Scouting FAQ

Yes!  While most families join at the beginning of the year during our main recruitment drive, scouts can join Pack 609 at any point during the year and join into their grade-level den and start earning adventure loops immediately.

LIONS (KINDERGARTEN)

LIONS is an exciting introduction to the scouting program for Kindergarteners.   Lions do activities that introduces the Scout and their families to the fun of Scouting.   Lions do adventures with their adult partners.  Becoming a Lion gives the Scout a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime, and build a stronger family while enjoying the Scouting program with other families.  

TIGERS (1ST GRADERS)

TIGERS are Scouts who are in the 1st grade.   Tigers do adventures with their adult partners. This program is intended to open up the world to inquisitive minds along with the caring guidance of adults. To earn the Tiger badge, a scout must complete six required adventures with his den or family and two elective adventures.  After the Tiger badge is earned, a Tiger Scout can work on the remaining Tiger elective adventures.

WOLVES (2ND GRADERS)

WOLVES are scouts who are in the 2nd grade.  To earn the Wolf badge, a scout must complete six required adventures and two elective adventures.  After the Wolf badge is earned, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining Wolf electives until the second-grade school year has ended.  Elective adventures can be chosen that may show new hobbies and teach skills that will be useful during future Scout years.

BEARS (3RD GRADERS)

BEARS are scouts who are in the 3rd grade. To earn the Bear badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures and two elective adventures.  After the Bear badge is earned, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining Bear electives until the third-grade year has ended.  Elective adventures can be chosen that may show new hobbies and teach skills that will be useful during future Scout years. 

WEBELOS (4TH GRADERS)

WEBELOS are scouts who are in the 4th grade. To earn the Webelos badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures and two elective adventures.  After the Webelos badge is earned, a Webelos Scout can work on the remaining Webelos electives until the fourth-grade year has ended.  Elective adventures can be chosen that may show new hobbies and teach skills that will be useful during future Scout years. 

ARROW OF LIGHT (5TH GRADERS)

The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light.  Earning this rank prepares a Cub Scout to become part of a Scout Troop.  Scouts must complete six required adventures and two elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank.  The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform when a Cub Scout graduates into a Boy Scout Troop.  Arrow of Light scouts cross over to a BSA troop in February/March to allow participation in summer camp season.

Yes!  Pack 609 is a co-ed Family Pack.  Boys and girls participate together in our pack meetings, campouts and community events, working on the exact same rank requirements and outdoor adventures.

Our pack typically operates on a monthly cadence:

• Den Meetings: 3 to 4 times per month (~60 minutes) with scouts in the same grade.

• Pack Meeting: Once per month (60–75 minutes) where all dens gather for a larger activity, games, skits, and/or award presentations.

• Weekend Events: Typically 1 outdoor event or campout per month (hikes, pinewood derby, campouts, etc.).

Pack 609 meets following the CCISD school calendar, starting activities in late August and ending the scout year in mid-May with rank-up.  During the summer, there will be several activities planned to help our scouts earn the Summertime Fun adventure and get them together.

We love that our scouts are involved in sports, band, and other hobbies! Scouting is designed to complement busy family schedules, not compete with them. If your child misses a den meeting due to a game or recital, you can easily complete the missed adventure activity at home. Contact your Scouts den leader and they will let you know what adventure activity was missed. 

The National BSA Registration Fee: The National Registration fee is collected for a 1 year term and is $85.  For an extra $15, your scout can subscribe to Scout Life Magazine to learn about exciting activities in the scouting world, scouting comics and funny jokes.

Bay Area Council Registration Fee: As of this writing, there is no council registration fee required.

Pack 609 Activity Fees throughout the Scout Year​:  Pack 609's Program budget is dependent on the activities planned for the Scout Year.  Dues will be collected at the beginning of the Scout Year to cover base pack expenses.  Fundraising opportunities will cover additional activities like Pinewood Derby and Raingutter Regatta.  Some activities (e.g. Campouts) may be extra and paid by the families participating in the activity.  Dues for 2026/2027 are $60.

Uniform: See the question below regarding Uniform.

Uniforms are a very important part of Scouting as it gives the youth a sense of belonging and represents pride in their accomplishments through rank advancements.  All of the Scouting Programs have specific basic uniform requirements and the Scout Shop will be able to assist you. You do not have to get a uniform at the time of registration and it can be purchased at a later date.  Uniforms & Handbooks can be purchased anytime at the Bay Area Council Shop.

 Address: 3020 53rd Street Galveston, TX 77551

Phone: 409-744-5206 

Scout Shop hours: Monday thru Friday ~ 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m

Keep in mind that the Uniform can be worn for 2-3 years, so purchase a size up if you want to extend the life of the uniform.  Scouting is for everyone, and a cost of a uniform should not deter you from joining. Please speak with a leader if you have questions concerns.

Class A Uniform Elements (for Pack Meetings and formal events like parades):

• Scouting America Uniform Shirt - Blue for Lions through Webelos.  Tan for Arrow of Light (can keep same uniform into Troop).

• Patches - There are several patches that will be placed on the shirt: Council Patch, 609 numbers, Scout Crest and World Scouting Logo

• Neckerchief and Slide for rank - The neckerchief and slide are den-specific and visually show a scout's rank.

• Belt - The Cub Scout belt is essential to hold all the adventure loops that are earned throughout the year.  The belts are one-size and can be cut down, but make sure to give plenty of space for growth over time.

• Pants - Pants for Lions through Webelos are blue to match the shirt.  Green for Arrow of Light.  They do not need to be the official Scouting America pants.

• Hat (Optional for Pack 609) - Scouting America offers hats for each rank.  They are a great way to cover one of the Scout Essentials (sun protection)!

Pack 609 Class B Uniform (for Den Meetings and Outdoor events):

• T-Shirt - A red Pack 609 T-Shirt is provided for each scout annually.  Subsequent scout and adult shirts may be purchased at cost.

• Shorts/Pants - There is no standard requirement for shorts/pants, other than based on weather conditions and planned activities.

We would never want the cost of joining Scouting to be a reason that a family could not participate.  We participate in fundraisers throughout the year to help offset the cost of special activities and keep the pack dues low.  If you have a financial situation and are in need of assistance, please reach out to pack leadership to discuss options, such as a scholarship, campership, or monthly payment arrangements.

Scouting is a family-centered program and as such, all parents are expected to pitch in.  There are multiple opportunities for helping the program from registered leaders (e.g. Den Leaders, Cubmaster, Committee Members) to assisting with an activity during a den or pack meeting to helping set up and tear down special events.  All our major events will have listed help needed areas and we encourage everyone to let pack leadership know of any special areas that you are interested in assisting.