FAQs

Q: Who can join Scouting?

A: Any child (boy or girl!) who is in kindergarten through fifth grade can join Cub Scouts.

Q: What is the difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts (to be re-named simply "Scouts" in February 2019)?

A: Cub Scouting or Cub Scouts is the part of Boy Scouts specifically geared to boys and girls in elementary school with age appropiate activities meant to help them eventually bridge to Boy Scouts. Cub Scouting was formed in 1930 as part of the Boy Scout program due to an overwhelming demand for younger children to be a part of the Scouting movement.

Q: What is the difference between the Pack and a Den?

A: A Den is a small group of Cub Scouts of the same rank (the same grade in school) who meet approximately once or twice a month to work on achievements, projects, learn games and songs, and make up skits. The Dens include the Lions (kindergarteners), Tigers (first graders), the Wolves (second graders), the Bears (third graders), Junior Webelos (fourth graders) and Arrow of Light (fifth graders). The Pack is comprised of all six Dens. The Pack meets approximately once a month for Pack meetings and also gathers at other times for special activities, such as the Pinewood Derby and the annual Blue and Gold Celebration. Please see the links to our Pack and Den calendars for specific meeting information.

Q: Can my child still join cub scout even if he/she did not participate the first year?

A: YES! Cub Scouts is an age appropriate organization, so rank is determined by age rather than knowledge.  All kindergartens enter as Lions, first graders as Tiger cubs, second graders as Wolves, third graders as Bears and fourth graders as Webelos, and fifth graders as Arrow of Light.  If a child first joins scouting in third grade, he/she will be placed in the Bear den and work towards the Bear badge.  He/she will not be able to go back and earn his Tiger or Wolf badges because these achievements would not be age appropriate.  So feel free to join anytime without feeling like you are behind.

Q: When and where does the Pack and Den meet?

A: Pack meetings are usually around 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays or Sunday afternoon approximately once a month from September through June, but please check the Pack website for specific dates and times.  Dens meet separately from the larger pack.

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Q:  What are the Pack dues and what do they cover?

A:  Pack dues for 2024-2025 Cub Scout year are $120, which covers costs to pay for Pack activities and events, badges, Class B tshirts and ancillary costs incurred by the Pack. Please note that optional events (Cub-On Camping, The Pack Overnight Event (e.g., the USS Hornet, Academy of Sciences, Monterey Bay Aquarium, etc.) have additional costs based on number of family attendees. Some dens may also request small den fees to help defray out of pocket costs. In addition to Pack dues, BSA and the Pacific Skyline Council also charge $85 each in fees per year.  Fundraising opportunities are available for families who cannot afford the dues or other costs; please contact the Cubmaster for details.

Q: Who are the leaders of the Pack?

A: The Cubmaster, Den leaders, and a Committee of volunteer parents (just like you!) run the Pack. The Pack leaders meet once a month to plan events, manage the Pack records and finances, train new leaders and assist the Dens. All parents are encouraged to participate in the leadership of the Pack.

Q: I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to be a den leader. What would I do? Where would I start? 

A: Help books, leader manuals, and training sessions are available to help new leaders step into the role as quickly as possible. It is easier than it sounds, and with all the cooperation of the other parents, stress-free! Without every parent's help and leadership, the Pack and Dens would not exist, so please find an adult leader and ask:  "How can I Help?"

Q: Do parents need to attend meetings?

A: For Lion, Tiger, Wolf and Bear Scouts, a parent or guardian must attend all pack events with the scout.  As the scout gets older, there are events they may attend on their own.  We DO encourage parents to attend events and meetings not only to offer support and to have fun with your son, but also to help the adult leaders. For den meetings for Lion and Tiger Scouts a parent or guardian must attend all meetings with their scout.  In subsequent years, parents may drop off their scout if the parent has arranged with another adult to be responsible for the scout; please arrange with someone other than the Den or activity leader because they will be busy running the event.  A minimum of two registered adults must always be present with the scouts.

Q: Where can I purchase the scout uniform and handbook?

A: You can purchase all these items at either of the scout stores. visit Scout Shop web site for location and hours. View our uniform shopping list.

Q: Do I need a red vest?

A: There are only certain patches that go on the official uniform. But if you're in scouts for five years, your scout is going to collect dozens of patches for everything from Pinewood Derby to attending sporting events to visiting historic places. The red vest is an optional place to keep all those patches. On the subject of patches, the Badge Magic kits are a lifesaver. No sewing required. Just pull a piece of paper off the glue, stick the patch where the removed paper was, stick it on the uniform and pretty much go.  

Q: Who can I contact for more information or if I have additional questions?

A: If you'd like to learn more about Cub Scouting with Pack 222, please email:

     contact-pack-222@googlegroups.com