Here are a few frequently asked questions for people starting out in scouting. You can print this page out if you are considering joining Cub Scouts. It answers a lot of questions!

What is Cub Scouts?
Cub Scouting 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).

Who can join Cub Scouts?
Any boy who has completed kindergarten or is 7 years old.

What "group" will my son be in?
Den's will be put together after the fall round up.

What do we need to start and when do we need it?
Boys will need a uniform and the appropriate (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos) handbook. You should try and have them by the first den meeting, however if you don't please don't worry about it.

How often do the Cub Scouts meet?
Pack 618 has monthly pack meetings. It is up to each Den/Webelo Leader and the parents to decide how often to meet. Most Tiger Dens meet twice a month and have 1 "Go See It" a month. Wolf, Bear, and Webelos usually meet once a week. Some dens also plan other activities

How much time does it take?
Pack meetings average around 1 hour. Den meetings times are set by the Den Leaders, but most are around 1 hour a week. There are also achievement requirements that take place at home and those vary in the time it takes to complete them.

What do we have to do at home?
The the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear rank required achievements are mainly meant to be done with the family at home, however some are done during den meetings. You will have to work with your Cub Scout so that he will achieve the next rank. The focus changes in Webelos to more den or patrol oriented activities to prepare for Boy Scouts.

Where does the money go?
All money that the pack raises goes directly to the pack for things like Awards, Pinewood Derby, and The Blue & Gold Banquet.

How is the pack funded?
Pack 618 currently has one major fund raiser a year. This is our popcorn sales program done in the fall. All money that is raised is used to fund all Pack activities and awards.

How much does it cost to get started?
You will need to pay the registration fees, get a uniform, and a handbook.

* Registration Fees are: $22.00. This goes directly to the National Boy Scouts of America
Uniform Cost:
o Standard Blue Shirt $22.50
o Neckerchief $4.80
o Neckerchief Slide: $2.20
o Patches needed (Council Patch, Den Patch, Pack Number 618, World Scout Emblem) $8.00
o Belt with Cub Scout Buckle: $6.15 - $8.45
o Cap $11.50
o Handbook: $5.25 - $6.50
* Note: All prices are rough estimates and they change often.

How do I get my son signed up?
Contact any member of the Pack. You will have to fill out an application and pay the appropriate fees.

What kind of training does the pack leadership have?
Most Den leaders are trained by the Pack Trainer or attend classes conducted by the Counsel. These classes can include: Cub Scout Fast Start Training, New Leader Essentials, ,Cub Scout Leader Specific Training, Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), and Outdoor Webelos Leader Training (OWL).

What's the purpose of Cub Scouts?
The ten purposes of Cub Scouting are:

    * Character Development
    * Spiritual Growth
    * Good Citizenship
    * Sportsmanship and Fitness
    * Family Understanding
    * Respectful Relationships
    * Personal Achievement
    * Friendly Service
    * Fun and Adventure
    * Preparation for Boy Scouts

What are the methods of Cub Scouts?
The Ideals:

    * Den
    * Advancement
    * Family Involvement
    * Activities
    * Home and Neighborhood centered
    * Uniform

What are the ideals of Cub Scouts?
The Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack help remind a boy to do his best. They teach good citizenship and strengthen feelings about reverence and respect for God. The Cub Scout sign, handshake, motto, and salute contribute to a boy's sense of belonging to a special organization

What are the core values?

    * Citizenship
    * Compassion
    * Cooperation
    * Courage
    * Faith
    * Health and Fitness
    * Honesty
    * Perseverance
    * Positive Attitude
    * Resourcefulness
    * Respect
    * Responsibility

What do the colors (Blue & Gold) stand for?
The blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above. The gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.

Why do Cub Scouts wear a uniform?
The uniform is an important part of the Scouting program. It identifies the boys and adults and gives them a sense of belonging to the den, the pack, and the Boy Scouts of America. Most boys enjoy wearing their uniform. They should wear it to all den meetings, pack meetings, and special pack activities.

