Frequently Asked Questions
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- What does Pack 145 do for activities?
- When can my son join Cub Scouting?
- Which rank would my son be?
- What is the Cub Scout uniform?
- What costs are involved in Scouting?
- Is Fundraising participation required?
- What types of awards can a Cub Scout earn?
- When are awards presented to a Cub Scout?
- What happens when a Cub Scout is missing an award?
- How can a Cub Scout use his Scout Funds?
- What are the best communication methods in this Pack?
- What makes Pack 145 special?
- What kind of parent participation is needed in Cub Scouting?
- What happens if a parent needs to bring siblings along?
- How can a parent assist Pack 145?
- Does my Cub Scout have to participate in the Pinewood Derby?
- Where do I submit registration forms?
- Which Medical Forms are needed?
- Where can the BSA Medical Forms be found?
- How are absences handled within the Pack?
Q: What does Pack 145 do for activities?
A: Each grade level works on a rank within a "den". Each den leader prepares fun and educational lessons within two hours a month. All the dens come together once a month for a "pack" meeting planned with special activities for scouts. The Blue Ridge Mountain Council (BRMC - covering 20 counties in 10 districts) and the New River District offer numerous optional events throughout the year. Please click on our Pack Calendar.
Q: When can my son join Cub Scouting?
A: Anytime! Pack 145 meets for official den and pack meetings during the school year. The New River District trys to offer recruitment nights in the community. Then, a Pack event is held once a month during the summer to stay in touch and invite interested friends. Contact a Pack leader via our Contact Us link or in person at any meeting listed on our Pack Calendar. A Youth Application will be provided to you for completion then the fun begins! If a scout joins before May 1st, he is eligible for all the summer camps opportunities.
Q: Which rank would my girl or boy be?
A: The Cub Scouting program is open to boys in grades 2 through 5. 1st grader = Tiger; 2nd grader = Wolf; 3rd grader = Bear; 4th/5th grader = Webelos. Kindergarteners can join to become Tigers in April to be eligible for summer camps.
Q: What is the Cub Scout uniform?
A: Pack 145 would like to see our Cub Scouts relaxed and having fun in activities without worry of getting a formal BSA uniform dirty or lost. The dress code is explained in the Pack 145 Procedure Manual. Youth and adults are encouraged to wear a Pack created t-shirt (minimum of $10) or any BSA t-shirt that fits your style.
Q: What costs are involved in scouting?
A: When you decide to join and complete an application, there is a fee that does directly to the Scouting America (BSA). Pack 145 operates a budget to provide activities, supplies and awards. Dues collected from each scout to help pay for their participation. Since 2021 dues are set at $130.00. Close to 90% of the dues goes to BSA to cover membership fee and insurance. The Pack keeps the remainder to pay for all the activities and awards. The Pack participates in fundraisers to offset costs of the budget and help Scouts avoid dues. The Pack hosts a yard sale each spring to help families offset costs of the dues. Please review the Pack Manual
Q: Is fundraising participation required?
A: Pack 145 will not pressure Scouts and families into fundraising. Scouts receive a portion of the profits into a savings account which can be withdrawn to pay for Scout event fees and other related-items as explained in Scout Bank Funds.
Q: What types of awards can a Cub Scout earn?
A: It is the goal of Pack 145 to help each Scout work towards their rank. Throughout the year, a Scout can earn all types of awards based on participation.
Q: When are awards presented to a Cub Scout?
A: There are at least two (2) Awards Ceremonies in a Scout year to celebrate their hard work.
Q: What happens when a Cub Scout is missing an award?
A: If Cub Scouts are absent from any Den Meetings, they are welcome to work on the requirements missed by communicting with the Den Leader. If an award is missing from their ceremony packet, please notify the Den Leader.
Q: How can a Cub Scout use his Scout Funds?
A: When a Cub earns money through a Pack fundrasier, profit shares are deposited into a Scout Account. Funds from a Scout Account can be used for Scout-related expenses. Please review the rules in the Pack 145 Procedure Manual.
Q: What are the best communications methods in this Pack?
A: Pack 145 relies heavily on this website and emails to provide the latest information, then post to Facebook. Scout families are encouraged to check this website and their email often. Updates may be provided by den leaders via email and phone calls. Please respond to inquiries for RSVPs and information as soon as possible. If there are any changes to your contact information, please notify den and pack leaders.
Q: What makes Pack 145 special?
A: This Pack has established Traditions and Expectations to be beneficial to young boys and girls. Families with siblings and parents are included in this Scouting endeavor.
Q: What kind of parent participation is needed in Cub Scouting?
A: The Lion and Tiger programs require that a parent be a "partner" in all meetings. The Wolf, Bear and Webelos ranks offer "drop-off" den meetings. All district/council events require a parent to be present, especially overnighters. Pack 145 offers Webelos camping opportunities away from parents in preparation for Boy Scouting.
Q: What happens if a parent needs to bring siblings along?
A: Pack 145 is a family and understanding that parents may have childcare issues. Pack meetings are family friendly. District/council events such as Spookoree and Gold Rush allow registration and participation of siblings. Be sure to talk to your Scout's den leader should the need arise.
Q: How can a parent assist Pack 145?
A: First, encourage your Cub's participation in den meetings, pack activities and working towards awards. Second, please volunteer as time allows. The success of this Pack depends on volunteers! It can be as simple as stepping in to offer help with a craft in a den meeting or operate a pack meeting station. There are numerous activities and committee positions that need coordination within the Pack and come with great benefits after completion of an Adult Volunteer application.
Q: Does my Cub Scout have to pareticipate in the Pinewood Derby?
A: Pack 145 celebrates the workmanship of building a derby car rather than the race. There is emphasis on the Scout building the car himself with the help of family members. If a parent has no experience with woodworking, the Pack offers a "cut-out" night along with leader advice in the months before the race. Pinewood Derby resources are available on the Pack website about this fun event.
Q: Where do I submit council/district registration forms?
A: Pack 145 will pass along council/district events with a good reputation for being well organized and fun. Families may register on their own through the bsa-brmc.org website. Be sure to bring a BSA Medical Form Part A&B for all attendees to these events.
Q: Which medical forms are needed?
A: BSA Part A&B is needed for most Scouting events offered by the council/district. The Cub Scout and all family members on the premises must check in with a medical form. It does not matter if the activity is day long or overnight. Pack 145 recommends that entire families complete Part A&B ahead of time and make numerous copies. Webelos who participate in overnighters for more than 48 hours will also require Part C with a physician's signature.
Q: Where can the BSA medical forms be found?
A: Medical and Health forms Part A&B and even C are downloadable from the council website.
Q: How are absences handled within the Pack?
A: Pack 145 offers a lot of exciting actvities and tries not to over-schedule each month. Den meetings meet for minimum of 2 hours a month while a pack meeting may last 1.5-2 hours. Scouting blends with school, sport and other extra-curricular activities. If a Cub Scout must miss a meeting, stay in contact with a den/pack leader due our Attendance Policy. If absent from a paid event, those fees are non-refundable.
To read and learn more about how Pack 145 operates, please download
Pack 145 Procedure Manaual - 2024 Edition