Every year Pack 8 works with Generic Ministries to decorate holiday bags and fills them with warm hats and gloves for Boston's homeless.
Why Cub Scouts?
Cub Scouting is Fun with a Purpose. In Cub Scouting, kids learn ideals like honesty, bravery, and respect and build character through fun, team-oriented activities, community service, and by learning about the world around them.
Why Pack 8 Needham?
Pack 8 Needham is a welcoming community, open to and accepting of all families. Our Scouting program includes a wide range of fun and service oriented events throughout the year. From camping in the Town Forest, to collecting donations for community food banks, to Cub Scouting classics like the Pinewood Derby, there's something for every kid to enjoy!
What kind of time commitment is involved with Cub Scouting?
Like many things in life, what one gets out of Scouting is proportional to what one invests. But in a typical month, Cub Scout families attend a one-hour pack meeting, one or two hour-long den meetings, and some type of den outing for a total of 3-4 hours per month.
What's expected from parents?
For Lions (kindergarten) and Tigers (grade 1), a parent or guardian must attend all scout meetings and events with their child. Even for older kids, Cub Scouts is generally not a drop-off activity as most Cub Scouting activities are family-oriented.
In addition to attendance at meetings and events, Pack 8 Needham is made possible by involved parents who generously volunteer their time. Whatever skill you have, there's a role you can fill to ensure a rewarding experience for your child.
Is Scouting only a "father and son" activity?
Definitely not! Mothers, fathers, grandparents, or any legal guardians can accompany scouts to activities. Families can choose Cub Scouts for their sons and daughters. It's also common for younger siblings not yet old enough for Cub Scouts, to attend meetings and events just for fun. Cub Scouts is for families!
How much does Scouting with Pack 8 cost?
Pack 8 Needham dues for the 2024-2025 Scouting year are $125. Pack dues cover local expenses such as pins and awards, rockets for Rocket Day, Pack T-shirts, and more.
In addition to Pack 8 dues, the BSA is now charging $135 per year. All scouts must pay the BSA fee in order for us to be able to register and record your scout's achievements.
There is a one-time cost of $50-$135 associated with the Cub Scout uniform and Handbook. Also, some activities may have associated costs for the event venue or your own personal equipment. At the beginning of each year, we have a uniform exchange, where folks can pass down uniforms and neckerchiefs that their kids no longer need, which can help defray the cost.
Can I pay for annual dues and event registrations with a credit or debit card?
Yes! Pack 8 Needham accepts credit and debit card payments.
Where can I buy the scout uniform & handbook?
Scout handbooks allow scouts to keep track of what they earn and to work on things at home for some requirements. All Cub Scouts wear a uniform to pack and den meetings, and to other Cub Scout events. The uniforms are sold online and at nearby locations:
Camp Sayre Scout Reservation, 411 Unquity Road, Milton, MA 02186
New England Scout Shop, 23 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772
Woburn Scout Shop, 600 West Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801-6570
We also have a uniform and handbook exchange at the beginning of every scout year where we encourage people to pass down hats, neckerchiefs, neckerchief slides, outgrown uniforms, and handbooks to the younger scouts. Note for 2024-2025: Scouting America has changed the Cub Scout program starting this year. Handbooks from previous years will no longer be used but may be exchanged at the Camp Sayre scout store.