Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cub Scouts just for boys? No! Scouting is now for everyone and we welcome kids of all gender expressions to our pack.

When do you meet? We typically meet as an entire pack one Tuesday evening a month at 6pm at Duffy. Grade-specific dens usually meet once a month as well; this is often also a Tuesday evening, but dens can decide on a time that works for them. 

Additionally, we have optional additional events Including camping trips, hikes, events at Scout camps, visits to the police or fire station, martial arts classes, service projects, fundraisers, and more.

What is the commitment? We love for families to participate as much as possible, but understand that everyone has busy schedules. We encourage each Scout to do what works for them. Some seasons are busier than others, and the program is what you make of it. 

Can I visit with Pack 161 before joining? Yes! We have an open house In the fall, and prospective members are always welcome to join us at one of our pack meetings.

What Is the cost? Membership In Cub Scouts Is $160 per year, payable online. Youth with Husky Insurance are eligible for a discounted $60 membership, which must be completed with a paper application. Pack Dues are $25 for the year, capped at $50 per family. Pack Dues are paid directly to the Pack and are separate from the Membership Fee. A complete uniform, which is not required, costs about $120. Just the button-up uniform shirt and patches costs about $50 and can be used for many years. See our Uniform page for more information on uniforms. Handbooks are about $24.

What is included In the fee? The entirety of the $160 fee goes to the district and national organization, $75 and $85 respectively, to cover the costs of liability Insurance, upkeep of camps, leader training, and more. Our pack covers our costs through a combination of donations, fundraising, yearly dues, and parental contributions. Every Scout gets a pack t-shirt, belt loops/pins/patches for activities completed as a pack, camping, Pinewood derby supplies, and more. Parents are responsible for purchasing uniforms and handbooks (optional but recommended) and some optional activities.

How do I join? Please fill out an application here. If you have Husky, please let us know and we will help you submit a paper application.

Is Cub Scouts a drop-off program? No. It is a family program and parents must be present at meetings and events. Most families find they really enjoy doing it together!

Can I volunteer? Yes! We rely on family volunteers to lead the pack and dens, organize meetings, donate supplies, spearhead specific events, and just show up. 

Is Cub Scouts religious? While it originally had religious roots, our pack is secular and welcomes families of all beliefs. There is a component to the program that has families discuss their values and beliefs, but we ask parents to do this with their kids.

Pack: The whole group of kids In grades K-5.

Den: Grade-specific ranks

Lion - Kindergarten

Tiger - 1st grade

Wolf - 2nd Grade

Bear - 3rd Grade

Webelos - 4th Grade

Arrow of Light (AOL) - 5th Grade

Cub Scout: A scout who is in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Scouts BSA: A scout who is finishing 5th grade through 12th grade.

Adventures: The core program components of the scouting program are called "adventures." For each den there are six required adventures, plus a selection of elective adventures.

Belt loops, pins, & patches: When Scouts complete an adventure they receive a belt loop if they are a Lion, Tiger, Wolf, or Bear, and a pin if they are a Webelo or AOL. They may receive temporary patches for special events like a camping trip, hike, or police station visit. 

Pinewood Derby: One of the flagship Cub Scout activities! Kids design and race their own wooden cars on a special track. We hold ours every January.