New Parents of Cub Scouts –
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Welcome to Cub Scouts! Our Pack is part of the Sammamish Trails district with the boys coming from various elementary schools in the Redmond area like Horace Mann, Norman Rockwell, Redmond Elementary, Albert Einstein, etc. We're a fun group and the boys will have a great time learning and exploring in Scouts!

Below are some common questions we’ve received, but please, let us know if you have additional questions.

Q. What's the different between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts?

A. Cub Scouts is the scouting program for boys from 1st grade through 5^th grade or age 6 through 11.  Boy Scouts is a separate program for boys from ages 11 through 18.  There is also a program for girls and boys ages 14 through 20 (Venturing).

Q. What's the difference between the den meetings and the pack meetings?

A. The den meetings are led by a parent or two in your age-appropriate den.  These are meetings where the boys will get together an average of twice a month to work on different activities. Additionally, scouts in the Tiger Dens will have “Go See It activities as part of their achievements. Other groups may have field trips as desired, but they are not an actual part of the achievement process like in Tigers.

The pack meeting is once a month where parents and scouts come together to:

a) share with other scouts what they've been learning

b) parents learn about upcoming scout events and meet other parents in the pack

Q. Does my scout need to go to all the activities?

A. Your scout does not need to attend every activity. There may be some field trips or activities where you and your scout will go as a den. These are required towards earning certain badges or working on the next rank. Check with your scout leader if the field trips are towards a badge.

Q. What is the Pinewood Derby Car Race?

A. The pinewood derby is an organized activity for our entire pack. Scouts are given wooden kits where they carve out and build their own pinewood derby car. Cars are inspected, weighed and checked in so that on the day of the race, boys will see their cars raced on the track. Parents are welcomed to help their boys design and build their cards.  Building the cars takes a little time, so plan ahead!  This activity is great to promote competition and learning sportsmanship.

Q. What are some ways can I volunteer?

A. We are always in need of volunteers from organizing events, helping out during den meetings, to making runs for supplies. There are many opportunities to help out during the year. Best place to start is to ask your scout leaders.

Q. What are popcorn sales?

A. Popcorn sales is the annual cub scout fundraising event. It usually starts in the fall. A percentage of the funds raised goes directly back to our pack. These funds are used for purchasing supplies, camp registration, admission to various events, and more. 

Q. Do outside activities count toward the badges?

A. Absolutely! Activities done at home or school count towards the badges and pins. There are some activities where your scout will need to do it with the den. The important thing to remember when doing activities with your scout is having fun while learning!

Q. Who can sign my scout's book?

A. As a parent, you can sign your scouts book when they have completed their activity (at the 4^th/5^th grade levels only the leaders may sign the books). It's important that you also get your scout leader's signature and to make sure they record it for badges earned.

Q. What does my scout need to wear for the meetings?

A. Scouts needs to wear their uniform - jeans or khaki pants with their boy scout shirt neatly tucked in with belt. Scouts will also need to wear their neckerchief and slide. Scouts will also need to bring their scout books to every meeting.