How old does my son have to be?
Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades (after that, it's on to Boy Scouts).  Although many join in first grade, boys are welcome to join any time up to the fourth grade.  While most of our members join as first grade Tigers, Pack 33 usually has a few new cub scouts at each level each year, and we encourage boys to join at any age.  There's no problem "catching up" - most of the stuff each year is new to all the boys.

How much of a time commitment is it?

Just a few hours a month.  We know how busy kids and parents in our community are, and our schedule reflects that.  We meet together as a pack once a month, usually on a Thursday evening, for about an hour or so.  Smaller dens of around six to ten boys in the same grade also usually meet once a month at a mutually convenient time, also for around an hour.  We usually have one other event a month, many of which are optional (see our calendar to get a sense).  Since Cub Scouting emphasizes relationships between boys and their parents or other adult partners, each cub scout is accompanied by his parent or other adult partner at all meetings and other events, and activities are oriented to involve both the scouts and their adult partners.

Do I have to do anything else?

Pack 33 and all of Cub Scouting is based on parents volunteering their time.  Every den needs a leader and one or two assistant leaders.  However, Cub Scouts provides great materials, training and guidance to make leading a den easy, and parents who become leaders find that it takes very little extra time (maybe an extra hour a month) and is very rewarding.  Parents who do not become leaders find many other ways to help, including by helping organize or support events.  We only ask that everyone give whatever time and help they can.

How are the dens selected?  Can scouts be in a den with their friends?

Dens are groups of around six to ten boys in the same grade, and stay together from year to year.  If you let us know, we try to set up the dens so that scouts can be with their friends. They can also invite a friend to join with them!

What makes Cub Scouts different?

Unlike many other activities our kids do, Cub Scouting is a chance for parents, especially fathers, to spend time with their sons and their friends in a cooperative, non-pressured environment.  Cub Scouting is not a "drop off" activity, but rather an opportunity for parents and boys to interact and develop their relationship in a setting different from the normal hustle and pressure of school, sports, and other extracurricular activities.  Cub Scouting particularly focuses on community values, helping others, respect and sportsmanship, independent skills and working together as a team, and developing self-esteem and pride for doing one's best.

How much does it cost?

Fees for 2008-09 with early registration are $120 for the first cub scout in each family, $80 for each additional scout, and $20 for leaders.  Unlike some packs which collect money throughout the year, the Pack 33 fees cover all costs for the full year of pack events, including all meetings, Space Derby/Raingutter Regatta and Pinewood Derby building kits, a holiday party, the "Blue & Gold" family dinner, and a spring picnic. Optional events, such as camping trips, may require small additional fees.  In addition, scouts need to purchase a uniform (around $40), handbook and various other materials (around $20 per year).

I had heard Scouting is religious - is that true?

Although Pack 33 is sponsored by and meets at St. Augustine's (111 Larchmont Avenue in Larchmont), it and the entire BSA organization are strictly non-denominational and welcome all participants.

How can I learn more?

• Look around our website, especially our About Us pages.

• Ask other families involved in Cub Scouting with Pack 33 - if you don't know any, contact the Cubmaster and he will be glad to put you in touch with some.

• Contact the Cubmaster with any other questions.

How do we join?

If you're interested in joining, go to the Registration page.

What if we missed the Open House?

You can still join Pack 33 even if you missed the Open House.  Contact the Cubmaster to let him know you are interested and go to the  Registration page to get registered.

We're all registered - what happens now?

See our New Cub Scout Checklist for lots of helpful information about how to get started after registering.