FAQ's - BSA Pack 29

Contact Info & FAQ's

Contact Pack 29: Contact Us

Mailing Address:

Pack 29
C/O Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church
500 McKennan's Church Road
Wilmington, DE 19808

Church Phone: 302.998.0434

FAQ's

The list of questions below seem to be asked each time we encounter a new scout family. As with any collection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) the list never seems to be complete, but this short list should provide the basics.

If you think we have missed something obvious that should be added drop a note to: pack29@rccpc.org

About Lion Scouts: What age must my child be to become a Lion Cub Scout?; I'm worried that my child can't handle a commitment like Cub Scouts at his age.; What if my Lion misses a meeting?; Do the Lions wear a uniform like the other scouts?
About Cub Scouts: Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts? What's the difference?; I have a daughter in "(k to 4th)" grade . Can she join Cub Scouts?; Where do you get Cub Scout leaders?; I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to be a den leader. What would I do? Where would I start?; I'm worried that my son/daughter can't meet the advancement requirements.; I've heard that Scouting is a Father/Son activity. I'm a single mother can my son/daughter still join?; When do they get to go camping?
Membership/Joining: Is there a certain time of the year when we have to join?; Can I transfer from another Pack to Pack 29?; Does my child need to attend Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church to become a member of Pack 29?; My second - fourth grader would like to join but they weren't a Tiger or a Lion, do they have to start as a Lion before they can advance?; My son/daughter is friends with a group of scouts in the second grade but my son is only in the first grade, why can't he/she be in the den with his friends?
Uniforms: Does my son/daughter have to get the whole uniform?; Where can I get Cub Scout uniforms?; I'm not sure what to buy for the uniform.; Can a scout wear the uniform to school?
Meetings: How often do the scouts meet?; When and where are the meetings held?; My son/daughter is in first grade. Aren't weekly meetings a little too much for them?; How early can I drop my scout off before the meeting? What if I'm busy; What about spring break and other holidays? Do you still have Cub Scout meetings?; We are involved with a lot of activities besides Cub Scouts - Is it ok if we miss events?
Pack 29: How much does it cost to join Pack 29?; What do I get for my Pack 29 activity fee?; Are there any expenses not covered by the Pack Activity fee?; What steps are taken to ensure a safe environment is maintained for my scout?
Other Questions: I have more questions that aren't answered here. Who should I talk to?

Answers

What age must my child be to become a Lion Cub Scout?(top)

Lions must be 5 years old by September 30^th in order to participate.

I'm worried that my child can't handle a commitment like Cub Scouts at their age.(top)

The program is designed specifically to suit the age and attention span of a kindergärtner. Meetings won't last more than an hour since we have found this to be the outside limit for most children of this age group.

What if my Lion misses a meeting?(top)

While the Lion may miss out on some den fun a missed meeting is not a serious issue. The Lion adult partner and his family will work with their scout to bring him up to speed on what was missed.

Do the Lions wear a uniform like the other scouts?(top)

Definitely! Wearing a uniform shows you are 'part of the team' which is very important to kindergärtners. We want the boys and girls to think of scouting as something special and wearing special clothing helps them just like Sunday clothing reminds them of 'best behavior' at church.

Are Cub Scouts the same as Scouts BSA? What's the difference?(top)

Cub Scouting was formed in 1930 as part of the Boy Scouts of America program due to an overwhelming demand for younger boys/girls to be a part of the Scouting movement. Cub Scouting or Cub Scouts is part of The Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouts is specifically geared to boys and girls in elementary school grades (1-5). After 5^th grade or after their 11^th birthday boys and girls become eligible to become members of Scouts BSA.

I have a daughter in "(1^st to 5^th)" grade . Can she join Cub Scouts?(top)

Absolutely. Cub Scouts is not only for boys. Pack 29 welcomes all age appropriate boys and girls into their program. Dens are grouped by gender and age.

