Cub Scout Pack 141

Does the Pack participate in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Family Scouting program?
Our Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs will not participate in the official Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Family Scouting program because we already have an alternative scout like program for girls that is a part of our Family Scouting program. Frontier Girls Troop 377 was launched in January 2016 as an alternative scouting-type program for the highly active and spirited young girls who wanted to experience a program that mirrored one that many of their brothers, who had joined the BSA program experienced. Because the “Frontier Girls” program itself permits a seamless integration with the local BSA programs, the program is the perfect complement to the existing BSA scouting programs already sponsored by the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, but one that would cater specifically to the young girls in the community. Please click HERE to visit our Troop 377 website for more information on the program itself. Also, please check out and like our Facebook page at @FGTroop377. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

What is the Lion Program?
The Lion Program is transitioning from a Pilot to an official Cub Scout rank and is scheduled to take effect for the 2018-2019 program year. Recognizing the success of the national Lion pilot program, the Boy Scouts of America’s Board of Directors have approved integrating Lions into the Cub Scout program empowering chartered partners with packs to offer the experience to younger age children nationwide. The program, which introduces a new Cub Scout program to boys age 5 or in kindergarten and to their adult partners uses literature specifically designed for the younger age group (Lion Scout Adult Guide and Lion Scout Adventure Guide). The Adult Guide contains a detailed plan for each month’s curriculum and breaks down each section into Family/Den Activities, At-Home Activities and Grand Adventures. Lions must be 5 years old by September 30 to participate.

What is Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of young boys and their parents. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys also learn honesty, bravery, and respect. Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting and parents are encouraged to play an active role in the program. Through interaction between parents, leaders, and friends, boys learn citizenship, compassion, and courage. This family-and community-centered approach to learning means that Cub Scouting is truly time well spent.

How old (or young) can a boy be to join Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades, or 5 and up to 11 years of age. Lions (a new pilot program) are kindergarten ager boys who must be 5 years old by September 30 and not yet 7 years of age; Tiger Cubs are boys entering first grade or age 7; Cub Scouts are boys entering second or third grade, or age 8 or 9; and Webelos Scouts are boys entering fourth or fifth grade, or age 10. Boys who are 11, 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.

What does Cub Scouting offer my son?
Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities?
The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is two Den meetings and one Pack meeting per month. It is possible for boys to participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., while participating in the Scouting 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 in their dens twice each month, with the exception of Tiger Scouts, who meet once a month. Pack meetings are held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Beyond that, dens may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, the Pack conducts special events such as a service projects or participate in community events such as parades as additional events.

Are parents required to attend den or pack meetings?
Since scouting is family oriented, parents are encouraged to attend all meetings. The meetings are not designed to be an hour of free baby-sitting for your son. If you cannot attend a particular meeting with your son, we require you to escort him in and out of the meeting. This will promote safety and allow the den leaders us the opportunity to pass on important information. If you would like to volunteer help with a particular den meeting, inform the den leader in advance so that the leader can plan your role in the meeting.

What are the responsibilities of an adult partner, parent, or guardian?
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to; providing help and support for the den and pack; working with your son on advancement projects and activities; attending pack meetings with your son and present his advancement awards to him at the pack meeting; attending and assisting with den meetings and outings; and attending Pack Family functions and activities with your son.

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, he will need a new handbook, 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. Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. We provide each parent with information about uniforms at the beginning of each program year as well as information about other supplies that will be required as we approach such events.

Where can I purchase BSA literature, uniforms, and other program materials?
The National Scout Shop offers all the essentials for Scouts, parents and Scouters, including uniforms, books, awards, patches and troop supplies. The Scout Shop is located inside the Blue Ridge Mountains Council Service Center building, located in Roanoke, VA. You can also visit www.scoutstuff.org to see the products.

How can I become an adult volunteer in Cub Scouting?
Express your interest to the pack leaders—the Cubmaster, chartered organization representative, or members of the unit committee. They can help you understand the process and guide you on areas where the pack needs support. All packs welcome parent help.

Must I be a U.S. citizen to join Cub Scouting?
Citizenship is not required of youth or adults to become members of the Boy Scouts of America. If you live outside the United States and are not a U.S. citizen, it may be more beneficial to join the Scouting association in your own nation. The World Organization of the Scout Movement provides contact information for all national Scouting organizations on its Web site at www.scout.org.

Blue Ridge Mountains Council

CUB SCOUT PACK 141