Please reach us at scouting@pack838.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Cub Scouts is a youth program for boys and girls that focuses on character development, leadership, and outdoor skills through fun, hands-on activities. It’s part of Scouting America and encourages kids to explore, learn, and grow while earning ranks and badges.
Scouts participate in camping, hiking, STEM projects, community service, and teamwork-building activities, all designed to build confidence and friendships. It’s a family-friendly program, so parents and siblings can join in the adventure too.
Cub Scouts stand out from other youth programs by offering a well-rounded experience that combines adventure, skill-building, and character development in a family-oriented setting. Unlike purely recreational or academic programs, Cub Scouts provide hands-on activities that encourage teamwork, leadership, and community service while fostering a love for the outdoors. The program is designed to grow with the child, allowing them to progress through different ranks and earn achievements that recognize personal growth. Another key difference is the strong emphasis on family involvement—parents play an active role in guiding their child’s journey, creating shared experiences that strengthen family bonds. Compared to other organizations, Cub Scouts offer a unique blend of structured learning and exploration, ensuring kids not only have fun but also develop values that shape their future.
A typical unit is called a Pack, and each Pack is made up of dens. Dens are small groups consisting of Cub Scouts in the same grade. The dens are: Lion (Kindergarten), Tiger (1st grade), Wolf (2nd grade), Bear (3rd grade), Webelos (4th grade), and Arrow of Light or AOL (5th grade).
Pack 838 is a Family Pack: boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade may join.
Anytime! Scouting is a year-round program and is not seasonal. Dues cover a 12-month period.
Children may join at any point between kindergarten and the 5th grade. Your child can start at any point in the program and learn valuable skills.
Click the "Join Scouts" link at the top or bottom of the page. Note: Our official Pack number is 3838. All Packs in our council start with a "3," and it is common practice to drop the "3" when referring to the Pack number, hence Pack 838. However, you will see 3838 on the application page.
Definitely! Cub Scouts is designed to be family-friendly, encouraging parents and siblings to join in on adventures.
Pack 838 meets every Thursday during the school year for an hour. We also do extra activities throughout the year, including camping, fishing, hiking, Pinewood Derby, and service projects. We know families are busier than ever and try to schedule so children get the full benefits of Scouting while not overburdening families. We do slow down during the summer and plan just one or two activities a month over the summer and take a break from weekly meetings.
Cub Scout dues vary year to year and are typically on par with the cost of one season in various youth recreational sports, except Cub Scout dues cover the entire year. Dues cover national, council, and local unit costs and cover the costs of materials, a Class B t-shirt, most activities, and advancement awards. Uniforms and some activities cost extra (such as food for camping, etc.). Please reach out to scouting@pack838.com for current dues. The Dan Beard Council does have some assistance programs available and the Pack has fundraising opportunities to help families cover the cost of Scouting.
Dan Beard Council currently waives the Council Activity Fee for families with more than two Scouts. Additionally, the Pack has fundraising opportunities to help offset the costs of Scouting.
Joining Cub Scouts offers kids a unique blend of adventure, personal growth, and community engagement. It helps develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills through hands-on activities like camping, hiking, and teamwork challenges. Scouts learn important life values such as responsibility, respect, and perseverance while making new friends in a supportive environment. The program also fosters family involvement, allowing parents to share meaningful experiences with their children while guiding them through achievements. Beyond the fun, Cub Scouts instill a sense of civic duty and a love for learning, shaping young individuals into well-rounded, capable members of their communities. Click this link to learn more about the benefits of Cub Scouting.