Richmond Hill, Georgia
Frequently asked questions
General Cub Scout and Pack 486 Questions
Who can join Cub Scouts?
Cub Scouting is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. We are a family pack so we welcome boys AND girls.
Are Cub Scouts the same as Scouts BSA members?
Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA are programs of the Boy Scouts of America — so in that sense, Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA members are all members of the same organization.
However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys and girls. Scouts BSA is designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster.
How often do Cub Scouts meet?
Pack 486 Cub Scouts usually meet with their dens once each week, and a pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month.
Beyond that, it depends on the den and pack: A den may hold a special activity (an “outing”), 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, a pack may conduct a special event such as a Blue and Gold Banquet as an additional event, rather than a substitute for its monthly pack meeting.
May parents attend meetings?
Cub scouts is for the whole family and we encourage parent participation! Please note that due to the ages of the Scouts, those who belong to Lion and Tiger dens MUST have an adult partner present at all gatherings.
How much does scouting cost?
For youth who are new to Scouting there is a one-time Application Fee of $25 per Scout. After becoming a BSA member, each Scout is responsible for annual dues, which include National, Council, and Pack fees. This is once per year and includes activities and pack campouts. There are numerous fundraising opportunities throughout the year to cover these fees. For details please attend the pack meeting or send us an email by clicking here.
Throughout the year there are many opportunities to attend some larger events like District and Council level campouts. These events have their own fees; however, we conduct fundraising activities to help offset these costs.
What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Scouting?
At a minimum, each Scout will need a uniform and a handbook. Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. What equipment is needed, as well as whether it will be provided by the unit, will vary.
We know everyone’s financial situation is different, so if you need assistance in obtaining required supplies, please let your leadership know. There are lots of ways to we can help out!
Where can I purchase BSA literature, uniforms, and other program materials?
Our uniforms, literature, and other Scouting merchandise is available at your local Council, Scout Shops, and other licensed distributors. The Savannah Scout Shop is located on Abercorn Street near St. Joseph's Hospital. Their parking lot is accessed via Mohawk Street.
Items may also be purchased at scoutshop.org, however, some items like Council patches might only be available locally, and some items are restricted to local stores.
What are the different Cub Scout Ranks, and what do they represent?
The Cub Scout rank structure is known as the "advancement trail." On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their grade. They need not have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next. Each of the ranks in Cub Scouting has its own requirements that are age appropriate, so earning a rank below a Cub Scout’s current grade is not permitted. As a Cub Scout advances through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities they have learned. The following graphics illustrate the different Cub Scout ranks.
The advancement trail
Bobcat
First graders, and anyone beyond that grade who is new to Cub Scouting, completes the Bobcat Badge prior to working on their grade-specific badge of rank. Kindergartners, who are Lions, do not work on the Bobcat Badge.
lion
Kindergartners work toward the Lion rank. The Lion rank is earned by completing five adventures. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Lion awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only.
tiger
First graders work toward the Tiger rank. The Tiger rank is earned by completing seven adventures. Although participation with an adult partner is required for all Tiger awards, recognition items are for the Scouts only.
wolf
Second graders work toward the Wolf rank. The Wolf rank is earned by completing seven adventures.
bear
Third graders work toward the Bear rank. The Bear rank is earned by completing seven adventures.
Webelos
Fourth graders work toward the Webelos rank. The Webelos rank is earned by completing six adventures. Scouts who are in Cub Scouts in fourth grade must complete the Webelos rank before working towards their Arrow of Light.
Arrow Of Light
Fifth graders work toward the Arrow of Light rank. If a fourth-grade Cub Scout has completed the Webelos rank, they may begin to work on the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light rank is earned by completing five adventures.
FAQ for volunteers
If I don’t know much about camping and the outdoors, how could I be a good Scout leader?
Being a good Scout leader requires more than knowing how to camp. However, the Scouting program does provide outdoor training classes for leaders with beginning, intermediate, and advanced outdoor skills.
My family is very busy; how would I have time to be an effective leader?
You will not have to carry the responsibilities alone. Other leaders and parents in your unit will lend a hand by using their skills to teach the youth or assist with special projects, enabling you to be an effective leader and parent.
Can women be Scout leaders?
Yes! Every leadership position is open to women. In fact, more than one-third of Scout volunteers are women.
Is training available?
There are a variety of training opportunities available, specific to the leadership position you hold. For example, as a new unit leader, training is available immediately to enable you to run your first meeting successfully. More in-depth training is provided throughout the year, and monthly roundtable meetings enable you and other leaders to share ideas on how to organize fun and exciting activities for youth.
How do I know what activities are age-appropriate for Cub Scouting?
Scout handbooks list a variety of advancement activities appropriate for the age of the youth in each program. You can also find other books at your local Scout shop with ideas to make your meetings and events more interesting.
How can I become an adult volunteer?
Express your interest to one of the current Pack Leaders. Or, visit our "Volunteer" page to see a list of vacant positions with job descriptions. If you don't see anything that interests you, contact us and we'll discuss other options. We're always looking for volunteers!
Uniform Questions
Why do i see cub scouts wearing different uniforms? What is the difference between them?
