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Cub Scout Pack 15
(Metuchen, New Jersey)
 
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PACK 15 Frequently Asked Questions


What are the benefits of Cub Scout Membership?

The Cub Scout program is a fun and educational experience focusing on building character, improving physical fitness, teaching practical skills, encouraging leadership and developing a spirit of community service.

Have you been to the local police station and talked to the policemen on duty? Or visited the fire station and sat in the driver's seat of the fire truck? Or visited the local TV station and sat in the news anchor's chair? Or slept in a battleship or next to planes? These are some of the places you might go with your fellow scouts.

You will also build a pinewood derby car and race it on the track, build a sailboat and race it in the rain gutter regatta, or build a spaceship and race it to the stars in the pack space derby.

More general information about Cub Scouting can be found here.


What is a Den?

A den is a group of six to eight boys that meets either once or twice each month. The boys in a den are usually all at the same grade level, and may often attend the same school. The den structure allows boys to build relationships with leaders and each other. The den provides opportunities for activities that would be difficult with a large group.


What is a Pack?

The pack is comprised of all dens. Scouts attend a pack meeting once a month where pack business is discussed, achievements are acknowledged and awards are given, and pack activities transpire such as the always fun Pinewood Derby, the Blue and Gold celebration, as well as other fun and educational presentations.


What are the different levels of Cub Scouts?

On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as he goes. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities you learn as you get older.  Please see this link for more information on the different levels of Cub Scouts.


At what age can a boy join Cub Scouts?

Boys in the first through fifth grades, or 6 to 10 years of age may join Cub Scouts. Boys 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 Boy Scouts or Venturing program.


What are the parental requirements?

Parents are required to attend den and pack meetings until the boys are in 3rd grade.  Then parents need to make arrangements with den leaders to drop off and pick up. Parents are encouraged to attend from 3rd to 5th grade. Cub Scouts is a family orientated program and siblings are welcome.


What supplies and equipment do Cub Scouts need?

Each scout will need a uniform and a handbook. Each year, the handbook changes, as does the cap, neckerchief and slide but other uniform parts remain the same for at least the first three years.  The start-up uniform and handbook cost is under $70 for the short sleeve shirt, cap, belt, patches, neckerchief, slide and handbook.  Blue jeans are worn in lieu of the blue uniform pants. A pack t-shirt is also available for $10.  Your pack or den leader will send you the shopping list during the summer.

Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. Den and pack leaders will provide parents with information about any supplies that will be required at the beginning of each program year.


Where can I purchase BSA literature, uniforms, and other program materials?

Our uniforms, literature, and other Scouting merchandise are available at your local Council Scout Shops, and other licensed distributors.

The nearest shops are:

Main Street Sports: 82-A Main Street in Woodbridge, NJ.

Efingers: 513 West Union Ave. Bound Brook, NJ 08805.

Our two Council Scout stores are

Mountainside Scout Shop: Located in the Verrex Building 1130 Route 22 West Mountainside, NJ 07092

Cedar Knolls Scout Shop: 1 Saddle Road Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
Hours and directions

How much are the Cub Scout dues?

In addition to the cost of the uniform which can be reused for several years and the annual cost of the handbook, cap, neckerchief and slide, each Cub Scout pays $70 dues per year to the pack.  We request that all dues be paid by October 15th of each year. If you are a new scout you must pay at the time you submit your application.


What fundraising activities do you sponsor?

The Pack supports the the BSA, while also receiving a percentage of the proceeds, by selling Popcorn in September and October.
The Pack also particpates in annual wreath sale in November.


How does Pack 15 support our community?

  • Collect non-perishable goods around Thanksgiving for a food bank.

  • Toy collections at Christmas time for foster children in NJ.

  • March in the Thanksgiving and Memorial Day parades.

  • Help keep public space clean in the Metuchen area.  


What are some trips that Pack 15 offers?

Besides specific trips den leaders organize to satisfy each den’s education requirements, the Pack also offers three OPTIONAL trips per year. These have an additional cost.

Recent trips include:

  • One autumn overnight destination trip

  • Council Family camping in the Fall and Spring at Camp Winnebego

  • Winter Weekend at a YMCA sponsored camp

  • Spring overnight destination trip
  • Summer overnight tent camping