Pack 725 FAQ

-When can a scout join?

-Pack 725 accepts Kindergarten through Fifth grade boys and girls.

-They may join at any grade level. They don’t have to start as a K5.

-Our typical program year follows the school calendar. While waiting till October to join is acceptable, the youth may feel left behind as other scouts have already earned awards.

-Parents can help the scout catch up missed awards.

-Are dens separated by male and female?

-Not at this time. The girls that are currently members of the pack are very comfortable with their brothers, and the boys are likewise very accepting of their sisters in scouting. As more girls join the pack we will consider what works best for everyone.

-Do I have to join the pack that is assigned to my school?

-No, Packs are assigned to a school only to avoid multiple groups recruiting the same students.

-You may join any pack, and you may switch packs at any time.

-We encourage you to visit a pack first, before making your decision.

-What do scouts do at the meetings?

-Scouting is a long-term program, Not a single event.

-Den meetings will focus on the required activities to earn their den rank by the end of the program year.

-Optional requirements may be sprinkled in where appropriate. While these are not often required for rank advancement, they are fun awards for the scout to earn.

-Required activities will focus on life skills not often addressed in school, like Team work, Safety, Cooking, and outdoor skills.

-What if we miss a meeting?

-The den leader should send out info about what requirements were covered. Parents are encouraged to work on missed requirements at home. Check the requirements off in Scoutbook as they are completed. There are also numerous electives for each rank that a scout and parent/guardian have the option of completing outside of the den setting.

-How is information communicated?

-Email, facebook, Scoutbook, Remind app

https://sites.google.com/site/pack725/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cub-Scout-Pack-725/182243335181366

-What measures are taken to provide a safe program?

-Each leader has passed a background check.

-Each leader is required, annually, to complete Youth Protection Training.

-We encourage parents to take this free, online course as well.

-Additional training is available to the leaders and parents concerning outdoor skills, water safety, and basic first aid.

-We use the PhotoCircle app to post scout related photos. This is a private, invitation only app. We limit the content posted to facebook due to privacy concerns.

-What are the expected expenses?

-There are a few required expenses listed below. Various camping trips and other activities are optional and pay as you go.

-$125 /yr (prorated for the month you join) Covers BSA registration, insurance and pack fees for materials.

-$30-80 Uniform (Check ebay or ask around for gently used uniforms)

-What kind of fundraising is expected?

-We sell popcorn Aug-Sept. We do not continue past October.

-We also may offer an online only fundraiser of gift ideas prior to the holiday season.

-Participating scouts will be credited for their efforts to help offset camping fees and dues.

-Participating scouts will hone their self-confidence and public speaking skills.

-What level of parent involvement is expected?

-A parent or guardian needs to stay onsite during the meetings.

-A parent is expected to work with their scout to assure that they don’t fall behind.

-A parent needs to be present during outings.

-Cub scouting is a parent led organization. The current leaders are parents, just like you. They try their best to keep up with their own children and lead others at the same time. We ask that you please consider helping where you can. Within the Pack there are a wide variety of needs and all come with the training required to make it a positive experience.

-How often do you go camping?

-We attend at least two overnight camping trips during the year.

-Fourth and Fifth grades have additional opportunities.

-Past trips include overnight on the USS Yorktown, Great Wolf Lodge, and some gym camping for the less adventurous.

-There are many wonderful parks and trails in the area. We often take day hikes.

-Can siblings attend the meetings?

-Yes, siblings are welcome to attend all meetings and outings, as long as they do not distract the scouts from their planned activity. Please assure that younger ones have something to keep them occupied.

-Can both parents and other relatives attend the meetings?

-Our Pack is open to all members of the scout family to attend and enjoy the comradery that the Pack family has to offer.

-As parents develop friendships among other members of the Pack, the scout becomes more relaxed and further enjoys their own scouting experience.

-We want all to enjoy and relish this time with their child as the memories and experiences will carry with them for a lifetime.