Where do you get Cub Scout leaders?(top)

The leadership of this Cub Scout Pack is made up of volunteer parents (like YOU!) who want to be involved in their son's growth and formative years. We are not paid to do this. We think enough of our scouts and their friends that we want to provide the best possible opportunity for them to become upstanding citizens of their community. Each Den has two registered and trained leaders as well as parent helpers. Girl dens will all have at least one female leader.

I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to be a den leader. What would I do? Where would I start?(top)

Help books, leader manuals, and training sessions are available to help YOU step into the role of den leader as quickly as possible. There are monthly Roundtable meetings where leaders gather to share ideas. For more information about Roundtables, speak to the Cubmaster for details.
WITHOUT YOUR HELP IN LEADERSHIP, THIS PACK WILL FOLD!!! One or two people can't do it all!

I'm worried that my son can't meet the advancement requirements.(top)

The motto in Cub Scouting is "Do Your Best" and this is the yardstick used to determine if the boy has met the requirements. This doesn't mean that it will be easy! The Scout is expected to push for his best but we realize that there is considerable variation at this age level.
The program is flexible for children with learning disabilities or physical handicaps. Please note that this is a volunteer organization and if your son has needs we are unequipped to handle you will be expected to actively participate.

I've heard that Scouting is a Father/Son activity. I'm a single mother can my son/daughter still join?(top)

Definitely! The scouting movement has many children from single parent families. Scouting in Pack 29 is a family affair and all parents are encouraged to participate. Furthermore, while at the Lion and Tiger Cub level, an adult partner is necessary for joining, at the higher ranks the scout doesn't have to have a parent with them for all activities. Just remember our "two deep rule". See question above.

When do they get to go camping?(top)

Pack 29 loves to camp. We usually have an spring and fall camping trip "Family camping" is allowed for scouts at Boy Scout approved or "Council run" camps. Webelos may go camping as a den, but each scout must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If it is impossible for a parent or guardian to accompany the Webelos scout, guardianship may be transferred in writing to another parent that is going on the camping trip. This parent, by Boy Scouts of America policy, may not be the den or pack leader responsible for the camping trip. Second year Webelos are encouraged to go camping with a Scout BSA troop. When accompanying a Scouts BSA unit, they are still required to have a parent present on the camping trip.

Is there a certain time of the year when we have to join?(top)

No. You are welcome to join at any time. We have our annual recruiting drive in the fall but there is no requirement that you join at that time. The easiest way is to come to any meeting and ask to join. Questions email Pack 29 for more information.

Can I transfer from another Pack to Pack 29?(top)

Certainly. We have several scouts that have transferred from other Packs. All you have to do is file a transfer form with the Council office. Let us know and we can help you with the paperwork.

Does my son/daughter need to attend Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church to become a member of Pack 29?(top)

Absolutely not! Pack 29 recruites from the entire Greenville/Hockessen/Western Wilmington area, but even if your child is not from the immediate area they are welcome to join Pack 29!

My second - fourth grader would like to join but they weren't a Lion or Tiger, do they have to start as a Tiger before he can advance?(top)

No problem. Children from 1st through 4th grade are welcome to join Cub Scouts at any time. New scouts joining as 2nd - 4th graders will start as Bobcats then graduate immediately into the appropriate program - skipping any ranks as necessary; Wolf, Bear, Webelo. Starting as a Bobcat helps a boy learn about scouts and to understand to goals and values to be instilled by the program.

My son/daughter is friends with a group in the second grade. My son/daughter is only in the first grade, why can't they be in the den with their friends? (top)

The intention of the scout program, is to keep children of comparable maturity together. This is usually evaluated based on school grade or age. The joining requirements for a Wolf den are: "...must be in the Second grade or be 8 years old." Therefore, if the youth is an 8 year old first grader they could join with their friends - if they aren't 8, they belongs in the Tiger Cubs along with children their own age. Hopefully your scout will make new friends there. And will be around his older friends at Pack functions.

