FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Embedded Files
1. What is Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting is a fun, family-oriented program for boys and girls from kindergarten through fifth grade. It uses outdoor activities, games, and crafts to teach character, citizenship, and personal fitness.
2. Is Cub Scouting only for boys?
Pack 118 Welcomes Boys and Girls!
3. The school year already started, can we still join?
Absolutely! We accept applications year round!
4. What is the difference between a Den and a Pack?
A Den is a small group of Scouts in the same grade who meet regularly to do activities together. A Pack is the larger group made up of all the different dens that meets once a month for big celebrations.
5. What are the Cub Scout ranks?
Scouts earn ranks based on their school grade level:
Kindergarten: Lion
1st Grade: Tiger
2nd Grade: Wolf
3rd Grade: Bear
4th Grade: Webelos
5th Grade: Arrow of Light
6. How do Cub Scouts earn badges?
Scouts earn badges and adventures by completing specific requirements found in their grade-level handbooks, which are signed off by a parent or Den Leader.
7. How much does it cost to join Cub Scouts?
Costs include a national registration fee ($85 Waived for military using Id.Me), local council fees ($80), and pack dues ($60) for activities. Families also purchase a uniform and a handbook, but financial assistance is often available through local councils. Pack Dues can also be earned back through participation in fundraising activities! See the Popcorn page for more details!
8. What do Cub Scouts do?
Scouts participate in a wide variety of activities including camping, hiking, building Pinewood Derby cars, community service, and learning outdoor skills.
9. Do parents have to attend meetings?
Yes, Cub Scouting is a family program. Parents or guardians are expected to attend meetings and events to help their child succeed and ensure a safe environment.
10. What is the Pinewood Derby?
The Pinewood Derby is a famous annual racing event where Scouts design, carve, and paint small model cars from official wooden blocks and race them down a tracks.
11. Can Cub Scouts go camping?
Yes, Cub Scouts go camping at council-organized family camps, resident camps, or pack overnighters where a parent or guardian accompanies them.
12. How do I find a local Cub Scout pack?
Pack 118 is proud to serve military families in Fort Belvoir and the immediate surrounding area! If you live further away, you can search for nearby packs by entering your ZIP code on the official Be A Scout website provided by Scouting America.
13. What uniform does a Cub Scout need?
Scouts wear a Field Uniform (Class A) for more formal events or ceremonies, which includes a blue or tan shirt, belt, neckerchief, and slide that can be purchased online and at our local scout shop. They wear an Activity Uniform (Class B) for most other activities, which is usually a casual pack T-shirt that can be purchased at pack events (Your Scout's first shirt is free after paying Pack Dues!).
14. What is the highest award in Cub Scouting?
The Arrow of Light is the highest rank in Cub Scouting. It is the only Cub Scout badge that a Scout can wear on their uniform when they move up into Scouts BSA.
15. What age do you stop Cub Scouts?
Children typically complete the program at the end of 5th grade (around age 10 or 11), at which point they cross over into a Scouts BSA Troop.
Page updated
Report abuse