What is Cub Scouts?

Cub Scouts is a year-round program for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade that offers fun activities that promote character and leadership development. The program emphasizes leadership, community, family, character development, and personal fitness. Scouts make friends, learn how to be helpful to others and learn how to Do Their Best. And just like it benefits the kids, Scouts benefits parents and families as well. Parents, guardians, and siblings are always welcome to participate in events, volunteer at Pack and Den meetings, and be a part of the fun.

Not to mention, kids LOVE it! Over 1 million youth and 628,000 volunteers participate in Scouting.

Who is Pack 68?

Pack 68 is open to boys and girls, K5-5th grade. The pack is supported by the Orchard Lane Parent Faculty Council. Our Pack is divided up into dens, organized by grade level and lead by a designated adult leader. Together, we all meet as a large group at Pack meetings once a month, often at Orchard Lane Elementary. Pack meetings run the gamut from STEM activities to building and racing pinewood derby cars; hiking and community service; and everything in between.

Individual leaders schedule den meetings on a schedule that works best for its members. Typically, these meetings are once a month and are dedicated to completing Cub Scout adventures which move our scouts up the ladder of scouting and advance their rank. Some such adventures include planning and executing a group hike; studying and identifying area animals and plants; and participating in civil engagement activities like parades and memorial ceremonies.

In recent years, our pack has been the color guard unit for the Milwaukee Bucks; marched in the New Berlin 4th of July Parade, organized and completed clean up in New Berlin area parks; and gone camping with families at Camp Long Lake.

What does Cub Scouting cost?

When compared to the cost of sports and many other activities, there is no doubt that Scouting delivers great value to its members. Costs include BSA membership fees, uniform costs, and nominal activity fees throughout the year. All of these costs may be offset by fundraising.

We understand that any cost can be difficult at times, and financial assistance is available to families in need.  If cost is your barrier to participation, please contact us and we will do our best to ensure that you can have an amazing Scouting experience at a budget that works for your family.

BSA Membership

The national registration fee is $105 for your first year. This includes a one-time joining fee of $25 and an annual fee of $80. This covers national program development and insurance for the program. The pack receives no portion of these funds.

Pack Dues

Pack dues are used to offset some of the costs of the awards and administrative expenses to deliver the program. This $40 cost is NOT paid out of pocket by most Scouts. Most of our Scouts fundraise by selling Popcorn, Wreaths and Kringle in the fall to cover this cost. Pack dues are waived for all first year Scouts.

Uniform

Uniforms can be purchased from the local Potawatomi Scout Shop. Scouts need only the shirt, pack and den patches, belt, and a neckerchief slide. Neckerchiefs are provided by the pack, but you’re welcome to buy your own. Uniform costs usually range between $45 and $100 depending on pieces selected. More information will be made available after you join.

Activities

Additional activities such as overnight camp outs, field trips, day camps and resident camps have additional costs associated with them. Most of these costs can be covered by fundraising.

Do I have to sell popcorn?

A Scout is thifty.  A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. She saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. She carefully uses time and property.

Pack fees offset only a fraction of the cost needed to deliver a successful Scouting program. Our annual fundraiser determines what types of activities we’re able to provide to the Scouts through the year. The more we raise, the more we’re able to do. Some of the money goes to:

• Den stipends used for buying supplies
• STEM Pack meeting
• Winter outing
• Blue & Gold Banquet
• Pinewood Derby
• Pack supplies such as tents, cooking supplies, etc

Our annual fundraiser gives Scouts the opportunity to practice not only the art of sales, but also communication, goal-setting, rejection, and reward. Scouts keep a portion of what they earn as an individual stipend to be used for Scouting related expenses like day camps, annual fees, and resident camps. Fundraising not only helps raise money but it also teaches Scouts a valuable life lesson in understanding the reward for hard work.

Is Scouting just for kids?

The Cub Scout program is designed for kids from Kindergarten through 5th Grade but only exists because of the efforts of our adult volunteers and families.

Whether you’re an Eagle Scout or you don’t know what the letters BSA stand for, we have a place for everyone in Pack 68. Scouting gives adults the chance to not only build relationships their children, but also with other parents, and the community.

Ready to Join Pack 68?

Clicking the button above will start your application with the national BSA organization. After completing your application, a leader of Pack 68 will reach out to welcome you to the Pack and provide information such as the Pack calendar and Den Leader information.