Where do you meet and what is the time commitment?

Pack 119 meets on Monday evenings at Robeson Elementary. Your DEN (grade level meeting) will typically meet every Monday as a group. Meetings last about 1 hour.

Once a month, DEN meetings are replaced with a PACK meeting where the entire group (all grade levels) comes together. This meeting also lasts about 1 hour.

There are optional weekend activities such as hikes and camping opportunities. Scout activities continue throughout the summer months. Monthly meetings are replaced by three to four fun summer activities a month. Examples include: hiking, camping, star-gazing, kite flying, swimming, and much more. 

Pack 119 is entirely run by our parent volunteers. We encourage all parents to get involved and help our pack be successful! 

What does it cost?

The yearly registration for Scouts is $85. 

In addition, Scouts will need a uniform consisting of a shirt and neckerchief. These can be purchased at the Robeson Scout shop at 3301 Farber Dr. in Champaign. The approximate cost is $55. 

The appropriate grade level handbook is also highly recommended and costs $25.

Scouts are committed to making sure that no family is left out. If scouting presents a financial hardship for your family please be sure to ask about scholarships. 

Where do I get a uniform and what do I need?

The easiest way to purchase a uniform is by visiting the Robeson Scout Shop at 3301 Farber Dr. in north Champaign (near the Olympian Drive exit off I-57).  Just tell them your grade level and that you are joining Pack 119 and they'll help you out with the correct shirts and patches.    

The Lion (kindergarten) uniform is a t-shirt. Tigers, Wolves, and Bears (1st - 3rd grades) get a short-sleeved blue shirt with neckerchief and slide.  Webelos and Arrow of Light (4th - 5th grade) get a short-sleeved tan uniform with neckerchief and slide.  Hats, pants, socks and belts are optional in Pack 119. 

Patch placement and how to wear the uniform is shown in the front of the Den Handbooks.  The Scout store can recommend professional sewing services (for having badges put on) if you are not handy with a needle. 

Do I have to camp?

We have an outdoor "fast advancement" day camp every year to assist Scouts in completing the outdoor requirements that are not feasible at our normal meeting location.  This event is strongly encouraged and it can be difficult to achieve rank without attending.  

We also strongly encourage families to stay after the day camp for overnight camping, but it is not required.  The pack can provide camping gear and we remind parents that you can do anything for a night.  For those nervous about how their kids will do on a first campout; don't be.  Young kids really enjoy our campouts and having other kids present really changes things.

Our campouts are family camping, so siblings and all family members are welcome.

What if we can't make every meeting?

Life happens, so just let your den leader know if you won't make a meeting so they can adjust plans.  However, Scouts have the best experience when they attend regularly.  Some activities require multiple meetings, detailed preparation and are difficult to make up or redo.  Attendance at all Monday meetings are strongly encouraged, whereas weekend and activities on other days of the week are typically optional.  So, while a Scout can have a great time only coming occasionally, if your family cannot make the majority of the Monday meetings, it may not be a good fit.

I'm a single parent/guardian with multiple kids, can we still participate in Scouts?

It's very common for our parents to be outnumbered by their kids for any number of reasons.  If all kids are Scouts, we generally encourage the parent to attend the den meeting of the youngest, or the child that needs the most support.  It's also fine to bring older or pre-k siblings to the meeting.  You can play in the back of the room, or depending on the toddler, the den leader may be able to include them in some activities.  Siblings are always welcome at events like camping, hiking, etc; however if there is an admissions fee, the Pack will only cover the cost of the Scout and the family will be responsible for the cost of admittance for other family members.

Can I bring younger siblings to meetings?

Yes, see above.

Are girls allowed?

Yes, Cub scouts is for boys and girls.  All activities are done together.  Pack 119 has had girls involved for several years and has seen the number increase each year.  We've always had sisters that attended meetings with their brothers and were proud to lead the way when this change occurred.  Regardless of gender, we do take youth safety and protection very seriously.  You can read more on BSA Youth Protection here.

I don't know anything about Cub Scouts, what is it like?

The BSA website has detailed information on Cub Scouts at their Scouting.org > Programs website here.  But in short, Cub Scouts is a K-5th grade program for boys and girls that focuses on hands-on activities that help your child grow mentally, physically and emotionally.  Scouts engage in activities that are fun, but also develop skills, character and citizenship.  Most meetings are in grade-level specific small groups. During these den meetings, the Den leader will briefly explain/teach a topic, encourage discussion, and then work through a series of activities and games that explore the topic.  Additionally, the Scouts periodically meet together as a larger group (the Pack) for excursions, presentations from leaders of our community, camping, or other special events.

I still have lots of questions, can I talk to someone?

Yes, there are several options.

1. Email pack119@gmail.com and let us know what type of questions you have and the best way to reach you.

2. Come to one of our recruiting events such as our Spring Fun Day, Fall Round-up, or send us an email at pack119@gmail.com to schedule a visit to a Pack Meeting or Den Meeting.  See the Calendar tab for upcoming events.

3. Come on one of our hikes.  We have one each month. They are informal and suitable for all hiking ability levels. You can meet both pack leaders and other parents and ask questions.  See the Calendar tab for upcoming opportunities.