We generally meet three (3) times per month during the school year, with one (1) pack meeting and two (2) den meetings. These meetings are typically on Thursday evenings and run for 60-90 minutes.
We also host a handful of special pack events outside our regular Thursday meetings, such as campfires, the Raingutter Regatta, and the Pinewood Derby. We participate in community service projects as well. Dates and times for these events vary. Attendance is highly encouraged, because, in addition to being tons of fun, these events often help our Cub Scouts complete adventure requirements.
Finally, the Great Rivers Council hosts several events and camps (both day and overnight) throughout the year that all Packs within the council are invited to join. These are completely optional, but they really enrich the whole experience! You can register for these events on your own, but we often like to check in with each other first to see if anyone else is interested. Then we might sign up, or coordinate travel, as a group. These events are always more fun when you can attend with a friend or two (or a whole den, for that matter!).
You can find the most up-to-date information about our Pack 700 meetings and events, as well as some of our favorite Great Rivers Council events, on our Calendar and Events page.
The Great Rivers Council Scout Store staff are super friendly, and they are used to parents walking in looking somewhat bewildered. You can always drop by the store, and let them know you're in Cub Scouts with Pack 700, and they can help you find everything you need.
Here are the basics that will set you up for success:
Den-specific Scout Handbook
Class A shirt, with council patch and pack numbers
Neckerchief and slide (the pack provides new neckerchiefs when our scouts advance to the next rank, and there are several great DIY ideas for neckerchief slides!)
Belt (the cub scout belt is important - scouts earn a special belt loop for each adventure they complete)
There are additional items available, such as shorts/pants and den hat. These are not required for our pack, but they are fun!
We also have a Pack 700 t-shirt that is perfect for casual events and outdoor activities. This is sold directly through the Pack, and not available at the Scout Store. These cost $10 each.
Members who have outgrown or advanced beyond their current uniform sometimes donate these items to our uniform closet. Feel free to ask about what is available in our uniform closet before heading to the scout shop to purchase items. We would love to see these items get continued use by the members of our pack!
So much of the success of our Pack is attributed to the awesome parents who attend with their scouts! The Den Leaders are always appreciative of the parents who attend with their scouts, it really helps with keeping all activities on track. In general, here are our Den meeting guidelines for parents:
Lions and Tigers require one adult partner for all activities.
In general, it is helpful for at least one parent to stay for the duration of the meeting (this is per family, not per scout).
If you have more than one scout attending a den meeting the same night, check in with the den leaders to see where help would be the most beneficial.
We follow a "2-deep leadership" policy, which means we have at least two Youth Protection-Trained adults with every scout group/den at all times. You can always check in with your Den Leader to clarify expectations and learn more about what sort of support is most helpful. Please keep in mind the behavior of the group; more helping hands are beneficial when the scouts are especially energetic!
We know childcare can be a challenge! If your cub scout has a younger sibling that is too young to join, it is ok for them to tag along as long as they are under the supervision of their parent at all times.
Meetings and events help your scout complete their adventure requirements to earn their rank. If you miss a meeting or event, and the requirements covered will not be addressed again at a future meeting or event, it is possible to complete the requirements independently. Utilize your Den Handbook for adventure requirement details, and communicate any progress with your Den Leader.
Yes! Cubscouts is a co-ed organization (as of 2018) and everyone is welcome. Cubscouts who graduate from our pack often continue their scouting journey with Scouts BSA. The Boys Scouts of America recently announced that they would be changing their name to Scouting America to reflect the goal of supporting all youth through scouts.