FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Cub Scouting?

We believe in having “fun with a purpose” with an emphasis on character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, fun & adventure, and preparation for Boy Scouts.

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 old (or young) can a boy be to join Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades. Boys who are older than 10, 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 types of activities are involved in Cub Scouting?

Pack 1491 is a very active, camping oriented pack and we support three weekend campouts each year. In addition to camping, your son may participate in a number of Cub Scout activities at the den and pack levels including:

• Academic Achievements
• Annual Pack Trip
• Archery (district supervised)
• BB shooting (district supervised)
• Cake Auction
• Community Service Projects
• Den Meetings
• Estes Rockets
• Hiking
• Pack Campouts (3 per year)
• Pack Meetings
• Pinewood Derby
• Popcorn sales
• Raingutter Regatta
• Scout Expo
• Sports Achievements
• Water Rockets
• Webelos Woods (4th grade boys)
• Woodworking & crafts

How big is the Pack?

We are a large Pack with approx. 100+ Scouts. Our pack is made up of Dens of 5 – 10 boys of the same rank (age/grade). There are typically 2 or 3 Dens per rank and 8 to 10 Dens in the Pack.

Will I need to be involved as a parent?

Yes. Without your help, the pack cannot operate properly and every family is expected to participate in some way. In a sense, when a boy joins the Cub Scouts, his family joins too. Pack 1491 is a family run program and we rely on volunteer family members for den, pack and committee leadership to run the program.

Can I drop my son off at Pack 1491 events?

No. We expect a parent or adult partner to be present at every event for our 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade boys. There are some events where 4th and 5th grade boys can participate without an adult partner present, but on an exception basis only.

Will I need to be a Cub Scout leader?

Maybe. The leadership of this Cub Scout Pack is made up of volunteer parents joining the program. Each den must have a den leader and an assistant. If your son is joining as a Tiger or we need to create a new den to accommodate new scouts, you may be called on to be a den or assistant den leader.

How do you learn to be a Den Leader or Pack Leader?

There is training available for all volunteers through Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and through participation in monthly Milton District roundtable events. Training is a requirement for all new leaders (4-5 hrs in one day, usually on a Saturday morning). Also, every leader must complete a “Youth Protection Course” that can be completed online ( MyScouting.org ) in approx. 30 minutes.

If I can’t be a Den Leader or an Assistant, how will I be expected to participate as a parent?

All parents are expected to volunteer. There are plenty of opportunities to lead or work on a committee associated with a key Pack 1491 event like Scout Expo, camping, cake auction, Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Banquet, etc.

How often do Cub Scouts meet?

The entire Pack meets once a month on a Monday night, between August and May (~ 1 hour meetings). Each Den also meets and decides how often to meet every month as determined by the Den Leader and families. The Pack suggests Dens meet twice a month for about 1 hour, but this is up to each Den to decide. We have additional events that we encourage everyone to participate in as well including community service, family campouts, Pinewood Derby, etc. We also hold optional summertime activities.

When/where are the meetings held?

Den families will determine the time and location of den meetings. Pack Meetings are held once each month, on a Monday night at 7:00 in the Dolvin Elementary Cafeteria per the published Pack 1491 Calendar.

How much does it cost?

There are four costs to consider; dues, uniform costs, camping gear costs, and miscellaneous expenses.

What are the dues and what do they include?

Dues are $120 per scout ($90 for 2nd Scouts) and cover the following:

• Advancement patches, pins, belt loop and other awards
• Blue & Gold Banquet fees and food
• BSA registration fees and insurance for Scouts
• BSA registration fees and insurance for adult leaders
• Boys Life subscription for Scouts
• Campout supplies
• Cub Scout Handbook
• Pack 1491 Shoulder Patch
• Pack Meeting janitorial fees
• Pack T-shirt
• Pinewood Derby: kits, trophies and venue fees
• Training Costs for Leaders
• Raingutter Regatta Boat
• Scouting magazine for each registered adult leader
• Volunteer recognition awards
• Year-end BBQ
• Year-end graduation neckerchiefs (non-tiger)

How much does the uniform cost?

Approx. $75 – $90

The required elements of the uniform are outlined in a separate document and can be purchased online at www.scoutstuff.org or at the Atlanta Area Council Scout Store located at 1800 Circle 75 Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA (770) 988-9912.

Will I need to buy camping gear?

Camping is an optional activity, but we highly encourage camping for all families because it is such an integral and fun part of our overall program. You will need to provide a tent, sleeping bags, a sleeping mat and cooking gear for your family. These items can be purchased new, purchased used, rented, or borrowed.

What miscellaneous expenses can I expect?

Transportation costs to and from Pack 1491 events, Pack Meetings and den meetings are your responsibility. You will also be responsible for purchasing the camping food for your family. We have an annual cake auction and you will be responsible for the supplies for you Scout and any auction fees if you Scout wants to participate in the actual auction.

Does Pack 1491 have a website?

Yes. You’re reading it right now pack1491.org.