How Cub Scouting Works: A Family Adventure

Cub Scouting is a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. It's a program designed to help kids develop important life skills, make friends, and have a blast. As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child's Cub Scout journey.

Here's how it works:

• Join a Den: Your child will be part of a small group called a den, made up of Cub Scouts in the same grade level. Dens typically meet once a month.
• Learn and Grow: Cub Scouts have age-appropriate handbooks with exciting adventures. As your child completes these adventures, they'll earn badges and other recognitions.
• Attend Pack Meetings: All dens come together for pack meetings once a month, where they play games, work on projects, and celebrate achievements.
• Be Involved: Your active participation is essential for your child's success. From attending meetings to helping with activities, your support makes a big difference.

Your Role as a Parent:

• Be a Guide: Encourage and support your child as they explore new things.
• Attend Events: Join your child at pack meetings, outings, and other activities.
• Volunteer: Consider volunteering as a den leader or pack committee member.
• Have Fun: Enjoy the experience and create lasting memories with your family.

Cub Scouting is more than just a program; it's a community. By joining Cub Scouting, you're providing your child with a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. It's a chance for your family to connect with others who share your values and create lasting friendships.

Cub Scout Adventures [i.e. program curriculum]

Cub Scouts earn Adventures that are specific to their grade and rank. A number of Adventures must be completed to earn the badge of rank for each grade level. Completion of Adventures is how the aims of character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness are developed.

Click here to see the list of required and elective Adventures for each Rank

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Joining Cub Scouts is an exciting journey that begins with a few simple steps. Here’s a quick summary of what happens when a new scout and their family join a pack.

Registration and Welcome

First, families register their scout and pay the annual Scouting America membership fees online.  More information regarding Scouting America membership fees can be found below. This registration is then approved by the pack's Cubmaster, who assigns the scout to a grade-specific den.

Next, a pack representative helps the family get connected. The Pack representative will create an account for the family on the pack’s website, which gives them access to the calendar, roster, and email distributions. They'll also receive an invitation to the pack's WhatsApp community. All of this helps families see who's in their scout's den, who the leaders are, and what activities are planned.

Dues, Uniforms, and Next Steps

The family will then pay the unit dues directly to the Pack (Pack 65, San Carlos). These dues cover the cost of a Class B uniform, which is a pack-branded t-shirt perfect for messy activities.  More information regarding unit fees can be found below.

Finally, the family will purchase the official Class A uniform and a handbook for their scout's specific grade level. After that, you're all set to dive into the fun and adventure of being a Cub Scout!

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 Scouting America Membership/Renewal includes the following fees (charged as a single combined fee by Scouting America):

• Scouting America National Annual Fee: This fee goes straight to Scouting America (formerly BSA). It covers things like national program development, online resources, and most importantly, youth protection initiatives. This annual fee is paid online when you register/renew.

• PacSky Annual Program Fee: This fee supports our awesome Pacific Skyline Council (PacSky). It helps maintain our local camps,  training for leaders, and keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes for all Scouting units in our area. This annual fee is also paid online when you register/renew.

• Scouting America renewal fees should be paid for through the scouting.org site, while Pack 65 annual dues fee will be paid for separately via Paypal.

Pack 65 Annual Dues

• Pack 65 Annual Dues: This fee goes directly to Pack 65 and covers all sorts of fun things for your Scout! Awards, meeting space rentals, pack t-shirts, even the awesome pinewood derby car kit – it's all here. Plus, it helps with required training for our dedicated leaders who make Scouting possible. Pack 65 uses Paypal for annual dues (collected in the fall) and event fees.