My son is going into 1st grade next year and would really like to join a cub scout troop. I always figured his dad would take care of this, but since things have changed I find myself being in charge of getting the information. I'd like him to be part of a troop in the 40/42 area, but how does one go about finding troops, joining, etc.? Any personal experiences - good or bad - that folks may want to share? All help is appreciated. My little guy is anxious to get going!
Usually, the schools are a good place to start. Go to school office and ask them if they are aware of any packs. Also, go online to www.scouting.org. That may help you locate packs in your area. Also, try several of the larger denominational churches like Methodist, Presbyterian or Baptist. There are other similiar organizations, too. Royal Rangers is becoming popular with some smaller churches, since its like the Scouts, but distinctly Christian-oriented and not quite as formal. I was in the Cub Scouts for about three years and I recommend it. It's certainly worth a look. You'll have to buy a full or partial uniform depending on how strict the pack is with their requirements. He'll have a manual that is somewhat like homework at times. Many of the activities they'll do at the meetings, but some will be take-home projects. Will he be into camping? Some of the packs are more into it than others. In the fall, they'll likely send out orientation stuff to the schools. Just pick a pack, go to the first meeting and see what y'all think.
i'll check next door at the pharmacy, i know the pharmacist and her husband are very active in a group around here with their boys.
My son was in Pack 33 and they met at the church on Cleveland School Rd. just past Dr. Wells. And another troop met at the church on Hwy 50 near the Lowes Foods shopping center. The school usually sends out a flyer with the meeting night at the school. You can go and sign up your son and get some information there. He will get it around the beginning of school when he starts 1st grade. They usually have 2 packs he can join. Hope this helps.
Mary Margaret said to tell you to just give her a call at the Pharmacy 919-662-7550 and she can fill you in on all the details. She is actually on the Committee to sign kids up and her husband is the cubmaster. Just tell her i told ya about it, she will be expecting your call.
Thanks all!! I should have mentioned in my OP that my son goes to school in Raleigh so I'm looking for troop that is closer to home and will be easier to get to meetings, etc. Thanks again! (Thanks Kaci :cheers
I am a CUB SCOUT MOM too! Feel free to PM me. In the Greater Cleveland Area there are at least 4 MAJOR Active Packs (Lingo for Cub Scout groups) #64 Meets @ Mt. Zion Methodist, NC 50 #210 Meets @ Providence Presbyterian on NC 210 McGee's X Roads #57 Meets @ Holy Cross Lutheran on 42 And #33 Meets at Oakland Presbyterian on NC 1010 Cleveland Rd We have had GREAT Experiences in our Pack as well as our Den (the grade level smaller group). A few things to expect: This will be a FAMILY experience. Cub Scouting is not a DROP off your son & come back in an hour. A parent MUST be w/ the child so you will get to MEET many new local people. Expect about 1-2 hrs a week, a possible format could be one Pack meeting a month, 2 Den meetings a month & one other event. A “Go See It”, a Hike a Camping trip or something else. Most Pack requires a Uniform at least from the WAIST up, so begin looking for a BLUE BSA shirt now. There are many deals out there for used Scouting gear. We have ALWAYS found great deals on all of DS gear. Ask around. (Look camping equipment too!) Our Pack & Den have been very welcoming to MOM’s! Have Fun!!!!
I hope your son does enjoy his time. I was never a cub scout, but started off as a Weeblo, which is the step just before Boy Scout. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my mom, (she was a den mom) as my Dad never found the time to get involved. And a lot of the skills I was taught, I use today. If he understands it's like school, where you have your fun, but you learn, and you sometimes have to work hard at it, he'll be fine. Good luck! (oh, and I'm 30, quit scouts when I was 16, and still have my scout handbook if that tells you how useful it can be!)
I started off directly in Boy Scouts, and one of our other troop member's mother was the Den Mother for the Cub Scout Pack that our Troop helped sponser along with the Civitan. That being said several of the Troop members would often assist with the den meetings and classes, and while there were age differences, I think it was a great learning experience on both parts. And if your son decides to join and stick with it, the lessons he learns along his path will follow him throughout this life. Check this link out for an overview. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts.aspx
Try being 41 an Eagle Scout and I still have all of my stuff. it's amazing to me now how some of the merit badges that were offered when I was in Scouts in the early to mid 80's have had the requirements changed over the years and how some have been removed and others added to fit with the current times/culture.
Same here except 50 instead of 41. I think I finally got rid of some of the stuff when we moved down here in '09.
Ok, i know it's not the same but i still have my girl scout sash with all my badges & pins earned through Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cadets and it is hanging on a mirror in my bedroom:lol: i took it out a year or so ago to show my granddaughter and it brought back such great memories i couldn't bear to pack it back up again