Does my scout have to get the whole uniform? (top)

"Uniform" means just that -- uniform; everybody dressed alike. Since proper uniforming is spelled out in Boy Scouts of America guidelines as one of the means of achieving the goals of Scouting, We cannot ADVOCATE anything less than full uniform. We expect all scouts to be uniformed. We would like all of the leaders to be uniformed. If you don't wish to purchase the entire uniform at this time, solid colored pants or shorts that match the uniform shirt may be worn. Many parents purchase the shirt, neckerchief and maybe the cap at the beginning of the school year, then add other items such as uniform pants, belt, etc. as Christmas or birthday presents. (This is a great idea for grandparents!)
Note: Wearing a uniform is especially important for Pack meetings. We will not present an advancement award to a scout who is not in uniform!

Where can I get Cub Scout uniforms?(top)

Uniforms may be purchased either in locally or online.

Locally:
Del-Mar-Va Council Scout Shop
801 Washington Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 622-3300

Online.
http://www.scoutstuff.org

I'm not sure what to buy for my son's/daughter's uniform.(top)

Thats easy. The folks at the DelMarVa Council shop would be more than happy to help you with the appropriate uniform parts. Or, you can head online to Cub Scout Uniforms and see exactly what is needed.

Can my scout wear the uniform to school?(top>

That is entirely up to you and your school. Pack 29 scouts are encouraged to wear their uniform to school on any day they will be attending a Pack/Den meeting or any other Pack activity. Scouts should only wear their "Class A" uniform to school! Scouts should also remember that whenever they are wearing their uniform they represent Cub Scouts, Pack 29, and our Charter Organization; shirts must be tucked, collar/cuffs buttoned, and neckerchiefs worn correctly.

Note: Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church students have received official permission to wear their uniforms as noted above. As our Charter Organization Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church wants scouts to wear their uniform with pride.

How often do the scouts meet?(top)

The scouts are divided into "Dens" by grade and gender: Kindergärtners are 'Lion Cubs', first graders are known as 'Tiger Cubs,' second graders are 'Wolves,' third graders are 'Bears,' and fourth and fifth graders are known as 'Webelos.' Consistency is important to younger children and to get the most from the program Cub Scouts meets weekly. Three weeks of the month the scouts meet in their age/gender specific dens and the fourth week is a Pack meeting where all the scouts join together to share what they have learned with one another. Each den will have one or two registered leaders and 6 to 12 scouts, with 8 being the optimum number ("Eight is great!") Female dens will have at least one registered female leader in attendance.

When and where are the meetings held?(top)

Monday is Scout night at Red Clay Presbyterian Church. Dens meet from 6:30pm until 7:30-ish since we know our scouts have early bedtime and schoolwork.

Pack meetings are usually held the last Monday of each month from 6:30pm to 7:45pm in the Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church Founders Hall. However, Pack meetings may last a little longer, depending on the event.

My son is in first grade. Aren't weekly meetings a little too much for him?(top)

First graders start out in a program called Tiger Cubs that is geared toward the age group. The boys must be accompanied by an adult "partner" (parent, grandparent, etc.) and the meetings are structured a little differently than the older boys. The Tiger Cubs meet as dens two meetings a month. A third meeting that month is a "field trip" type of meeting, known as a "Go See It," where the Tiger Cubs (with their Tiger Partners) go someplace or do something in the community. These "Go See It's" frequently slide to a weekend simply for family convenience. The fourth meeting tiger Cub Dens also attend the monthly Pack meetings. This multi structure style of meetings keeps the attention of the first grader and as such it doesn't seem overly ambitious.

How early can I drop my scout off before the meeting? What if I'm busy and can't pick them up exactly when the meeting ends?(top)

Cub Scouting is NOT a 'drop and run' program; Scouting is a family program. You will be expected to sign up as a "den assistant" on a rotating basis with other parents. Some activities require the presence of a large number of parents. Pack meetings are for the whole family.

IMPORTANT: We are forbidden by Boy Scouts of America policy to ever have a situation where one Scout is alone with one adult. If you cannot stay for a particular meeting, NEVER drop your scout off outside the meeting place and leave without checking to see if at least two adults are present. This is for your child's, as well as for the adult leader's protection.

