Cub Scout Frequently Asked Questions
Joining Cub Scouts
How old (or young) do you have to be to join Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting is for boys and girls in Kindergarten through fifth grades, or 5 to 10 years of age. Those who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, can no longer join Cub Scouting, but they may be eligible to join the Scouting BSA or Venturing program depending on their age and grade level. Cub Scout Pack 375 is also piloting a new Lion Cub Program for those in Kindergarten.
Can my daughter Join Cub Scouts?
Cub Scout Pack 375 is excited to welcome girls into our Scouting family! By welcoming both girls and boys into the program, even more youth will have access to the character development and leadership opportunities that Scouting promises. Please see Scouts BSA's press release announcing girls being welcomed into Scouting along with additional details on how the girls will be included by visiting the Family Scouting BSA webpage.
How can I become an adult volunteer in Cub Scouting?
If you are interested in volunteering, express your interest to the Cubmaster or Den Leaders. While there’s no guarantee that a specific role or position will be available there is usually some way in which you can contribute. Cub Scout Pack 375 is appreciative of any offers to help and welcomes contributions!. There are some single-instance volunteer opportunities such as Popcorn Colonel or Pinewood Derby Chair. All volunteers with Cub Scout Pack 375 will have to undergo a Pennsylvania State child background check.
Is Cub Scout Pack 375 the correct Pack for my family?
There are tens of thousands of Cub Scout Packs in the United States and its territories, as well as Packs that serve the families of U.S. citizens who live overseas. Go to www.beascout.org, select Cub Scouts, key in your zip code, and press the red button. You will be directed to a Google map and provided a list of Units in your area. You will also be provided contact information for the BSA Council serving your zip code. In general, Cub Scout Pack 375 serves the Grays Woods, Park Forest, Stormstown and Port Matilda areas.
Must I be a U.S. citizen to join Cub Scouting?
Citizenship is not required of youth or adult members.
The Cub Scout Program
Are Cub Scouts the same as Scouts BSA (FKA Boy Scouts)?
Cub Scouting is a program of Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA are both members of the same organization, however, they are entirely different programs. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger Scouts from first through fifth grade. Scouts BSA is geared toward older Scouts ages 11 through 18 and in grades sixth through twelfth.
How is Cub Scouts Organized?
Each Cub Scout Pack comprises of boys and girls from first through fifth grade. The "Pack" is the entire group of Scouts. Each individual grade level comprises a "Den". Dens meet separately throughout the year and once a month, the entire Pack comes together. Please visit our "About Us" page for additional details on each Den.
How often do Cub Scouts meet?
Pack 375 meets one Thursday of every month from 6:30pm - 7:30pm between September and May. Pack meetings are held for all Cub Scouts and their families. Each individual Den meets on a schedule determined by the Den Leader and parents. A Den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum in addition to or in lieu of a regularly scheduled Den meeting. Likewise, the Pack also conducts special events such as the Blue and Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby, and Scouting For Food during the year. Check our "Annual Events" page for additional details on these fun scouting activities held throughout the year!
May parents attend Den meetings?
Cub Scout Den meetings are intended to be an activity for the individual Scouts. Parental involvement is encouraged and all meetings should be open to your participation. If you would like to contribute at a Den meeting, talk to the Den Leader in advance so that the leader can plan a way for you to participate or talk to the Pack Leaders about becoming more involved.
What uniform does my Scout need?
Please see our Uniform Policy page for complete information about uniforms.
What are Webelos?
"Webelos" is an acronym for "We Be Loyal Scouts". Cub Scouts in Fourth and Fifth grade are referred to as Webelos I and Webelos II respectively.
The Cub Scout Oath
What is the Cub Scout Oath and what does it mean?
The Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Before Cub Scouts agree to the Scout Oath or Promise, they need to know what it means.
On my honor I will do my best …
- Saying “On my honor” is like saying “I promise.” It means that you will do your best to do what the Scout Oath says.
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law …
- A duty is something you are expected to do. At home, you might be expected to make up your bed or take out the trash. You also have duties to God and to your country. You do your duty to God by following the teachings of your family and religious leaders. You do your duty to your country by being a good citizen and obeying the law. You also promise to live by the 12 points of the Scout Law.
To help other people at all times …
- Many people need help. A friendly smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By helping other people, you are doing a Good Turn and making our world a better place.
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight …
- The last part of the Scout Oath is about taking care of yourself. You stay physically strong when you eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise. You stay mentally awake when you work hard in school, learn all you can, and ask questions. You stay morally straight when you do the right thing and live your life with honesty.
The Cub Scout Law
What is the Cub Scout Law and what does it mean?
The Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. Scouts do their best to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.
A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY. A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
A Scout is LOYAL. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
A Scout is HELPFUL. A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward.
A Scout is FRIENDLY. A Scout is a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from him.
A Scout is COURTEOUS. A Scout is polite to everyone and always uses good manners.
A Scout is KIND. A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He never harms or kills any living thing without good reason.
A Scout is OBEDIENT. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and pack. He obeys the laws of his community and country.
A Scout is CHEERFUL. A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
A Scout is THRIFTY. A Scout works to pay his way. He uses time, property, and natural resources wisely.
A Scout is BRAVE. A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He stands for what is right even if others laugh at him.
A Scout is CLEAN. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He helps keep his home and community clean.
A Scout is REVERENT. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.