FAQs
Why Cub Scouting?
Parents of young boys and girls face a lot of choices in extracurricular activities. Kids want to have fun, while
parents want them to learn positive values and skills that will last a lifetime. If your child is about to enter
first through fifth grade, Cub Scouting may be exactly what you are both looking for.
What do Cub Scouts do?
Everything in Cub Scouting is designed to keep the kids active while achieving the aims of Scouting –
citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness. Many of the activities happen right in the
den and pack meetings. Generally, there is one den and one pack meeting per month. In the summer, the
schedule is more relaxed. Den Meetings are where your child will meet with a small group of boys or girls in his or her
grade. Dens are formed at the beginning of the school year. The den activities are focused on achieving
the “rank” of that den and require learning new skills, completing craft projects, doing community service,
and more. Some other fun events during the year range from Pinewood Derby, to Blue & Gold Banquet, to
our neighborhood food drive.
What are the benefits of Scouting?
There is a reason for everything children do in Cub Scouting. Apart from the fun and excitement, the aim of
Cub Scouting is to help young boys and girls grow into good citizens who are strong in character and personally fit. This is
why we say that Cub Scouting is “fun with a purpose”. Cub Scouting …
Develops character and encourages spiritual growth
Reinforces habits of good citizenship
Encourages good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body
Improves understanding within the family
Strengthens the ability to get along with other children and respect for other people
Fosters a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills
Teaches children to be helpful and to do one’s best
Provides fun and exciting new activities
Prepares boys and girls to become Scouts
Teaches respect for nature and America’s natural resources
How much time will all this take?
Cub scouting is family-centered and succeeds because parents get involved. For this reason, Cub Scouting is
not a “drop off” activity. All scouts attend monthly pack meetings at the Cresskill American Legion, 75 Legion Drive (usually
4th Wednesday of the month, for about an hour), individual den meetings are held at homes and event
locations (typically 1 per month) and there are periodic service projects, field trips as well as other activities. Each child will
also require a parent’s time at home to help him advance through the rank on which he is currently
working. For first grade Cub Scouts (Tigers) and Kindergarten Cub Scouts (Lions), a parent will need to
attend all activities, including pack and den meetings.
We ask that parents also consider volunteering time to benefit the den and/or pack. Please note the pack
does not provide den leaders but instead provides leader training for interested parents.
How can I get involved in our Pack besides being a den leader or assistant den leader?
The Cub Scouts program is run by volunteers, typically parents of the Cub Scouts, who help plan and lead activities and guide the scouts in achieving the goals of the program.
Leaders are comprised of den leaders, committee members, Cubmaster, committee members, and the
treasurer.
Keep in mind all these positions are volunteer-based, some are uniformed, and turn/changer as cubs graduate on to Scouts. There is plenty of room to get involved at all levels!
How much will it cost?
Cub Scouting is one of the least expensive activities around, when compared to children’s sports, music
lessons, clubs and other activities. This is because at a pack level, it’s an all-volunteer organization. Any
money you give to the pack goes directly to support our Scouts.
The annual registration/dues for our pack is $250 per year. This covers our program activity and money to the Scouts BSA to help the organization continue to develop programs for boys and to cover insurance costs. The registration dues are reduced to only $150 for those are want to do fundraising and sell at least $350 during our the Fall Popcorn fundraiser.
Class A uniforms cost approximately $50 per scout for the shirt and patches, which will last 4 years (if purchased slightly larger), neckerchief & slide, and the newly revised Scout book.
Checks should always be payable to “Pack 121”.
Will there be fundraising?
We also ask that all pack families participate in our annual fundraiser by selling popcorn. The money raised through this one annual fundraiser pays Pack 121’s expenses and helps keep our fees low. Scout's who sell at least 10 items totaling $350 have reduced registration fees. Successful fundraising efforts provides full funding for Pack events without requiring fees towards every event throughout the year.
When can my son join?
Our Pack hosts a kick-off meeting every September after school starts, but Scouts can join any time during
the year. If your son or daughter is not ready at the start of the school year, there is plenty of time to join later on.
Who can join Cub Scouts?
Your child can join any time from Kindergarten through fifth grades. Also, the rank of Cub Scout is not
required to become a Scout in Scouts BSA (which starts in 6th grade or age 11).
Who do I contact with questions?
Mike Reavis can be reached at CS121cubmaster@gmail.com