We cannot hold a meeting if two adults are not present. Therefore you must wait until the den leader says it is OK to leave before "dropping off your scout." If a second adult is not available, the meeting will be canceled and you will have to take your scout back home. By the same token, if the den leader says you don't need to stay for the meeting, make every effort to be prompt in picking your scout up after the meeting.

What about spring break and other holidays? Do you still have Cub Scout meetings?(top)

Cub Scouts is a year round program - although activity levels drop significantly during the summer vacation months. As far as holidays are concerned - here is the Rule of Thumb: If the schools are closed for the day due to holiday or weather, we don't meet. If school closes early for weather, we don't meet. There are one or two other days -- that we have learned from experience -- that it doesn't pay to hold a meeting, such as the day before Thanksgiving (everyone's out of town). You will be notified of those days as we get to them. Also, as stated above, if there aren't two adults available (either two registered leaders, or a registered leader and a parent) we will cancel that meeting on the spot and you will need to take your son back home.

We are involved with a lot of activities besides Cub Scouts - Is it ok if we miss events?(top)

We all have many commitments in life and we understand this reality. Our goal is to provide a full schedule of events for you and your son to participate in. You are welcome and encouraged to attend as many or all of the activities scouting offers, but we do not expect you to participate in all of them.

Two other thoughts on this subject. First, you son/daughter will be working hard to advance as a scout. Try hard to attend major events so that you don't miss award ceremonies and special scouting activities. Second, when balancing competing priorities in your child's life recall that scouting is unique among the many activities in which our children participate. To often we end up in a passive observer role, as we attend the normal collection of sporting events/practices etc. Scouting is one activity which permits us as parents to directly involved with our children in every facet of the program.

How much does it cost to join Pack 29?(top)

Each Pack answers this question differently. This year (2019/20)each scout will be charged $65/year for returning scouts, and $75/year for scouts new to Pack 29. The pack provides: Scout registration, Insurance for scouts and leaders, pinewood cars, manuals, trophies, etc. This does not mean that there will be no other expenses through the year, but our objective is to minimize these costs.

What to I get for my Pack 29 activity fee?(top)

What is covered by the membership fee:

Annual BSA Scout registration
A handbook
Pro-rated Leader registration *
Scout insurance
Subscription to Boys Life
Activity awards and pins
Pinewood derby cars
Activity trophies
Den activity expenses
Pack Activity expenses

* Cub Scout leaders are required to join the Cub Scouts as well as the scouts. Pack 29 does not believe a volunteer should have to 'Pay' for the opportunity to be a scout leader so each boy subsidizes the cost.

Note: A detailed itemization of Pack 29 expenses on a per child basis is available for those parents interested by contacting the pack treasurer.

Are there any expenses not covered by the Pack Activity fee?(top)

What isn't covered by the membership fee.

The fee does not cover uniform costs.
A "Class A" uniform will cost approximately $100.
Specific Pack activities and events.

Pack events. We will charge a nominal amount to pay for food at the Blue and Gold dinner and Pack Picnic.
Specific pack event. Example: Pumpkin picking, Sleep-outs, camping, museum visits etc. will be charged based on a per scout basis depending on the total event cost. These activity fees should be considered 'al carte since each family decides if they will participate.

What steps are taken to ensure a safe environment is maintained for my scout?(top)

The BSA and Red Clay go to great lengths to ensure the safety of scouts. All of the uniformed leaders in Pack 29 have been trained by the BSA for their positions as well as in youth protection. Youth protection training is so important that we require our leaders to be certified every two years. Additionally, Pack 29 practices 'Two Deep' leadership which means that your child will never be in a position where they are alone with a single adult leader. Furthermore, the Cub Scouts is an 'open' program and parents are always welcome in meetings.

I have more questions that aren't answered here. Who should I talk to?(top)

Please contact Pack 29 Leaders