What are the requirements to join Cub Scouts?

Tiger Cubs (entering first grade or age 7), Cub Scouts (entering second or third grade, or age 8 or 9), Webelos Scouts (entering fourth or fifth grade, or age 10).

What does Cub Scouting offer my son?

Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide boys through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys also learn honesty, bravery, and respect.

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities?

The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is two Den meetings and one Pack meeting per month. Boys who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities though Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform.

What are the responsibilities of a parent?

• Provide help and support for the den and pack.
• Work with your son on advancement projects and activities.
• Attend pack meetings with your son and present his advancement awards to him at the pack meeting.
• Attend and assist with den outings.
• Attend Cub Scout Family campouts with your son.

Do Cub Scouts go camping?

Yes, but they ease into it. They may go camping with a parent, or even with the entire family. More on Cub Scout camping can be found on the Scouting.org website.

What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families?

Pack 866 is very active, providing a rich environment for boys and their families. Typical annual events include:

• Fall Campout
• Scouting for Food
• Christmas Holiday Party
• Pinewood Derby
• Blue & Gold Banquet
• Spring Campout
• Summer Day Camp
• Summer Pool Party
• Community Service Activities
• and much more!

How much is it going to cost?

The annual Pack 148 dues of $50 covers such items as the National registration fee, Boys' Life Magazine, the neckerchief and handbook appropriate for your son's rank, the rocket and pinewood derby kits, and all patches and awards for the year (through next March). Since the Pack 148 charter begins on April 1, new Cub Scouts may pay a prorated fee for the remainder of the year, depending on when they register. Contact the Cubmaster for a prorated dues schedule.

Other costs include uniforms and some activity fees including those for the Day Camp and Resident Camps. Youth members participate in one fund-raising activity (popcorn), which helps to cover Den supplies, equipment, and other activities.

Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches?

The Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) has a number of Houston area Scout Shops. The two that are closest to our area are:

North Loop - Houston Service Center2225 North Loop West, Suite A
Houston, TX 77008
google map
(713) 865-5190
Hours
Mon.-Fri.: 9 AM - 6 PM
Sat.: 10 AM - 5 PM
Closed Sunday

FM 1960 Service Center6512 FM 1960 West (at Champion Dr)
Houston, TX 77069
google map
(281) 444-1152
Hours
Mon.-Fri.: 10 AM - 7 PM
Sat.: 10 AM - 5 PM
Closed Sunday

How can I save money on the cost of uniforms?

Pack 866 has a uniform exchange program. As boys outgrow their uniforms, change ranks, graduate to Boy Scouts, or drop out, their uniforms may be donated to the Pack. The Pack will then offer these items for sale to other Pack members at a greatly reduced price. Common items that may be exchanged include caps, shirts, neckerchief slides, and belts. Watch this Web site for an inventory of items, and contact the Cubmaster for more details on the program.

Does my son have to attend Gleason Elementary to join Pack 866?

No. While Gleason is our sponsor, we have scouts that attend other neighboring schools.