CUB SCOUT PACK 

Frequently Asked Questions

100 Cub Scout Questions

How Can I Join pack 714?

In August, we provide information about how to join pack 714 to boys entering 1^st and 2^nd grade in the Barre, VT area. 

What Does It Cost to Join?

The membership fee for Cub Scouts is $25 per year, payable when you register. To keep costs down, Cub Scouts participate in a popcorn sale fundraising event in October. Out of these funds, the pack pays for:

• registration fees and insurance for Scouts and adult leaders
• subscriptions to Scouting magazine for each registered adult leader
• first neckerchief, slide and book for Tiger Cubs who continue on as Bobcats
• Quality or Honor Unit patches
• advancement patches, pins and other awards for Scouts
• adult volunteer recognition awards

What is a Pack?

A pack is a group of Cub Scouts, adult leaders and parents who belong to the same Cub Scout unit (e.g., pack 714 of the Iroquois District, Green Mountain Council). A pack generally draws its membership primarily from an elementary school or church that is associated with the pack's Chartered Organization. Each pack is made up of Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear and Webelos dens.

What is a Chartered Organization?

A Chartered Organization is the sponsoring organization for a Cub Scout pack, usually a church, PTA, homeowners' association or other community group. The primary responsibilities of the Chartered Organization are to select the leadership of the pack and provide a meeting place. Each year, the pack must renew its Charter with its local council. The Chartered Organization must approve the rechartering application in order for the Charter to be renewed.

What is a Den?

A den is a small group of boys (ideally 6-8) of the same grade level. Each den meets on a weekly basis to work on achievements and other activities. The den is led by adult Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders, who are responsible for planning and conducting each den meeting.

When and Where are Pack Meetings Held?

Pack meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Pack 714 meets at Hedding Methodist Church, Chruch Street, Barre, VT. The Calendar provides exact dates, places and times of all pack meetings.

What are Pack Meetings Like?

Each pack meeting is planned around a theme, such as "Dial 911" or "Do a Good Turn". Most pack meetings include songs, skits, games, advancements, adult recognition, the Cubmaster's message and other activities. All Cub Scouts and at least one parent are expected to attend. Other family members are welcome. 

Who Runs the Pack?

The pack is run entirely by unpaid volunteers.

• The Pack Committee, which consists of the parents and adult volunteers, develops budgets, approves expenses, arranges for facilities and conducts overall planning. The Committee meets immediately prior to each monthly Den Leaders meeting.
• The Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders are most directly involved with the Cub Scouts. Dens generally meet weekly or bi-weekly, and a Den Leaders meeting is held monthly to discuss issues of common concern.
• An adult member of each Cub Scout household (not including Tiger Cubs) is expected to participate in a volunteer position or serve on a committee. In addition to Pack Committee and Den Leader positions, pack 714 generally tries to fill 15-20 volunteer positions (e.g., Membership Chairman, Advancement Chairman, Den Leader Coach, Tiger Cub Organizer) and have 8-10 committees (e.g., Blue and Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby)

Where Can I Get More Information?

Contact one of the Pack Leaders, talk to a friend or neighbor who has a son in Cub Scouts, call the Green Mountain Council offices (802-244-5189) and get contact information for cub scouting in your area, or stop by your Public Library and pick up a video on Cub Scouts.