WHAT DO SCOUTS LEARN?
Members learn a great deal including teamwork, responsibility, a service ethic, decision-making, and leadership. For example, an independent survey of Scouting member's parents in Minnesota by the Wilder Research Center showed that without exception, all parents identified at least one ability or attitude that had improved since joining Scouting. The most commonly reported areas of personal growth were: ability to work as a team member (83%); willingness to carry out responsibilities (68%); willingness to help others (67%); ability to make good decisions (65%). These results reveal that aside from the fun and excitement of Scout activities, Scouting helps boys learn skills and ideals they can apply to everyday life. Click here to view the full report on the Wilder Research web site.
HOW ARE THE SCOUTS ORGANIZED?
It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Each Scout is a part of a den of about 6-8 boys, which usually meet three times a month for about 1-1/2 hours. Each month, all the dens within a neighboring community come together as a pack. At these monthly pack meetings the whole family is invited and boys are recognized for their individual and group achievements as well as take part in games, songs, activities and skits. Leaders are volunteers and almost all parents are involved in some way to make the program work.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO GET OUT OF HAVING A SCOUT IN THE FAMILY?
As much as or more than what you put in. Scouting helps strengthen your relationship with your son and gives you a chance to spend real quality time having fun and learning together.
CAN MY SON JOIN IF HE HAS A DISABILITY OR SPECIAL NEED?
Absolutely. The Cub Scout's motto is "Do Your Best" which means each boy is encouraged to perform to the best of his ability. If you have any questions about your son's special needs, contact your local council service center. Contact information is shown when you do a find a pack search using your zip code
HOW DO I GET MY SON INVOLVED IN SCOUTING?
Find a pack close to your home or son’s school by using the find a pack search on our website. It will list open house times and dates when you can go to a meeting to sign up or will provide contact information so you can call or email a leader to sign up (or receive more information). It’s best if you can make the sign meeting to meet the pack leaders and other new families, but f you can't make the scheduled meeting, don't worry, you can join at any time. Just contact call or email the contact person listed.
WHAT DOES IT COST
Membership with the Boy Scouts of America is a prorated fee of $10.00 per year, but all boys can join regardless of their ability to pay through scholarships. The award winning “Boy’s Life” magazine is a recommended option at only $12.00 for twelve issues. Other expenses include uniforms, books, camp and some activity fees. Each pack sets their own budget and many use pack fund raisers to cover many of the operating costs of activities and camps.
MORE INFORMATION AT ANOTHER GREAT WEB SITE
Learn more about the fun of Cub Scouting on our National Council Joincubscouting.org web site.
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