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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 in 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. Special events are often scheduled on weekends. While optional, they are highly encouraged. 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 through 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 at http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/activities/outdoor/camping.y.html
What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families?Pack 501 is very active, providing a rich environment for boys and their families. Typical annual events include: - Fall and Spring Pack Campouts
- Summer Day Camp participation
- Holiday Parades
- Blue & Gold Banquet
- Pinewood Derby
- Raingutter Regatta or Space Races
- Summer Resident Camp
- Outdoor day trips
- "Scouting for Food" and other Community Service Activities
- Scout Sunday
- Attendance at Cub Scout Days with the Potomac Nationals
- and more!
How much is it going to cost?The annual Pack 501 dues of $135 covers such items as the National registration fee, Boys' Life Magazine, the rank totems, the pinewood derby kits, and some patches and awards for the year (through next January). Since the Pack 501 charter begins on January 1st, 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 special events, Day Camp and Resident Camps. Youth members participate in one fund-raising activity (popcorn), which helps to cover Pack supplies, equipment, patches, belt loops, pins and other activities. Individual Dens may have separate dues or their own fund raising activities. 
Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches?
You may purchase the needed uniforms and patches at the Northern Virginia Scout Shop.
Northern Virginia Scout Shop
5234 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22151
(703) 321-4836
It is recommended that you call for hours and availability before you leave.
Alternatively, you can order everything online from the BSA retail store at ScoutStuff.Org. We do recommend that you purchase your uniform large enough to allow your son to grow. They will be wearing the same uniform through their first year in Webelos and the costs and difficulty in transfering patches become tedious.
How can I save money on the cost of uniforms?There may be opportunities with older or former scouts or through e-bay. - How often are the meetings?
Cub Scouts usually meet in their Dens twice each month, and a Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their parents once a month. Beyond that, it depends on the Den and Pack: 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, the Pack may conduct a special event such as a rocket launch, campout, or service activity as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly Pack meeting.
How can I learn more?
The best way to learn about what a Cub Scout really does is to talk with a Cub Scout who is engaged in the program. Alternatively, you can learn more about the Cub Scout program by selecting "Contact our Pack" (above) and asking questions, or leave your phone number to receive a call from the Cubmaster.
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