Why Join Cub Scouts?
How do families stay connected?
The Pack sends out a monthly newsletter highlighting events and sharing other important updates. Parents are also responsible to connect to their Scout through Scoutbook, a web-based platform where the Pack manages advancement, schedules events, and communicates details as needed.
Parents can learn more about using Scoutbook here.
How is Cub Scouts funded?
Funding comes from a combination of dues paid by you and proceeds from our annual Fall Popcorn Sale, which typically begins in late September and ends in mid-November. More information on the Popcorn Sale is shared at the first Pack meeting.
How is Cub Scouts organized?
Your child is a member of a Den.
Together, all the Dens form the Pack.
The Pack is run by a Pack Committee.
The Pack is sponsored by an organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to operate a Scouting unit. In our case, the chartered organization is Hancock United, who provides space for our Pack meetings at no charge.
The Pack is part of the Flintlock District, which includes all Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Bedford, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Lexington, Lincoln, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn.
The Flintlock District is a division of the local BSA Council, called the Spirit of Adventure Council, which comprises seven Districts across much of Eastern Massachusetts.
- Cub Scouts will help your child build self-esteem and enhance his/her ability to get along with others. Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has been using fun and educational activities to teach values consistent with good citizenship, character development, and physical fitness. Cub Scouting in Pack 137 is open to both boys and girls between the grades of Kindergarten and 5th Grade.
- While we occasionally have activities with winners and losers, for the most part Cub Scouts will teach your child simply to “Do Your Best” in everything tried and to help others.
- Cub Scouts teaches family values and works to strengthen your relationship with your child. Ready-made opportunities for you to do things together can add value to your time with your child.
- It is just plain fun! We like to say that Cub Scouting is “fun with a purpose.”
How do families stay connected?
The Pack sends out a monthly newsletter highlighting events and sharing other important updates. Parents are also responsible to connect to their Scout through Scoutbook, a web-based platform where the Pack manages advancement, schedules events, and communicates details as needed.
Parents can learn more about using Scoutbook here.
How is Cub Scouts funded?
Funding comes from a combination of dues paid by you and proceeds from our annual Fall Popcorn Sale, which typically begins in late September and ends in mid-November. More information on the Popcorn Sale is shared at the first Pack meeting.
How is Cub Scouts organized?
Your child is a member of a Den.
- A Den is typically 5-15 Scouts in the same grade (rank). If there are not enough Scouts per rank, Dens may have to encompass multiple ranks. Conversely, a large number of kids in one rank might require creating two dens for the same rank. Per the BSA, Dens will remain single gender.
- The Den usually meets 2 times per month to work on some of the activities necessary to achieve a rank badge at the end of the Cub Scout year (end of June). Sometimes the activities are done in a meeting room or classroom, and other times they are done outdoors and at a particular location (like a tour of the Police Station or a hike). ****Due to current restrictions, Den meeting may shift their times/dates to take advantage of outdoor meeting opportunities.
- There are other Den activities your Scout will do at home on his/her own (with your guidance). Many of these activities are suitable for your whole family.
- The Den is facilitated by one or more volunteer leaders/coordinators. Den leaders are registered with BSA and need to complete the Youth Protection Training program.
- Dens run most smoothly if each parent leads one Den meeting, with the facilitation and support of the Den leader/coordinator.
- For Den meetings, your Scout should wear his/her “Class A” uniform, which is either blue or tan, with his/her neckerchief and neckerchief slide. For some Den meetings, it will be more appropriate to wear the “Class B” uniform, which is the Pack 137 t-shirt provided at registration.
Together, all the Dens form the Pack.
- Our Pack is typically 80+ Scouts in grades K-5 from several schools. Although Scouts are able to join either pack in Lexington, Pack 137 typically is the home to Scouts from the schools of Estabrook, Harrington, and Hastings.
- The Pack typically meets once per month from 6:30-7:30 pm at Hancock United Church’s Clark Hall, The Pack meeting is led by the Cubmaster, who is also a volunteer. **** Fall 2020 Pack "meetings" will be online.
- The Pack meetings usually involve an opening flag ceremony, presentation of achievements earned since the last Pack meeting, information for the Scouts and parents, a review of the Scout theme of the day, an activity, and then a closing flag ceremony.
