FAQs

The Cub Scout Program

Are Cub Scouts the same as Scouts BSA or Boy Scouts?

No. Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America—so in that sense, Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA are both members of the same organization. However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger children.

​

How often do Cub Scouts meet in Pack 700?

Cub Scouts meet in their dens once or twice a month, and a pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Pack 700 meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Monday of each month.  A den 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, a pack may conduct a special event such as a blue and gold banquet as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly pack meeting.

​

May parents attend den meetings?

Cub Scout den meetings are intended to be an activity for the youth with some parental help.  Parent involvement is encouraged, and all meetings are open to your participation so you can see what your scout is doing.  

​

Pack 700 does not allow drop offs.  Parents must stay during the meeting unless you speak with the Cubmaster about it.

 

Dues

What are the dues and membership fees?

Yearly membership costs $119 to be a member of cub scouts. For 2024, for current members this will be paid every December and covers membership, insurance, and registration into BSA's scoutbook advancement program.

 

For new members, BSA no longer prorates membership.  You will pay your scout's membership on a yearly basis to national and will then pay on the eve of their anniversary joining date.

​

Pack 700 has set yearly dues at $70 unless the unit committee feels unit dues are not needed. This covers the 7 mandatory adventure awards (loops or pins) plus 5 extra adventures, helps reduce cost of camping to around $20-$40 per family (covers some reservations and wood, not food), and helps with pack operations in getting supplies for outings and meetings.  

 

Fall Dues must be paid by end of September.

 

Fundraisers

 

Popcorn: Selling popcorn is a great way to offset dues.  The unit strives very hard to ensure every scout gets incentives to help them cover the cost of their scouting adventures.

 

Uniform and Supplies

What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Cub Scouting?

At minimum, each scout in Cub Scouting will need a uniform and a handbook. Each year, the handbook changes, as does the cap and neckerchief, but other uniform parts remain the same for at least the first three years. Total cost for all of this is between $90 to $115 and can be bought when you are ready.  When a scout enters a Webelos den, he or she may need to obtain a new uniform if the parents in the den opt for the khaki-and-olive uniform. Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. Den and pack leaders should 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 is available at your local council, Scout Shops, and other licensed distributors.

 

Our local scout store and office is across from Trident Tech Hospital at 9297 Medical Plaza Dr, North Charleston, SC 29406

 

You can also visit the Supply Group website at www.scoutstuff.org to order items online.

 .

How can I save money on the cost of uniforms and equipment?

Pack 700 does not require the purchase of the hat, pants/shorts or socks for the uniform.  All other items and badges are required for the uniform.

Advancement and Awards

If a youth joins a Bear den for example, may they go back and earn previous ranks such as Tiger Cub and Wolf badges?

No. In the Cub Scout program, all scouts in a den work toward the same badge for that grade level. If a scout joins Cub Scouting as a 9-year-old or in the third grade, they must begin working on the Bear badge with their fellow Cub Scouts. They are not required to have earned the Tiger Cub or Wolf badges. Since those badges are for younger boys (first grade or age 7 and second grade or age 8), the requirements for those badges are below a third grade or 9-year-old’s current level of ability, so “going back” to pick up those badges is not permitted.

​

If a Scout completes their rank badge early, may they begin working on the next badge?

No. In the Cub Scout program, all scouts in a den work toward a badge that is geared to their level of development. If the rank badge is completed before the end of the program year, a scout may work on Adventure electives, Nova awards, or the religious emblem of their faith. They may not begin working on the requirements for the next rank badge. Their work on the next rank badge will begin the next program year, when they graduate into the next den.  The program year begins June 1st.

​

May Cub Scouts earn badges such as the 50-Miler Award or Mile Swim BSA?

No, Cub Scouts are not eligible to earn these awards, which are part of the Scouts BSA program. All of the awards that Cub Scouts may earn are listed in their handbooks or in online resources.

​

When a Cub Scout earns the Arrow of Light (AOL), may they immediately join a Scouts BSA troop?

Yes.  However in March 2022 a new provision allows any ten year old the chance to join a Scouts BSA unit without having earned the AOL award provided they are 10 1/2 by March of their 5th grade year.  This is mainly for interested youth looking to join a Scouting unit to enable them to join one unit instead of a pack then joining a troop.  BSA encourages all currently enrolled cub scouts who are Webelos 1s to earn the Arrow of Light award before joining a troop.  

​

How does a Cub Scout earn a Nova award?

​

A Cub Scout, with their counselor, acquires the Cub Scout Nova Awards Guidebook or looks online at the NOVA website from BSA. The Cub Scout decides which Nova award they want to work on. They will then work with their counselor to understand the procedure and begin completing the requirements.

 

Once they have completed their first Nova award, the scout will be presented the Nova patch for Cub Scouts. For each Nova award completed after that the scout will be presented a “pi” pin to put on the Nova patch.

​

If a scout chooses to work toward the Supernova award, they will need a Supernova mentor. You can contact your local council for a list of mentors in your area, or someone who is qualified can register through the council to become a Supernova mentor. This information can be found at www.scouting.org/stem.aspx. Micah Hudson is a registered Nova and Supernova mentor for our district.