Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cub Scouts?

Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys, grades 1 through 5.

The Purpose of Cub Scouting:

Positively influence character development and encourage spiritual growth
Help boys develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship
Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body
Improve understanding within the family
Strengthen boys' ability to get along with other boys and respect other people
Foster a sense of personal achievement by helping boys develop new interests and skills
Show how to be helpful and do one's best
Provide fun and exciting new things to do
Prepare boys to become Boy Scouts


What is the difference between a Pack and Den?

The Den is the smallest group in the Scouting system. You boy will be grouped into a den of no more than 12 boys in his grade level. All boys in a den are working towards the same rank advancement. For example, all 1st grade scouts are working towards earning the Tiger badge. The Den meets a few times per month to work on activities that will help earn their next rank and build character. The Pack, on the other hand, is comprised of all these dens, plus the leadership team of the Pack that oversee the program.

What is the difference between a Pack and Troop?

The BSA (Boy Scouts of America) is the organization that oversees both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The Cub Scout program is for boys between 1st-5th grade. Cub Scouts are organized into Packs. Boys Scouting is for older boys and their units are organized into Troops.

How is the Pack organized?

The Pack is organized into Dens, and Dens are broken down by grade. Each Den has a Den Leader, and most have Assistant Den Leaders as well. The Pack is lead by a Cubmaster, and an Assistant Cubmaster. The Pack as a whole is overseen by the Pack Committee. The Committee consists of the Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and various other committee members.

What Den will my child be in?

1st Grade = Tiger Den
2nd Grade = Wolf Den
3rd Grade = Bear Den
4th Grade = Webelos I
5th Grade = Webelos II

Do I have to attend meetings with my son?

Yes, a parent or guardian must be present with their son at all meetings and Cub Scout activities and/or events.

What training is required of a Scout leader?

Each Scout leader is required to complete training appropriate for their position. We are trained in our positions and in Youth Protection. When we go on over nighters or camping, there are other training we have to take to ensure the safety of the Scouts and the group.

Are background checks run on Scout leaders?

Yes! Background checks are performed on all leaders. And all scout families are encouraged to participate in BSA youth protection training.

Can I be a leader?

Absolutely. In fact, our Den Leaders are Dads and Moms with children in that den. Please let us know if you are interested. You will need to complete the same background check and training that all leaders complete. You do NOT need any prior scouting experience.

If being a Den leader seems a little daunting and you’d like to get your feet wet, you might want to help out as an assistant Den Leader.

If leading a Den is not for you, then there are many other ways you can lead. There are many Committee positions that need to be run to help the Pack run smoothly and fulfill all BSA requirements.

What are the dues?

The annual dues are $75. You can pay dues via cash or check made out to “Pack 922”. Annual dues should be paid by October 20th.

What do dues pay for?

The $75 dues pay for a Pack 922. T-Shirt, which is to be used as a Class-B uniform. Dues go towards paying for Den activity fees, such as art & craft supplies, as well as Advancement Awards your son will earn each month.

What do I need to buy to start?

The Handbook for your son’s rank is the most important thing that you need. Please pick it up as soon as you can and begin familiarizing yourself with its structure and content.

Your child will also need a uniform. Tigers, Wolves and Bears begin with a blue uniform. Webelos I and II will have the tan/green uniform. Ask at the Scout store for the specifics. They are very helpful.

The following uniform parts are listed in order of importance, but buy what you can:

Minimum: Shirt, Neckerchief & neckerchief slide keeper and the all important Scout Belt.

Optional: Hat, Socks, shorts, pants, etc. The Scout Shop now sells pants with zip off legs. This is a great savings because you can use it in both winter and summer.Note: You can find less expensive uniform items on the web (eBay, etc.)

Where do I buy scouting materials?

The closest Scout Shop is located at: 1951 South Orange Blossom Tr. Apopka, FL 32703. Phone: 407-814-1040. There is also another Scout Shop at Camp La-No-Che. Items can also be purchased online at: www.scoutstuff.org.

What do you have planned for the year?

Each year the Pack Committee gets together to plan the Pack year. We strive to provide a structured and entertaining Scout program for our boys. Please visit our Calendar area to see what we have planned for this year. Please note that we DO often add events as the year progresses.

Does Scouts run all year?

Yes, however, we are most active during the school year. Our Scout “year” begins in September, and runs through May. However, we have a Summertime Activity each month during the summer. We have June, July & August activities to keep the boys excited about scouting year-round.

I heard in Cub Scouts we go camping a lot. What can I expect?

We go camping about 3-4 times a year. Please check out the What to Expect from Camping document.

Are there any rules about camping?

Yes, please check out the Camping Guidelines document.

Do I have to attend campouts?

While we encourage that all boys attend at least one campout a year, it is NOT mandatory that you attend campouts. Camping offers a fun and challenging experience for the boys. It is a wonderful activity for learning new skill sets, such as teamwork, independence, and try activities they may not try otherwise, such as BB gun shooting and Archery.

Most of our campouts are designed in a way that they offer an opportunity for the family to come out for the day, if overnight camping is not your thing.

If you are feeling hesitant about camping or have never camped out, please be aware that we hold pre-campout meetings to familiarize everyone with what they can expect their first campout. We also have parents who can partner with you to assist you with planning your first campout.

How does the Pack pay for things?

Our annual dues of $75 barely cover Class-B t-shirts, Den activity costs, and Achievement Awards. For that reason, and in order to keep Scouts as affordable for our families as possible, we participate in some forms of Fundraising. Our main Fundraising source is Trails Ends Popcorn!

Why Popcorn?

Everyone is familiar with Girl Scout cookies... well, in Cub Scouts we are known for Trails End Popcorn. Selling Trails End Popcorn affords our Pack can run a fun filled, low cost program for our boys. Our Pack typically gets to keep between 30 and 35% of sales achieved from Popcorn sales.

Where can I find out MORE information about Scouting?

Please check out our About Scouting area, where you will find many useful links and documents available for your review.

Don’t see your question listed here, feel free to contact us!

Cubmaster: Craig Smalley
E-mail: craig@smalleynco.com
Phone: 407-234-5167

Assistant Cubmaster: John Westcott
E-mail: johnjwestcott3@gmail.com
Phone: 321-287-1936