FAQ's

Q: Who can I contact with questions?

A:  Email cubmasterpack918sp@gmail.com with any questions 

Q: Who is the leader?

A: The Cubmaster is the master of ceremonies for the Pack meeting and works with the pack committee to provide a quality program.

Q: How are Dens, Packs and Troops different from each other?

A: For cub scouts, there are dens that make up the pack:

• A Den is a smaller, grade-specific group of Scouts. For example, first graders belong to the Tiger Den. Typically, a Den consists of 2-8 children who work together on activities and projects suitable for their age group.

• A Pack comprises all the Cub Scouts from kindergarten through 5th grade. For instance, Pack 918 includes around 50 Scouts, encompassing all the grade-specific Dens within the Pack. The Pack comes together for larger events and activities.

• A Troop is made up of older Scouts, generally starting from mid-5th grade through high school. When Cub Scouts finish their fifth grade year, they transition or "crossover" to a Troop, where they continue their Scouting journey with more advanced activities and leadership opportunities. 

Q: What den would my scout belong to based on their grade?

A: Boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade are assigned to dens based on their grade level:

• Kindergarten are Lions

• 1st Graders are Tigers

• 2nd Graders are Wolves

• 3rd Graders are Bears

• 4th Graders are Webelos 

• 5th Graders are Arrow of Light (AOL) that transition to Scouts BSA mid-year

Q: What is a council and what is our council?

A: A Cub Scout council, often referred to as a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) council, is a regional administrative body that oversees the Scouting programs, including Cub Scouts, within a designated geographic area. The council oversees program administration, training and development, event organization, membership and growth, fundraising and financial management, and property and facilities management. 

Council Structure:

• Council Executive Board: A volunteer board that provides governance and strategic direction for the council.

• Council Staff: Paid professional staff, including a Scout Executive, who handle the day-to-day operations and support the volunteer leadership.

• Districts: Councils are often divided into districts, each with its own committee and volunteers to support local units more effectively

Pack 918 belongs to the Baltimore Area Council.

Q: What is a district and what is our district?

A: A Cub Scout district is an organizational unit within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that helps manage and support the local Cub Scout packs, troops, and other Scouting units within a specific geographic area. There are 7 districts throughout Central Maryland. The districts are areas that the council delivers the Scouting program. We are in the River Hawk District, visit: https://baltimorebsa.org/riverhawk/

Q: What is Scoutbook?

A: Scoutbook is your go-to tool to track advancement, achievements and other important Scout details. 

Q: How can I access Scoutbook?

A: Visit the website (https://scoutbook.scouting.org/) or download the app for Apple or Android devices.  Register by completing the sign up form. Email cubmasterpack918sp@gmail.com with any questions about registering with Scoutbook.

Q: How do parents gain access to any uniforms donated by other families? 

A: Really first come first serve. In August we get an inventory of what we have collected from parent donations. Uniform shirt, hat, slide, neckerchief are purchased by the family. Check the homepage banner to view the current inventory. and reach out to cubmasterpack918sp@gmail.com. 

Belt loops, adventure pins, annual awards, fun patches, and rank patches are earned and provided by the pack. 

Q: What is the cost to join?

A: Dues for New Families: $243*, as of August 2023.
*Includes the Scout Life Magazine cost. The magazine is an additional optional add-on.
$228.60 without Scout Life Magazine. For a detailed overview of the fee structure, please take a look at the "Join Cub Scout" page.

Additionally, you can also register your Scout to receive the Scout Life magazine for $15 paid at the time of registration online (this is optional and is not included in the dues figures as stated). 

Q: What is the time commitment?

A: Our regular meetings occur from September to May. Dens typically meet 2-3 times each month, while the full pack gathers once a month. Den meetings usually run for approximately one hour, and pack meetings typically last around 1 hour.

Q: How often are meetings?

A: Pack meetings occur once a month and Den meetings are 2-3 times a month. 

Q: Do I have to stay with my scout for meetings? 

A: Yes, the Baltimore Area Council requires that parents stay with youth. The meetings typically last for an hour and it provides a safer environment with you there. Additionally, it helps forge the bond of Scouting, the Law, and the Oath as something that a youth can live each moment of their day and just for that hour.  

Q: Where can I find the calendar of events?

A: The calendar of events is emailed to you by the den or cub master.

Q: Can I volunteer?

A: Pack 918 is always looking for volunteers to help with leading dens and joining our committees. If you are interested, please reach out to the Cub Master.