recognized for some of their favorite subjects and to explore new ones as well.
Cub Scouts can earn many other awards and medals too, sometimes by themselves, sometimes as members of their pack. They can earn or help their pack earn Quality Unit awards, religious emblems, the Emergency Preparedness Award, the Outdoor Activity Award, or the World Conservation Award.

As I read the outlines from Tiger Cubs through Arrows of Light, some of the requirements and activities seem to be similar to those completed in earlier years. Why?

You have discovered one of the beauties of the Boy Scouting program. From start to completion, it is a spiral of learning and fun that builds upon previous experience in the program. Basic skills and concepts learned at an early age are repeated and expanded upon to reinforce the knowledge. It is all age-appropriate.

What if a Cub Scout misses a den meeting and, therefore, does not complete the advancement?

Please contact the den leader. The Cub Scout will be able to complete the missed activity with their family.  The Cub Scout will be able to receive their badge or award only after the activity has been completed. Please inform the den leader when it has been completed.

Are den and pack activities planned for the summer?

Yes, but on a reduced scale.  The pack typically offers at least one scout related event for each summer month. Individual dens may decide to meet, but are not required to.

Can siblings attend pack functions?

Absolutely!  Cub Scouts is ALL about family.  We encourage brothers, sisters, parents and even grandparents to attend pack functions!

How can I become an adult volunteer in Cub Scouting?

Contact any pack leader, easily spotted at pack meetings wearing the tan adult leader uniform! Whatever level of assistance you can provide is appreciated and welcomed! The pack only succeeds when there are enough adult volunteers to make it all come together!

My child is involved with other activities which will sometimes conflict with Cub Scout activities. Is it okay if we miss some meetings?

Our scouts are involved in many different activities outside of scouting. Between school plays, soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and swimming, it seems there is always something going on. The leaders understand this, because many of them are active in coaching these sports as well. Just follow the Cub Scout motto and “Do your best” to try to make it to the meetings. If you are coming from another event, such as a sports practice or game, do not worry about scouting attire. We would rather have the scout spend that preparation time in the den/pack meeting.