Parent FAQ
Why Cub Scouting?
We’re all about encouraging boys and girls to make friends, be helpful to others, and do their very best no matter the outcome. With the help of powerful learning projects and exciting outdoor activities, we aim to teach children that doing their best can be a fun and rewarding experience—no matter the difficulty of the challenge. [Source: the BSA website]
How do I know my child is safe?
Adult volunteers are required to take Youth Protection Training before becoming a registered volunteer. For example, there is a two adult present policy.
What are your COVID policies?
We generally follow FCPS guidance
When meeting at Wesley United Methodist, we follow their policy
Who can participate?
Youth (boys and girls), from Kindergarten - 5th graders
Pack 152 draws from Vienna generally, not tied to one school
How does Cub Scouts differ from Girl Scouts?
Cub Scouts runs K-5th, then transitions to Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts)
Entirely different organizations with different program focus
What kind of time commitment is there?
There is roughly 1 pack-level activity per month, and 1 den meeting per month
Adult volunteers also have 1 planning meeting per month
How much does it cost?
Annual pack dues for 2022/23 are $240. Note: there are scholarship funds available if cost is an issue. This covers a lot of the activities for the year.
For first time scouts there is a $25 fee collected at the time of registration
Some activities - such as campouts - will incur additional costs to cover things like food, campsites, etc. The pack will subsidize these events as much as our funding allows.
Parents are expected to purchase a Class A uniform and handbook
Do I need to buy a uniform for my child? Any other required materials?
Class B t-shirts are provided by the Pack.
Class A uniforms - shirt, pants, cap, neckerchief, slide, belt - can be purchased at the Northern Virginia Scout Shop - 5232 Port Royal Rd, North Springfield, VA 22151
The appropriate scout handbook for the year - e.g. the Wolf handbook if the scout is in 2nd grade
What kind of activities do you do?
Camping! 2 campouts per year - 1 fall, 1 spring
Rocketry, Pinewood Derby, Scouting for Food, Flags In
Just had a Pack overnight on the USS Constellation in Baltimore
Summer camp for rising Weblos (4th grade) and up
Do you go camping?
Yes, twice a year. The campouts are Friday night - Sunday morning
These are family campouts - parents and siblings are welcome!
Rising 4th graders & 5th graders can attend a week long summer camp
What kind of camping gear do we need?
Families will be expected to provide tents, sleeping bags, and personal cutlery/dishes. If you need something, let us know and we can see if we can find supplies to borrow.
Am I expected to participate?
Yes! Success in scouting is directly correlated to how much the parents participate. At least one parent needs to remain present for pack and den events.
Although not required, parents are encouraged to take the online Youth Protection Training.
We are always in need of adult volunteers! We can always use more help with ongoing roles, or with heading up specific events. To be an adult volunteer you must register as a volunteer and complete Youth Protection Training.
What kind of fundraising do you do?
For 2022, we are not going to engage in any specific fundraising activity (e.g. popcorn sales). We are hoping to be able to fund our activities through dues and charging for activities. We may look at fundraising in the future.
What do I need to do for my child to join the pack?
Register the scout at beascout.org - (there will be a $25 new scout fee) by October 1st
Fill out the Annual Scout Health Form and submit it to the Pack (by hand is best)
Pay the annual dues - $240 via Paypal to cspack152treasurer@gmail.com
Purchase a uniform and handbook
Attend events and have fun!