Hopefully the following will answer questions you may have.
How does it work??? Boys in grades 1 thru 5 meet with other boys in their same grade to do activities, songs, skits, and numerous other things. Each grade level is a den and each den has a title. When all the dens get together it is a Pack.
When do we meet??? Each den meets twice a month on Monday or Tuesday night for around one hour of time. The whole Pack meets together the last Monday of the month to share what they've done.
Is it just meetings??? No! We have a program designed to allow the boys to explore new and old opportunities and receive recognition them. Scouting is worldwide. We have a "council" in Bloomington and Peoria. They arrange many other activities that may interest your family as well.
Sounds like too much??? Actually it doesn't have to be. No one is obligated to do everything, and we encourage that the boys don't. Do the things you and your family enjoys.
My son is involved in other activities, does he have to choose??? No!!! Scouting encourages that boys venture out and try new things. Not only does the program encourage it, boys receive recognition and rewards for it.
What are the costs involved??? The costs vary depending on what you choose to do. To be enrolled in our Pack the cost is $47 for one year. This helps cover costs for awards, supplies, and much more. Our council does many events where you can purchase tickets to games and camp out overnight afterward. Last year there was the ISU football game, Rivermen Hockey, Rodeo, Riverment Hockey again, Bloomington Extreme, Peoria Chiefs (tickets ran around $10 with the sleepover an additional $5) There is also day camp in Fall and Summer. Fall day camp is usually $5 or free for new Scouts and is a one day preview of what they can do during the summer. Summer camp is a three day, day camp that runs $50. The camps allow the boys to shoot bows and arrows, shoot bb guns, swim, make crafts, do skits, and have a great time. Every year is different.
We do fundraisers for our Pack in the Fall and Spring to cover the rest of our expenses. This year we will be trying something new. A portion of the profits from the boys sales will go in a Scout account that they can use to help pay for all these activities. Our Spring fundraiser allowed most of our boys to attend camp for only a couple of dollars.
What is my role as his parent/grandparent/guardian??? Your role is the most important. Your boy's success or failure is dependent on you! This may sound harsh, but it is the truth. Your boy needs you to succeed. What you need to do is take time to help him complete his achievement's (it doesn't take much time). Be there to praise him for what he has done. Finally, enjoy getting to know your boy. Not to bad, huh?
Contact me by phone or email and I'll gladly send you out a packet of information.
Regular meetings don't start till September / October and run through May. Activities are year around. Boys can join the pack at any time.
A little more FYI:
1st grade makes a Tiger Den - When a Tiger joins, so does a parent. Parents are required to attend with their Tiger Cubs.
2nd grade makes a Wolf Den - Parents are not required to attend with their boy, but they are encouraged to help at meetings when they can.
3rd grade makes a Bear Den - Another step up, but runs very similar to the Wolf den.
4th & 5th grade makes the Webelos I & II - These boys are still Cub Scouts, but they take on additional responsibility as they begin the transition to Boy Scouts.
One thing everyone should be aware of is that every person involved with the pack is a volunteer. We are who makes it happen. Without our support these boy's would not have such a wonderful program that provides them with the tools they need to grow in to outstanding citizens, men, and fathers. Not only will it change their lives, but it can change yours too. So be a volunteer!!!!