Cub Scouts have two types of uniforms: The "Field Uniform," sometimes referred to as the "Class A Uniform," and the "Activity Uniform," or the "Class B Uniform." The Field Uniform is what most people recognize. It's a navy blue button-down top and navy blue bottom. To complete the uniform is a variety of accoutrements including, but not limited to, a hat, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, and belt. The Activity Uniform is simply any Scout shirt, whether it be a Pack T-shirt, or a shirt from another Scouting event. The top is worn with bottoms of the Scout's choosing.
Lions are the exception, as their Field Uniform is a Lion T-shirt and navy blue bottom with standard accoutrements.
Webelos and Arrow Of Light Scouts are the oldest group of Cub Scouts. They spend their last two years of Cub Scouts transitioning to the BSA Troop. Their Field Uniforms are a hybrid of the BSA Troop level uniform and the Cub Scout uniform: Tan & green uniforms with Cub Scout accoutrements.
Is my Scout required to have all the uniform parts?
If you'd like to invest in a FULL uniform, you certainly may. However, most Scouts have uniforms from the waist up (to include belt), and wear jeans or their own shorts.
There are so many patches! What are they all for?
Some of the patches are a required part of the uniform, like the Council Patch, unit patches, and the American flag. Anymore, the American flag and the Boy Scouts of America name (or Scouts BSA) come already embroidered on the uniforms. The Council and unit patches identify your unit affiliation.
Patches like the World Crest emblem and ring patches are not required, but every Scout is authorized to wear them.
Additional patches can be earned by the Scouts by completing specific requirements.
What does my Scout do with all of the patches s/he earns?
There are two types of earned patches: Permanent patches and temporary patches.
Permanent patches are just that. They have a designated location on the uniform where they can be permanently affixed. Temporary patches are worn on the right breast pocket. They usually come with a loop stitched to the top of the patch. The loop hangs from the button on the right breast pocket flap. Only one temporary patch is worn at a time and can be switched out as your Scout chooses.
Over time your Scout will earn many, many patches. Some of the temporary patches do not have loops on them. If you'd like, you can sew your own loop on them, or you may decide to collect all of the patches on a "brag vest." The traditional brag vest (found at the Scout Shop) is a red felt vest with a single tie on the front. It's a way for Scouts to display all of the patches they've earned, and they can be placed in any arrangement your Scout chooses. Some families use fleece zip-up vests/jackets, or hoodies to display patches. Others collect them in keepsake boxes, frame them, or sew them on quilts. The possibilities are endless!
I can't sew to save my life! How do I deal with all the patches?
If you purchase a uniform from the local Scout Shop, they offer a sewing service. Likewise, any alterations shop should be able to sew patches on your uniforms.
Some families have had luck using a product called Badge Magic. It's a powerful peel-and-stick badge adhesive that takes just seconds to attach.
Whether you tackle your own patches or seek the help of another, make sure you consult your leadership or the BSA Guide to Awards and Insignia for proper patch placement. The guide can be found on our "Resources" page.
What are those things I see on Cub Scouts' belts?
In order to earn their rank, Scouts must complete various Adventures. Upon completion of each Adventure, the Scouts are awarded Adventure Loops, which are metal tabs that are worn on the belt. Once Cub Scouts reach the rank of Webelos, they no longer earn Adventure Loops, but rather earn Adventure Pins. The pins are worn on the Webelos Colors on the right sleeve of the tan uniform. Webelos and AOL Scouts are allowed to continue wearing their Cub Scout belt with Adventure Loops until they "cross over" to the Troop.
Adventure Loops and Pins may be earned and worn in any order.
Where do I get the patches, pins, and loops my Scout earns?
All of the awards your Scouts earn are covered by your annual dues. Our Advancement Coordinator works with Den Leaders and parents by tracking Scout advancement in Scoutbook. Each month the Advancement Coordinator purchases awards earned the previous month, which are then presented at the following Pack Meeting.
Scoutbook Questions
What is Scoutbook?
Scoutbook is BSA's official advancement tracking system. It's how parents and Den Leaders log completed requirements for Adventures, rank advancement, and other awards. You can also track other stats like hikes, camp outs, and service hours.
Scoutbook is used by leadership to disseminate information.
How do I get started with Scoutbook?
As soon as your Scout's application is processed, a Scoutbook account will be generated for them. At that time, you will be sent an email inviting you to link to your Scout on Scoutbook. This email is automatically generated, so you might have to check your spam folder. Simply follow the instructions in the email to register your own account.
If you can't find the email containing your invitation, contact your Pack and request another Scoutbook invitation.
I connected with my scout in scoutbook. Now what?
Now that you're connected, you can use Scoutbook via internet browser by going to scoutbook.scouting.org or you can download the Scoutbook app.
To find the app you can search for “Scouting BSA,” or click these direct links to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Do i really need a scoutbook account?
YES! In the interest of giving your Scout the best experience possible, please establish your account and link to your Scout as soon as possible. If you're experiencing difficulty, reach out to your Pack leadership for assistance. We're happy to help!
How do I use Scoutbook?
When you're ready to use Scoutbook you can check out this Scoutbook tutorial for parents on Youtube. If you still have questions, your Pack leadership will be happy to walk you through it!