Why Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is all about encouraging boys and girls to make friends, be helpful to others, and do their very best no matter the outcome. With the help of powerful learning projects and exciting outdoor activities Cub Scouting aims to teach children that doing their best can be a fun and rewarding experience—no matter the difficulty of the challenge. Cub Scouting is the beginning of the Scouting journey whose overall aims are character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership.

What Age Youth Participate in Cub Scouts?

The Cub Scout program starts in kindergarten (around 5 years old) and goes to the 5th grade (around 10 years old) at which point youth age into Scouting America.

How often do Cub Scouts meet?

There is a monthly Pack meeting which includes all grade levels and bi-weekly Den meetings which include a smaller number of Scouts of a single grade level.  There are also occasional weekend activities such as hikes or camping trips.

Where will the Jamaica Plain Cub Scout Pack meet?

Our meeting location will be determined by whatever Jamaica Plain group sponsors us and we are currently reaching out to potential sponsors.  Options include School Parent Councils (SPC/PTG/PTO), churches, or other civic organizations.   Once we have a sponsor we'd liekly meet at the sponsoring organization's school, church, etc.  If you are associated with an organization that would consider sponsoring us, please reach out to chas@horvaths.org.

Are Cub Scouts a "drop-off" activity

No, Cub Scouting is a family activity.  A designated adult partner or parent must attend and participate in all meetings and activities.

Will the Cub Scouts go camping?

YES!  As a Pack we will go family style camping at least once a year (and it will be amazing). As with other events, this is for families (not a drop off event). Older dens (e.g. 4th and 5th grades) may go on Den campouts as well, depending on the Den leader

What does it cost for a youth to join Cub Scouts?

Cost per year for a youth is approximately $350.  See Cost Details for more information.

We aspire to not turn away families if cost is a barrier to participation. If this is the case, please reach out to us.

What about a starting a Scouting BSA (formerly Boy Scouts) Troop?

Our plan is to starting a gender-inclusive Troop once youth start aging out of Cub Scouts.

Who will run the Cub Scout Pack?

WE ALL WILL!  We are an all volunteer organization, mostly parents of the scouts involved.

Can I volunteer to help?

Yes! We will always be in need of Adult leaders! Each Den is supported by 2-3 Den Leaders. This is an amazing way to be active with the Cub Scouts, deliver programming, and learn about everything going on in the Pack. Den and other leaders must register with Scouting America, complete CORI certification, and complete Safeguarding Youth training.  The fees to register as an adult leader are about $225 (see Cost Details for more information).

Do I need to have experience with Cub Scouts to volunteer?

No! Curriculum is provided throughout the year for Den meetings - you aren't on your own.

Are Cub Scouts/Scouting America and Girl Scouts of America the same organization?

No Cub Scouts/Scouting America are not associated with the Girl Scouts of America.  All are excellent, but different, values-based youth development programs.

Are there other Cub Scout Packs in the area??

We really hope you join with us to reestablish a Cub Scouting and build community in Jamaica Plain, but there are other existing options in the area; Pack 1 in West Roxbury (https://www.facebook.com/WestRoxburyCubScoutsPack1/), Pack 3 is West Roxbury (https://www.facebook.com/WestRoxburyCubScoutsPack3/), Pack 6 in Brookline (https://pack6brookline.weebly.com/), and Pack 617 in Chinatown (https://www.cubscouts617.org/).  There is a web site (https://beascout.org) to locate Packs and Troops anywhere in the US, but until we get a sponsoring organization (thereby becoming official) we will not be on the "Be a Scout" website.

Where Can I Learn More About Current Scouting America Programs and Practices?

The council website (Jamaica Plain is within the Spirit of America Scouting Council) at https://www.scoutingboston.org/ is loaded with information on current scouting programs and practices as is the national organization's website https://www.scouting.org/.