About Cub Scouts Cub Scouts are boys in Kindergarten through fifth grade who join a Scout Pack to go hiking, play games, learn skills, make friends, and much, much more.
The Cub Scouting program has 10 purposes related to the overall mission of the Boy Scouts of America association: | Character Development Spiritual Growth Good Citizenship Sportsmanship and Fitness Family Understanding | Respectful Relationships Personal Achievement Friendly Service Fun and Adventure Preparation for Boy Scouts |
Every Cub Scouting activity should help fulfill one of these purposes. However, not everything in Cub Scouting has to be serious – far from it! Silly songs, energetic games, and yummy snacks all have their place in the program.
You have lots to do as a Cub Scout—crafts, games, sports, songs, stories, and puzzles, to name just a few things. Much of the fun happens right in the den and pack. The den usually meets every week or every other week, and the pack meets once a month all school-year long. At den meetings and pack meetings, Cub Scouts do all sorts of different things for fun and learning. Scouts also go to events like the annual blue and gold banquet, field trips, and derbies such as the Pinewood Derby. They go camping and have other kinds of outdoor adventures. They take part in community events. Cub Scouts do all sorts of exciting stuff! Whatever it is that you enjoy, you'll have a chance to do it in Cub Scouting. For more information about Cub Scouts, visit the official Cub Scout Website.
Organization Saratoga Cub Scouts Pack 508 is in the Polaris District of the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council and is chartered by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, CA. Pack 508 is made up of 6 Dens organized by age group: - Lion Cubs: Kindergarten - Scouting's newest program addition, starting Fall 2016.
- Tiger Cubs: First Grade
- Wolves (2nd grade)
- Bears (3rd grade)
- Webelos I (4th grade)
- Webelos II (5th grade) – This den transitions in the spring to Boy Scouts
Each Den has a leader who is part of the Pack Steering Committee, along with other Adult Leaders.
Activities Achievements and advancement follow the Boy Scout guidebooks. Each den plans its own activities, which may include working on advancements, field trips, hiking, fishing, and attending sporting events. Annual pack activities generally include:
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Overnight Camping trips (typically in the summer) -
Pinewood Derby (scouts make and race model cars) -
Raingutter Regatta (scouts make and race sail boats) -
Blue and Gold Banquet -
Popcorn Sell (fundraiser activity) -
SF Giant's Games -
The whole Pack typically meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the multi-purpose room of Argonaut Elementary School, Sep - Jun, usually from 6:30 to 7:30pm. The entire family (including siblings) is welcome. The goals of the Pack meetings are to celebrate scout advancements, communicate forthcoming activities, play games, and have FUN! Den Meetings Additionally, each Den establishes its own meeting schedule, usually 2 times per month. At these Den meetings scouts may work on advancements or special projects, learn skills and always, always have a great time. For Lion, Tiger and Wolves Cubs, it is expected that a parent will join their scout at these meetings. After that, parents are welcome to attend, but it is not required. Pack Committee Meetings The Pack Committee typically meets once each month to plan activities. All parents are welcome to provide input through their Den leaders.
Family Involvement Scouting is a family activity and Pack 508 is an all-volunteer organization. There are many opportunities to get involved and share the load. Parents and siblings are welcome to participate in all scout activities, including field trips and camping. Occasionally, there may be an additional charge for sibling or parent involvement when the pack budget will not allow sponsoring more than the participating scouts.
Uniforms and Supplies Uniforms and supplies can be purchased at our Council Scout Store at 970 W Julian, San Jose, CA 95126. Phone 408-280-5088 or visit their web site. Our "Joining Pack 508" page has more information about uniforms, as well as registration and fee information |