When are the meetings?
Den meetings are scheduled by the individual den leaders and may differ depending on age group. For the 2024-2025 year 3rd grade den meetings are held on Monday evenings and all other dens are on Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30PM and lasting for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Meeting dates are subject to change based on the individual den leaders availability. Pack meetings are held once a month on a Thursday evening beginning at 6:30.
Where are the meetings?
Regular den and pack meetings are usually held at Titusville Intermediate School (Poughkeepsie, NY). Some dens also meet at our Charter Organization – Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church (Across from Arlington High School). Occasionally meetings will be held at special locations such as a Police or Fire Station, Library or any other location the scouts may be visiting for that specific meeting.
What is a Pack and Den?
The Pack is the entire group of scouts from K to 5th grades. It is comprised of all of the dens that are a part of our scouting group. Dens are the individual age groups. There is currently one den per age group but as dens grow in size they can be split into separate dens. The den is the group your child will spend a majority of their time with, usually meeting weekly. Dens are classified by age group:
- Lions – Kindergarten
- Tigers – 1st Grade
- Wolves – 2nd Grade
- Bears – 3rd Grade
- Webelos – 4th Grade
- Arrow of Light (AOL) – 5th Grade
What do the scouts do at meetings?
During den meetings the scouts will work on the curriculum for their age group. Topics include: Outdoor Skills, Teamwork, Fitness, Crafts, Science Experiments, Games and more. There are periods of learning and fun. Pack meetings usually focus on larger group activities done as a pack, for example visits to special locations, Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Dinner, special guest presentations, field day type meetings.
Are there any expectations for Parents?
Cub Scouts is a family based activity. Parents/Guardians should plan to attend meetings with their children and plan to participate as needed in the meetings. Some activities require adult assistance and participation. Cub Scouts is not a drop-off program and parents are expected the remain with their children for the entire meeting. Cub Scouts also wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for adults willing to volunteer their time. Parents/Guardians can assist the dens and pack much as they are willing to. Help coordinating games and activities, assisting in running the meeting, or even choosing to run a meeting or special elective meeting where the parent may have special skills (ex Carpenter can run a meeting that involves building things etc) are all welcome. Please let us know if you have any special skills or experience!
What other fun things will the scouts do?
Throughout the year scouts will have the opportunity to attend about 2 hikes and 2 campouts. There are occasionally other overnight activities like an overnight at a museum or other similar location. During the summer there is usually 1-2 optional activities scheduled. Most activities are not included in your annual fees and will cost extra to attend.
How much does it cost?
There are a few fees required for scouts and a majority of the fees are passed on to National and Council which supports the overall scouting program and regional resources. Current fees are:
- National Dues: $85
- Council Dues: $85
- Pack Due: $50
- Also expect to spend approximately $100 on the Uniform and Book for the first year. Shirts will be used for subsequent years
Can I be a leader?
The pack is always seeking additional help, especially as new dens are formed. Each new Lion den eventually requires a parent or two to step up as a leader. While there are limited leader positions due to budgetary constraints, there are always opportunities for parents to get involved. The pack’s existing leaders will assist in forming each new Lion den and support prospective new leaders. Although other dens may already have the required number of leaders, parents still have the option to be involved just as much as the regular leaders.