FAQs 

Who can join Pack 4? 

We are an inclusive, family Pack, welcoming all children in grades K-5.  Pack 4 serves families in Needham, MA and surrounding towns. Our Scouts attend all 5 Needham public elementary schools, as well as several local private schools. 

When & where do we meet?

 The Pack meets one Sunday afternoon per month at Christ Episcopal Church, Needham. Each Den also meets monthly. Special events, community service projects, camping trips and other activities take place throughout the year. Please see our calendar for meeting dates and more information! 

Can parents volunteer with Pack 4? 

Yes! Pack 4 is run entirely by parent volunteers. We are grateful to have many committed parents helping provide a high-quality program, and we are always in need of additional help. Please visit our Volunteer for Pack 4 page for more information! 

What are the costs associated with joining Pack 4? 

For returning scouts, annual dues for 2023-2024  are $175. Pack siblings receive a $25 registration discount.  

For new families only, Pack dues are $25. The Council also requires that prorated fees and fees for the upcoming year be paid online, directly to the Council, when registering:  

Prorated Fees for New Members (month of joining - Dec'23) 

BSA dues: $6/month

Adventure Card (Council Fee): $4/month

Scout’s Life (optional): $1/month

Flat Rate Council Fees for New Members (Jan'23 - Dec'24): 

New member joining fee: $25

Youth Registration Fee: $75

Adventure Card: $48

The annual dues cover the BSA membership fee, and Scouts receive: a Scout handbook and Pack 4 t-shirt, a New England Base Camp Adventure Card, a one year subscription to Scout Life Magazine, all advancement and activity badges, a Pinewood Derby car kit and Rocket Day rocket kit.  There is also a fee of $50-$75 associated with purchasing the scout uniform, and certain activities like overnights may include a fee.   

Pack 4 Scouts sell popcorn each fall as a fundraising activity. While popcorn selling is not required, we encourage all scouts to participate if possible. The Pack relies heavily on popcorn sales to subsidize the cost of Scouting, including required regional and national fees. 

What are the uniform requirements, and where can we purchase the items? 

All Pack 4 Scouts (with the exception of Kindergarten Lion Scouts) wear  a Class A Scout Uniform, which includes a blue or brown shirt with appropriate badges, a hat, neckerchief and neckerchief slide. The hat, neckerchief and slide are Den specific. Pack 4 may have hand-me-downs of these to share - check with your Den leader before making a purchase! Lion Scouts are required to wear a Lion t-shirt; the Lion cap is optional. Please visit our Dens pages for more specific information about each Den's uniform. 

All Pack 4 Scouts should have the following patches on their shirts: 

This website is a good resource for patch placement, and Badge Magic is a great alternative to sewing on patches! 

Uniforms can be purchased online at  https://www.scoutshop.org/, or you can visit one of the local Scout shops:  

New England Scout Shop at Base Camp Milton

New England Scout Shop - Woburn

New England Scout Shop - Southborough

Didn't see your questions answered here? Email us at committee.chair.pack4@gmail.com!