FAQ

Why should my child join Scouting?

Cub Scouting is fun for the whole family. In Scouting, boys start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. It’s fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life.

If you could give only one gift to the young people who are most important in your life, what would it be? No matter what your family situation is, it is within your power to help these children grow into people with a good feeling about themselves and a genuine concern for others. Cub Scouting can assist you in providing this greatest gift of all.

Cub Scout-age children benefit developmentally from belonging to a small group of peers. Your child will be a part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level and who are of the same gender. Through this sense of belonging, children build self-esteem and learn to get along with others. As a parent, you want to be assured that the groups that your child joins will teach values consistent with good citizenship, character development, personal fitness, and leadership. The values we seek to instill are found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

How does my child sign up?

If you are ready to sign up, you have two options: You can fill out registration online at Beascout.org or contact us at newfieldcubscoutpack34@gmail.com. The best time to sign up is NOW! We accept new scouts at anytime during the year.

Is Scouting Safe?

Scouting is safer than ever. The Boy Scouts of America has put extensive protections in place to protect our kids. Please visit the Youth Protection website or watch the video about Youth Protection. You can also find out about how scouting is dealing with COVID.

What kind of time commitment is involved?

Den meetings take place weekly and last about an hour. Pack meetings take place monthly and typically last about an hour. Additional den and pack activities (examples include camps, Boo at Barton, fundraisers, blue & gold banquet, pack day trips, etc.) typically occur 1-2 times per month.

Volunteering for a committee to help plan pack activities takes an additional 2-4 hours per month, depending on the amount of volunteers. We are a pack that believes many hands make light work so we hope as you acclimate and learn about Cub Scouts that you would be willing to lend a hand to help plan events, fundraisers, badge requirements and electives in ways that cater to your strengths.

How much does Scouting cost?

Scouting is a year round activity. We work hard to keep the costs as low as possible. You can expect to pay an initial fee to join and then an annual registration fee.

-One-time joining fee of $25

-Annual Membership fee of $78 covers 12 months of membership (January to December. The amount will be pro-rated depending on month of joining.

-HandBook (annual)

-Uniform

-Miscellaneous Cub Scout activities (often optional)

Newfield Cub Scout Pack 34 does several fundraisers a year. These fundraisers have been very successful with parent help and involvement. The reward of successful fundraisers equals the ability to reduce the overall costs associated with scouting and presents an opportunity for lower costs associated with activities.

In addition, the Pack has a small inventory of uniforms that can be loaned to Scouts. Ask your den leader for more information.

What can my child expect from Scouting?

Scouting provides a mix of learning, adventure and character development. Cub Scouts have a different handbook at each grade level, with adventures that are age-appropriate for their developmental level. As your child advances through these books by working on adventures, they will earn badges and other recognition that they wear on their uniform.

What is the difference between a Den and a Pack?

The Cub Scouting program takes place at two levels. Your child will be a part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level. A den typically meets three times a month, although some may meet more often. All dens, from 1st grade through fifth grade, make up a pack. Once a month, the dens, with their families, come together at the pack meeting and Cub Scouts are recognized for the adventures and badges they have earned.

What role do parents play in Cub Scouts?

In Cub Scouting, you get to join in on the fun with your child and help them along the way. As your child grows in Cub Scouting, your role will change with them, from hands-on involvement to guiding and coaching. Your child’s success in Cub Scouting depends on you! In addition, it takes parent volunteers to run the program. If you are great at baking, we may ask you to help provide goodies for an event and if you or someone in your family is a veteran, we may ask you to speak to the scouts during a pack meeting. Watch for a family talent survey that may ask you about any special skills you may have that can help make Pack 34 the best pack in the district.