Public FAQ - Cub Scout Pack 3391 (Grandville, Michigan)

What are the requirements to join Cub Scouts?

Pack Membership is open to boys.

The youngest Cub Scouts are called "Tiger Cubs." A Tiger Cub must be under the age of 8, have completed kindergarten or be in the first grade, or by age 7.

Boys who have completed first grade but not completed third grade, or are age 8 or 9 will be Cub Scouts. Second graders are Wolf Cubs and third graders are Bear Cubs.

Having completed third grade, but not fifth grade, boys will be referred to as Webelos Scouts (WE'll BE LOyal Scouts).

Boys with special needs can join Cub Scouts at any age and can be placed at any rank. They may also remain in Cub Scouting for as long as the Scout's parent and leaders feel it is appropriate.

What does Cub Scouting offer my son?

Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote citizenship, character development, and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, sports, crafts, songs, skits, field trips, and other activities help boys build these core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys learn honesty, bravery, and respect.

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities?

The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is three Den meetings and one Pack meeting per month. Boys who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc., or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities though Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform.

What are the responsibilities of a parent?

Provide help and support for the den and pack.
Work with your son on advancement projects and activities.
Attend pack meetings with your son and present his advancement awards to him at the pack meeting.
Attend and assist with den outings.

Do Cub Scouts go camping?

Yes, but they ease into it. They may go camping with a parent, or even with the entire family. More on Cub Scout camping can be found at http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/activities/outdoor/camping.y.html

What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families?

Pack 3391 is very active, providing a rich environment for boys and their families. Typical annual events include:

September 11th Salute at the Ford Museum
Grand River Cleanup
Pumpkin Carving Contest and Food Drive
Space Derby
Fall Cub Hike
Blue & Gold Banquet
Pinewood Derby
Scouting for Food
Memorial Day Observance
Summer Day Camp
Summer Resident Camp
Grandville Fourth of July Parade
Community Service Activities
and more!

How much is it going to cost?

Initial registration to join the pack is $25. This fee covers such items as the National registration fee, insurance, pinewood derby kit, space derby kit and awards fees through December. Since the pack charter begins on February 1, annual dues are collected in January. Every Scout will have the opportunity to raise funds to cover any additional costs associated with the activities in Cub Scouts through the pack's annual popcorn sale fundraiser.

Other costs include uniforms and some basic equipment. Dens may also charge a den dues of $1 or $2 per meeting to help cover costs of crafts and copies, snacks and other equipment. Dues are meant to be paid by the Scout with money he earns, through allowance or other method appropriate to your family.

Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches?

The Scout Shop is located at the Gerald R. Ford Council building, 3213 Walker Ave NW, 785-2662, just off I-96 between Alpine and Fruitridge. More information about the store including hours and directions can be found on their Web site at www.bsagrfc.org. Be sure to check the Hours of Operation before you leave.

If you can't make it to the store, and are comfortable specifying your son's shirt size (S/M/L), you can order everything online from the BSA retail store at ScoutStuff.Org

How can I save money on the cost of uniforms?

Pack 3391 maintains a "scout closet". As boys outgrow their uniforms, change ranks, graduate to Boy Scouts, or drop out, their uniforms may be donated to the Pack. Scouts may borrow these items from the closet as long as the items are returned when the scout no longer needs them. Common items that may be exchanged include caps, shirts, neckerchief slides, and belts.

How is Cub Scouting organized?: Each scout is part of a den, a small group of 5-12 scouts in the same grade and usually from the same school. The pack is made up of the ten or so dens in the Grandville school district, about 50-70 Scouts.

How often are the meetings?: Cub Scouts usually meet in their Dens once a week, three times each month during the school year. A Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Dens may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, the Pack may conduct a special event such as a pinewood derby, campout, or service activity as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly Pack meeting.
How can I learn more?: The best way to learn about what a Cub Scout really does is to talk with a Cub Scout who is engaged in the program. Alternatively, you can learn more about the Cub Scout program by selecting "Contact Our Pack" (above) and asking questions, or leave your phone number to receive a call from the committee.

What is Cub Scouting

Frequently Asked Questions