Who runs the Pack?
The pack is run by the parents (which meet as a group called the pack committee). This committee consist of: Committee Chairman, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Secretary, Treasurer, Charter organization Rep, all Den Leaders, all Assistant Den Leaders, special committee chairman's, parents and anyone else who would like to participate in the monthly pack committee meetings.

What kind of activities does a Cub Scout do?
Pack 618 has several optional activities to participate in. Things like hike, family camping, sporting events, marching in parades, and summer camp, just to name a few.

What badges and awards do Cub Scouts earn?
Depending rank the boys can earn numerous awards ranging for sporting activities to academics.

How old does a boy have to be?
A boy must have completed kindergarten or be 7 years old.

Can parents help?
YES, parents are encouraged to help at any level from helping a Den with an activity to being a Den Leader or Assistant Den Leader to chairing a committee to being Cubmaster.

Does Pack 618 go camping?
Yes, Pack 618 currently does a fall and spring family camp out. These events are designed for the entire family to take part in.

What is a pack?
A Cub Scout Pack is a large group of Cub Scouts that meet monthly at a church, school, or other organization. The Pack is led by a Cubmaster, who is in charge of the Pack Meetings and the overall health of the Pack.

What is a den?
A Den is a smaller group of Cub Scouts, using containing 6 to 10 boys all at the same rank and age. They are lead by at least 2 Den Leaders and usually meet weekly.

Can girls join too?
No, Cub Scouts are boys only. If you would like we can put you in touch with the local Girl Scout Troop. Siblings are encouraged to attend family camp with their brothers. We involve them in the games, but they cannot wear a uniform and achieve patches and awards for their participation.

What about boys with disabilities?
Definitely, yes! The Cub Scout program is not restricted to so-called "normal" boys. The Cub Scout program is adaptable to many special needs, and there are program and training materials to help Cub Scout leaders adapt the program to the situation. There are also programs to teach the boys to understand those that may be a little different than they are. However, it is important that the Pack and Den leadership be made aware of these cases so that we can deal with any problems or situations that may arise. We ask that you fill out a health form that stays with the pack. Please be sure to note any special needs or conditions we need to know about. You should also plan to stay for most of the meetings, at least at the beginning of the year, if your son's condition warrants it. The first couple of months are a learning and adjustment period for you, your son, and the pack leadership.


What are the ranks?
The ranks are Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelo.

Is Cub Scouts for Dad's and son's only?
No, scouting is a family activity. Many den leaders are mothers.

Does Pack 618 need any adult help?
Yes, we can always use help. There are several activities through the year that need help. Duties can be anything from helping set up chairs to planning an entire activity. Contact anyone on the pack committee if you are interested in helping.


What is a Tiger Cub?
The Tiger Cub program is for first-grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade.

What is a Wolf Cub?
The Wolf program is for boys who have completed first grade (or are age 8). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.

What is a Bear Cub?
The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age 9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.

What is a Webelo?
This program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Handbook, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.

What is the Cub Scout promise?
I, (name), promise to do my best To do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the Law of the Pack.

What is the Cub Scout motto?
Do Your Best.

What is the Tiger Cub motto?
Search, Discover, Share.

What is the Law of the Pack?
The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

What is the Boy Scouts of America web site?
http://www.scouting.org/

Can a boy join in the middle of the year?
Yes, boys can join at anytime. Contact committee member to get signed up.

What is Akela?
Akela means "Good Leader". Akela can be a den leader, a teacher, or other important adult.

What patches does a Cub Scout need on their uniform when they join?

    * San Diego Imperial Council Patch
    * Den Numerals (Ex. Den 1)
    * Unit Numbers (618)
    * World Scout Emblem

What is Blue and Gold?
Blue and Gold is a banquet held every February to celebrate the birthday of Scouting. This is a time for families to get together ad enjoy a fine meal. Many times it may included a ceremony in which the Webelos bridge into Boy Scouts. Each den creates a center piece for their table(s) based on the theme of the night. These are the judged. Many dens also create their own place mats to use.