How old (or young) can a boy be to join Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades, or 7 to 10 years of age. Boys who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, can no longer join Cub Scouting, but they may be eligible to join the Boy Scouting or Venturing program.

Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts?

Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America—so in that sense, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are both members of the same organization. However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys.

How often do Cub Scouts meet?

Cub Scouts meet as Dens -- that is with boys in their same grade -- and as a Pack, which is a gathering of all the Dens. Generally Dens meet once or twice a month plus an occasional outing to a special place that relates to whatever achievement they are currently working on (i.e. a museum, park or ball game). Our pack holds a monthly pack meeting where we distribute awards, conduct activities and hear from guest speakers. We also hold special events such as the Rain Gutter Regatta in November, the Pinewood Derby in March and the Blue & Gold Banquet in February. Other events include service projects, camping and activities such as day trips or hikes. Den meetings however are the core of the program and where the scouts advance within the program.

May parents attend den meetings?

Cub Scout den meetings are intended to be an activity for the individual boys, but we encourage family involvement as well, particularly at the younger ages.  We encourage parents to work with their den leaders to be able to constructively help out with certain meetings -- do you have a special skill to share with the boys, or a job that relates to an achievement -- these can be very helpful to your den leader as they plan the year's activities. Communication with Den leaders is critical to ensuring a successful program for the boys that is fun, engaging and informative.

What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Cub Scouting?

At minimum, each boy in Cub Scouting will need a uniform and a handbook. Each year, the handbook changes, as does the cap and neckerchief, but other uniform parts remain the same for at least the first three years. When a boy enters a Webelos den, he may need to obtain a new uniform if the parents in the den opt for the khaki-and-olive uniform.

There are several options for our scouting families if you are interested in going to a scout store or licensed distributor for the uniform and other supplies. Those nearest to Centreville include:

Dover Army-Navy Store 222 W. Loockerman Dover, DE 19904 (302) 736-1959 Mon-Sat 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun Closed

Dorsey Road Scout Shop 7502 Connelley Drive, Ste. 120 Hanover, MD 21076 (410) 553-6913 Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sun Closed

Wilmington Scout Shop 912 Justison Street Wilmington, DE 19801-5150 (302) 622-9120 Mon,Tue,Thu,Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wed 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Sat 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Sun Closed

Or you can shop online -- uniforms, literature, and other Scouting merchandise is available at www.scoutstuff.org .

How can I save money on the cost of uniforms and equipment?

We do not want cost to be a reason a boy is not able to join Cub Scouts, As a pack we have some ability to provide assistance to families that may need it and we also encourage older scouts to donate certain rank specific items that could be reused by a younger scout. All awards are paid by the pack through our fundraising efforts. Please contact the pack if you need assistance.