Q: What is the difference between a Den and a Pack?
A Den is a small group of Scouts that are in the same grade at school and are all working toward the same rank:
Kindergarten – Lion Rank
1st grade – Tiger Rank
2nd grade – Wolf Rank
3rd grade – Bear Rank
4th grade – Webelos Rank
5th grade – Arrow of Light
A Pack is the collection of all Dens affiliated with a single Charter Organization.
A Charter Organization is the organization that sponsors the Pack and its Dens. Pack 162’s Charter Organization is South Britain Congregational Church in Southbury. Members of our Pack do not need to be directly affiliated with the Charter Organization.
Q: Who can join a Cub Scout Pack?
Our Pack is open to any boy or girl in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Typically our members come from the Southbury area and attend school in the area.
Q: Can girls join Cub Scouts?
Yes! In 2018, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) started a two year process to introduce girls into its Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. (The BSA has two additional programs, Venturing and Explorers, that have been co-ed for many years.) Our Pack is a supporter of Family Scouting and welcomes both boys and girls in our Pack.
Girls participating in Cub Scouts are a part of their own Dens with their own Den Leader(s). Den Leaders of boy and girl dens often coordinate their program and meeting times to work on their advancement together. Once our girl members earn their Arrow of Light awards (Cub Scouting’s highest rank), they can transition to an all-girls Scouts BSA (formerly called Boy Scouts) Troop.
You can learn more about this transition to Family Scouting on the Boy Scouts of America’s website.
Q: Will my child go camping and do outdoor activities?
Yes, each Rank requires your Scout to participate in some outdoor activities (although camping is not specifically required). Each year, we plan to offer overnight activities at least every quarter.
Meals are provided at some of these event to all our participants at these overnights and Scouts will participate in a variety of activities arranged by the Pack or the Council. When we camp outside, our members are expected to provide their own tents for overnight camping. (Some camping gear may be available to borrow upon request.)
Q: I’m interested in joining Pack 162. How can I sign my child up?
You can start your son or daughter’s Scouting Adventure by starting the application process on our JOIN page. You’ll receive an email with detailed instructions completing the required paperwork.
Q: I missed the annual signup night, can my son or daughter still join Pack 162?
Absolutely! We accept new members year-round. Just head over to our JOIN page to start the application process. You’ll receive an email with detailed instructions completing the required paperwork. Your Scout’s Den Leader will work with you to complete the requirements your Scout needs to complete to earn their rank.
Q: How many times will we meet each month?
You should expect to be invited to 2 or 3 Cub Scout meetings every month:
Our Dens meet usually twice each month to work with other Scouts in their grade to complete adventures and work towards their rank requirements.
All of our Dens come together at least monthly for a Pack meeting or other outing. Pack Meetings are generally the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Q: How much does it cost to be a Scout?
Our Leaders work hard to keep the cost of our program low. The majority of our expenses are covered through our Annual Dues and our Candy sales.
You should expect to spend $250 in your first year to cover your annual dues, purchasing your uniform and rank-specific handbook.
After your first year, you should expect Cub Scouting to cost around $200 per year unless you need to purchase your Scout a new uniform. Additional costs may be incurred for optional Summer Camps (typically $110 – $230 with some discounts available for selling candy or other fundraisers). Annual Dues are set yearly depending on the expenses that are needed for the year.
We believe that every child should be able to participate in the Cub Scout Program. Please contact our Cubmaster if your child would like to join our Pack but are unable to cover the cost of membership.
Uniform Costs
When you first join Cub Scouts, you will need to purchase a Class A Uniform (the Blue or Khaki Scout Uniforms) and Hat. This typically costs $22.98 for Kindergartners, $39.98 for First – Fourth Graders and $47.98-$57.98 for Fifth Graders.
Annual Costs
Annual dues for Pack 162 are $200/year. This covers dues to the BSA national organization, our local council (Connecticut River Council), and Pack 162 dues.
Pack dues cover the bare minimum expenses it takes to run a Pack. Scouting does do an annual fundraiser and the Pack runs an annual golf outing. Pack 162 Dues Covers
A Class B Activity Uniform shirt
Supplies for all of our Den and Pack meetings
Camping supplies
Registration costs for campouts and other outings
Pins, belt loops, and patches to recognize our Scout’s achievements
Annual dues are paid in October and November of each year as Pack 162 is required to turn in its annual recharter during mid-December, and pay the national registration fees for the next year at that time. We need to be sure we know who is continuing with the program, and ensure we have the funds to cover the national fee.
New Scout Registration
Scouting dues follow a calendar year of January-December. The Cub Scouting program traditionally follows the school calendar year, with most new Cub Scout registering in September.
There is a one time joining fee of $25 and any new scouts registering mid-year, the pack will pro-date dues based on the date of registration.
Once dues are paid, each scout will receive their pack t-shirt.
Q: What should my Scout wear to a Den / Pack meeting?
Scouts should wear their Class A Field Uniforms to all Pack and Den events unless otherwise instructed in the event invitation. This includes:
The Blue or Khaki Scout Uniforms shirt (or Lion t-shirt)
Uniform belt with completed adventure loops
Rank-specific neckerchief and slide
Appropriate pants, jeans, or shorts that complement their uniform shirt
For Pack and Den events where the Scouts will be more active (i.e hikes, camping), Scouts will be instructed to wear their Class B Activity Uniforms or activity appropriate clothing. This includes:
Class B Uniform t-shirt provided by the Pack
Appropriate pants, jeans, or shorts for the activity
Scouts should always be prepared and dress appropriately for the weather. Consider wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under you Class A uniform for cold days or a jacket.