Many questions that you may have about scouting can be answered by your den leader or orientation guide after joining the pack.  Here are some common questions that parents ask, and some helpful websites that can help you learn more about Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America:

How much does scouting cost?  The annual registration fee for each scout is $24.  This is their membership into the Boy Scouts of America.  Uniforms are not required, but can be purchased (see below) and can range anywhere from $40 and up.  Once your scout has been participating for a few weeks, they will surely get the opportunity to participate in fundraising.  Every time your scout participates in a unit fundraiser, he will earn money towards next years membership and camp tuition.  This fundraising also goes to support pack events and pays for their achievement patches, pinewood derby cars, etc.  If your scout does not participate in fundraising, your family may be approached about dues periodically as the need arises.  Scouting is not intended to be a financial burden and no scout will be turned away based on an inability to pay.  Scholarships are available through various organizations to assist in membership fees, uniforms and camp tuition.  We want your children to be able to be involved in scouts and are dedicated to finding a way to make it happen through the support of our volunteers.

What kind of uniform will my scout need?  The standard Cub scout uniform consists of a dark blue shirt, den hat and neck tie, and belt.  You can order these through scoutstuff.org or by calling the scout shop in Portland, OR.  When ordering the uniform shirt, bigger is better so that your scout can grow with it.  Older scouts in the Webelo's den can wear the tan uniform shirt as they prepare their transition into boy scouts.  The hat and neck tie will change year to year as each scout advances to the next den. Belt loops are now awarded for elective achievements.  If your scout has a belt, these segments can be worn as part of the uniform. 

Will my scout be safe when I am not there to supervise?  All adult leaders and members are approved by our chartered organization (The Warrenton VFW post) and the Cascade Pacific council and submit to background and reference checks.  While operating under the umbrella of the BSA, our pack employs "2 deep leadership" which means that there will always be 2 trained leaders with your child when you are not present.  This will ensure that your child is always safe and that our leaders can rely on each other to conduct group activities to BSA standards.  During special activities like swimming or camp outs, our leaders take extra training classes in order to execute these events safely!

What kinds of activities will my scout participate in?  Every den leader has a handbook that they will use to guide your scouts through the year.  Depending on the age of your scout, you can expect to see activities that range from public service (recycling, volunteer events, beach clean up) to physical activities (swimming and hiking) and team building outings (camp outs, pinewood derby).  Other activities that scouts do are whittling, visits to local police/fire/military units, and project building.  During the summer, many of our activities center around the outdoors. 

What do I need to know about camps?  Information about camps can be found on the council website at cpcbsa.org.  Each year, the pack committee will select one overnight camp to participate in as a pack.  Scouts who are ready to go to overnight camp will have the opportunity to go to that camp with other boys in their pack, or can select a different camp to attend as an individual.  Typically at the cub scout age, more parent chaperones are needed for overnight camping, so you may consider attending camp with your child as a chaperone.  Most Oregon camps are within a few hours drive from our home base whereas day camp takes place right down the road each year.  The cost of camps can vary depending on the length of the trip and the type of camp, but remember that fundraising throughout the year can make up a big portion of camp costs.  As with uniforms and registration, there is an opportunity fund sponsored by Friends of Scouting, to assist with tuition for camp.

How can my family participate in scouting?  What about siblings?  Every month all of the dens will gather for a pack meeting.  Pack meetings and other pack events are open to all family members, siblings, etc.  in addition, there are many camps that are open for family camping and sibling camping.  Some of our local Oregon scout camps have girls week for sisters of scouts!  Family participation is very important in scouting and highly encouraged at all age levels.

Will I be asked to volunteer?  The answer to that is YES.  Scouting isn't successful without the help from parent volunteers.  We will never ask you to take on more than you are willing, but we are always looking for parents to help out with activities.  As a scout parent, you should plan on volunteering for at least one activity or event during the course of the year.  We also welcome grandparents and relatives that have extra time to volunteer as well. 

We participate in sports and other activities, will scouting get in the way of that?  Absolutely not!  In fact, through scouts, your kids can earn "elective" award segments by participating in sports or other activities with their families.  Our scouts participate in sports like soccer, basketball, swimming, and even skiing outside of scouting.  Since scouting is a year round event, you can take a break if necessary.  During the summer, pack and den events center around camp and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy!

Who do I contact if I have questions about scouting?  Contact us!  You may know a parent of a scout, and if you do, you probably know that scout families love to share information about scouting.  We have all been there asking the same questions at some point, and by getting involved, we have been able to grow Pack 509 into a great program that will be here for years to come.  In order to continue to build scouting in our area, we want to hear those questions and get feedback from you.  If you have a question or want to get involved, please email our pack through the website to get in touch.  We will respond via email, or you can request a call.