Public Cub scout FAQ - Cub Scout Pack 733 (Winfield, Maryland)

What are the requirements to join Cub Scouts?

Lion Cubs (entering Kindergarten), Tiger Cubs (entering first grade), Cub Scouts (entering second or third grade), Webelos Scouts (entering fourth or fifth grade).

What does Cub Scouting offer my child?

Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys and girls through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys and girls also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation in other activities?

The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is two Den meetings and one Pack meeting per month. Boys and girls who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities though Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform.

What are the responsibilities of a parent?

Provide help and support for the Den and Pack.
Work with your child on advancement projects and activities.
Attend Pack meetings with your child and present his or her advancement awards to them at the award Pack meetings. Most awards are handed out at every Pack meeting.
Attend and assist with Den outings.
Attend Cub Scout Family campouts, derbies, etc. with your child.

Do Cub Scouts go camping?

Yes, but they ease into it. They may go camping with a parent, or even with the entire family. We usually start at the Bear level which is in the 3rd grade, although our 2nd graders are planning a family campout this year. The 4th and 5th grade Scouts go camping, along with a parent or the whole family, with the Boy Scouts. This helps to introduce them to what they can expect when the bridge over to Boy Scouts.

What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families?

Pack 733 is very active, providing a rich environment for children and their families. Typical annual events include:

Fishing derby
Fall and spring pack meeting at the farm
Scouting for Food
Space Derby
Holiday Pack meeting
Blue & Gold Banquet
Pinewood Derby
Campout at Frederick Keys stadium-we actually sleep in tents on the outfield!
Family trips with the pack to the crystal grottos, cryptology museum, etc.
Summer Day Camp
Summer Resident Camp
Winfield Parade from Ace Hardware to the Winfield volunteer fire dept.
Community Service Activities such as helping Piney Run park and our own Winfield Elementary school, visiting the homecoming veterans, and helping to serve food to the less fortunate at the Beacon house in Frederick.
and more!

How much is it going to cost?

The annual Pack 733 dues of $80 covers such items as the National registration fee, the Klondike Derby registration fee, the Pinewood Derby car kits, the Raingutter Ragatta boat kit and all patches and awards for the year. Since the Pack recharter begins in the fall, new Cub Scouts may pay a prorated fee for the remainder of the year, depending on when they register. Contact the Committee Chair for a prorated dues schedule. We encourage all Scout families to sign up for a subscription to Boy's Life Magazine, the cost is only $12 per year.

Other costs include uniforms and some activity fees such as Day Camp and Resident Camps, which are optional. Youth members participate in fund-raising activities such as popcorn sales, which helps to cover pack supplies, and other activities.

Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches?

The Scout Shop at:

Dorsey Road Scout Shop - 7502 Connelley Dr # 120, Hanover, MD 21076

National Capital Scout Shop - 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814

If you can't make it to the store, and are comfortable specifying your child's shirt size (S/M/L), let a committee member know what you need. Alternatively, you can order everything online from the BSA retail store at ScoutStuff.Org

How can I save money on the cost of uniforms?

Pack 733 has a uniform exchange. As Scouts outgrow their uniforms, change ranks, graduate to Boy Scouts, or drop out, their uniforms may be donated to the Pack. The Pack will then offer these items to other Pack members. Common items that may be exchanged include caps, shirts, neckerchief slides, and belts. Contact the Commitee Chair for more details on the program. By clicking "contact our pack" above, it will lead you in the right direction.

How often are the meetings?

Cub Scouts usually meet in their Dens two times each month, and a Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Beyond that, it depends on the Den and Pack: a Den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local fire department in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, the Pack may conduct a special event such as a derby, Blue and Gold banquet, or service activity as an additional event.

How can I learn more?

The best way to learn about what a Cub Scout really does is to talk with a Cub Scout who is engaged in the program. Alternatively, you can learn more about the Cub Scout program by selecting "Contact our pack" (above) and asking questions, or leave your phone number to receive a call from the Cubmaster or committee chair.

What is Cub Scouting?

Frequently Asked Questions