Contact Pack 119
Read through the information on this website and then contact Pack 119 at pack119@gmail.com to let us know that you're interested in our Pack. Let us know how many kids you have interested in Scouts, their grades this school year (or upcoming fall), and if you want us to add you to our announcements list where we update parents on upcoming events, additional details and any schedule changes (be sure to check your spam folder and mark us as a safe sender).
If you're still deciding if Scouts is right for your family, let us know what questions you have or if you'd like to attend an upcoming event to get more information. See step 2 for the best ways to get see Scouting in person. If you already know you want to join, skip to step 3, and send us a note letting us know to look for your application.
2. Attend an Event or Meeting
The best way to determine if Scouting is right for you is to come to one our events and talk with Leaders and other parents.
We hold recruiting events in the spring and fall, rain or shine. Your child can participate in fun activities that will help you both to get a sense of the kinds of things we do in Scouts. You can also meet informally with pack Leaders and current Scout parents to ask questions and pick up information. This is a great time to fill out an application if you are ready to join!
You can also join us as a guest at a Pack Meeting or Den Meeting, held on Monday evenings. Just reach out to us ahead of time so we can plan for this and ensure the planned activity is optimal for a visit.
Finally, our monthly hikes and summer program are less formal than our weekly meetings throughout the school year and are a great introduction to Scouting without the full commitment. We have a hike each month. These are informal and accessible for hikers of all experience levels. Our summer program starts in June and runs through August, and is primarily comprised of outdoor events like fishing, biking, camping, hiking, and more. There is a small fee for the summer program. See the Calendar tab for upcoming opportunities and contact us at pack119@gmail.com about the summer program or to visit us at an event.
3. Join Scouts BSA
Once you've decided you want to join, you can request a paper application at one of our recruiting events or meetings, or you can join online right now at this link:
4. Obtain a Uniform and Handbook
Once your application is complete, you'll receive a welcome letter from Pack 119 with additional information including our communication policies, new family survey, handbook and other important information. Start coming to meetings even if you don't have a uniform or handbook yet.
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.
We also highly recommend that you purchase the Handbook for your grade level, also available at the Scout store. This will explain more to you about Scouting and is an important guide for your Scout throughout the year. You will need it for certain activities to be completed at home, and it will allow you to look ahead to be ready for coming activities at Den or Pack meetings. Parents are encouraged to volunteer to lead a meeting if an Adventure falls within their area of interest/expertise!