- Pack meetings can be loud and boisterous, with lots of energy. When it is time to pay attention, the Cubmaster will raise his/her hand with two fingers up. These are the sign of the wolf’s attentive ears, ready to listen, and it is most effective when everyone stops talking for a moment – parents included!
- For Pack meetings, your Scout should wear his/her “Class A” uniform unless specifically instructed to wear his/her “Class B” uniform or other attire.
The Pack is run by a Pack Committee.
- The Pack Committee consists of Den Leaders/Coordinators, the Cubmaster, and a few other positions like Treasurer and Advancement Coordinator. All the parents in the Committee are volunteers, and the more help we can get from you at both the Den and Pack level, the easier and more fun it is for everyone.
- The Committee is led by the Committee Chair and meets once per month.
- The Committee plans and executes all Pack activities, permits, budgeting, and other organizational needs.
The Pack is sponsored by an organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to operate a Scouting unit. In our case, the chartered organization is Hancock United, who provides space for our Pack meetings at no charge.
The Pack is part of the Flintlock District, which includes all Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Bedford, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Lexington, Lincoln, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn.
The Flintlock District is a division of the local BSA Council, called the Spirit of Adventure Council, which comprises seven Districts across much of Eastern Massachusetts.
What are the various levels my child will experience as they goes through Cub Scouts?
- Bobcat Badge: All scouts, regardless of age, first earn the Bobcat badge by learning the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, handshake, salute, sign, motto, and the meaning of “Webelos.” After receiving the Bobcat badge, your child will work on requirements based on his/her grade level.
- Lion: Kindergartners are called Lions and have a small set of activities throughout the year; the intent is to provide a gentle introduction to Scouting.
- Tiger: 1st graders are called Tigers and work to earn the Tiger Badge through six interdisciplinary, theme-based experiences, called adventures, as well as one elective adventure.
- Wolf: 2nd graders (or age 8) are called Wolves and work to earn the Wolf Badge through six required adventures and one elective adventure.
- Bear: 3rd graders (or age 9) are called Bears and work to earn the Bear Badge through six required adventures and one elective adventure.
- Webelos I: 4th graders (or age 10) are called Webelos and work to earn the Webelos Badge through five required adventures and two elective adventures.
- Webelos II (Arrow of Light): 5th graders (or age 11) remain in their Webelos Den and work to earn the Arrow of Light Award, which is the highest award in Cub Scouting. Camping and other outdoor programs are an important part of the Webelos program. In March of a Webelos Scout's 5th grade (or age 11) year, they graduates from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. To earn the Arrow of Light, a Webelos Scout must complete four required adventures and three elective adventures.
How do I know what activity is coming next?
Once your child is registered with Pack 137, you will receive an invitation to join “Scoutbook”. Scoutbook is our members only system for communication regarding Pack activities, Den activities, and to record your Scout’s advancement.
You will also receive emails from the Pack and/or Den with updates and more detailed information as needed.
Once your child is registered with Pack 137, you will receive an invitation to join “Scoutbook”. Scoutbook is our members only system for communication regarding Pack activities, Den activities, and to record your Scout’s advancement.
You will also receive emails from the Pack and/or Den with updates and more detailed information as needed.
How do I register my child?
If you missed the September Scout registration night, you can follow the instructions on the Join page. You'll also need to visit the Scout Store in Woburn to pick up a uniform. Once registered, the Pack will be notified by the BSA and we will contact you with more details about Den meetings etc.
If you missed the September Scout registration night, you can follow the instructions on the Join page. You'll also need to visit the Scout Store in Woburn to pick up a uniform. Once registered, the Pack will be notified by the BSA and we will contact you with more details about Den meetings etc.
How do I register as a Den leader?
- Complete a BSA Adult Registration. For this, go to the same site as the Youth online application, but click on "Become a Volunteer" instead of "Register a Youth".
- Fill out a CORI Form.
- Provide a copy of your government-issued photo id.
- Email both to [email protected] or deliver them to the scout office in Woburn.
- Complete the Youth Protection Training at https://my.scouting.org.