Cub scout costs and opinions

[Malibustyle23]

My son just started first grade last month so in the mix of papers sent home was one regarding Cub Scout sign ups. There will be a meeting at his school in the evening regarding the clubs. The paper stated the amount of usual meetings and the ages for each pack/den. It also stated that fees would be collected that night.

I have no clue about Cub scouts. My only knowledge is that they wear uniforms and collect badges. I am interested in getting my son involved in something outside of the house and gain more friends to be more social.

So please help me. What kind of fees are associated? Is this gonna cause me money every meeting, everyday, all the time? Do you spend all the time contributing to costly fundraising? Are the uniforms costly? Where do you buy them?

Any reason to definitely do cub scouts or any reason to avoid it? Thanks for any help or insights you can offer. BTW Are mothers allowed to attend meetings and such now? For some reason I remember growing up and it being boys only " a He-Man woman haters club" of sorts! But I may of be just a foolish girl back then.

 

[tchrchgo]

wow- where to begin?

my son has been in scouts since the summer before 1st grade and has just entered 3rd grade. the initial start up costs were a scout shirt and belt. We bought the shirt bigger and he is still wearing the same shirt we bought 2 yrs ago.

our fees are $40 a year, which include a subscription to Boys' Life Magazine. Our den leader also collects $20 a yr per scout to cover snacks and materials for den meetings. There are also occasional (but very low) fees for den activities (usually $10).

I have not found it to be a large amount of money for scouts. the time commitment is the more pressing matter. there are 2-3 meetings a month, usually in the evenings. there are scout learning activities for each den, plus monthly pack activities such as the klondike derby, pinewood derby, fall hike, etc.

Mothers are of course welcome at the meetings. in fact, for our den there are more mothers than fathers involved.

in terms of what you get out of it, my son finds the combined athletic and intellectual aspects of the scouts to cover all of his interests. It also allows him a safe, nurturing place to meet and maintain friendships.

hope this helps!

 

[JamesMom]

As a 2nd year Den Leader, let me tell you, scouting costs more than the initial fees paid at sign up if you arent' already 'outdoorsy' family
In our Pack wasn't bad - we pay $77 a year for dues, registration and Boys Life Subscription. Popcorn fund raiser pays for blue & gold dinner in Feburary and other activities (camping fees, pinewood derby supplies, etc).
The pack shirt was $10 and is highly recommended.
. They pay for earned badges & patches and handbook, neckerchef & slide at graduation to the next level.
That was all for the pack. Belt up only unit so only need to buy shirt, belt & insigna.

What I found to be expensive (at least for the first year) was
- fishing supplies for the annual derby - initial cost $40-$50 for poles and such as we didn't already have them
- Camping supplies (think tent, tarp, sleeping bags, cots, cooler, laterns, chairs) initial costs was around $180 and we still need a wagon and cooler to buy for this year (learned from last trip) for about $150.
- bikes for bike rally. We skipped this year because while son has a bike, Mom does not. Plan to purchase this year.
- summer camp - the day camp program rocks! and cost $75 for my son to attend the week long camp. Earned 10 belt loops and had a blast.
- Incendentals - fishing permits, food & snacks for den meetings, fees for field trips (minimal), cash for fund raisers, etc.

Now alot of this stuff is reusable and only costs the initial outlay for future years and can be used outside of scouting (we go fishing all the time now and plan to go family camping in the fall), but don't ignore that expense.

Is it worth it? Definitely. My son loves scouting as he isn't into organized sports, but loves being outdoors and earning stuff. Plan on being a scout family for a long time. Have another scout, Tiger, coming up next year. Time commitment is 2- 1 hour long den meetings a month and a monthly pack event ranging from an overnight campout to a 2 hour service project.

The first grade program, Tiger cubs, are parent led so expect to attend all den meetings and activities with your Tiger. Afterwards it is more boy led so the parents back off a little for den meetings, but still attend pack events with your scout. Parent Volunteerism in any capacity is welcomed.

BTW- check out www.scoutstuff.org for pricing on uniform items (and to check out how much the pack pays for all those belt loops your kids will earn)

 

[erincon23]

Both my kids did Cub Scouts, and my older one did a couple of years of Boy Scouts. My husband is an Eagle Scout (highest ranking). I really believe that Boy Scouts gives kids a lot that other organizations don't, and that a lot of kids these days don't get at all -- outdoor activities, camping, leadership skills, and more. It doesn't have to be that expensive -- as the PP said, most packs charge $40-$50 for annual dues, and some dens (the grade level groups) may charge a fee for snacks or meeting activity supplies. There are also costs for optional activities -- camping outings, museums, etc. Uniforms can be purchased new, but many packs have "hand me down" bins or you can find uniforms on Freecycle. Few packs require more than the shirt, and most that I've talked to give the boys their neckerchief each year as part of their move-up ceremony (and maybe the neckerchief slide as well, but we always made cool slides as activities). If you choose to buy new, there's usually a scout store somewhere in the area (the people in your new pack can help you find one) or you can order them online -- www.scouting.org.

I've been a cubmaster (in charge of the pack -- the first grade-fifth grade large group) and den leader (in charge of one grade level group). My DH has been a den leader, pack treasurer, and ***'t Scoutmaster (Boy Scouts). Most packs require some kind of involvement -- it's not fair to a small group to do everything. (You may hear someone say, "It's not Babysitters of America.") But there are lots of things a parent can do, from year-round positions to organizing an activity or helping out at pack meetings.

Meetings -- you'll most likely have one large group meeting a month and two den meetings. Some dens meet at the same place each time -- the church or school that sponsors them, or at the den leader's house. For our dens, we assigned each family a month, and they hosted the two meetings each month. The den leader gave them an outline of the activities, a list of the supplies required, and suggestions for additional items, and the host family purchased these items and provided a snack. That did a couple of things -- spread the cost out among each family, and gave each boy the chance to learn how to be a host and leader. Other packs prefer different methods. Our pack meetings were all at the church that sponsored our group (well, a couple of times we had conflicts with other church activities and had to find a different location, and occasionally we'd hold a pack meeting at a hayride or other location, like a picnic grove, just for fun).

That's a general overview. If you need more info before you make a decision, feel free to PM me. I think Scouting is great for boys (I don't have any girls, but I'd think that girl scouts would be great for girls), but it usually seems that the biggest obstacle to boys joining is parents being unwilling to commit their time. I've made life-long friends through my involvement, and my husband is still friends with boys he met in grade school when he was a cub scout!

 

[holycow]

My Son is an Eagle Scout so I have a soft spot for scouts! Love it!

I wish I could help with the dues and such but since he is 22 I can't really remember.

It does involve time with you to help him accomplish his activities but it is TOTALLY worth it!

Go for it mom!

I have a 5 yr. old and I can' wait until he starts scouts!

 

[Sadie22]

Former Cub Scout den leader and Mom of Eagle Scouts here.

If any of the fees are a financial hardship that prevent participation by your child speak with the Cubmaster or Pack Committee Chairman to see if the pack has funds available to assist. Each pack is run differently. One pack did not collect dues and the boys took turns providing snacks for den meetings which were held at someone's home. The pack meetings were held at the sponsoring school. Another pack held den meetings as well as pack meetings at the school which sponsored that pack.

Getting involved with the Scouts was the best thing we did for our family. The boys gained skills they would not have acquired through school activities, and as they matured through the ranks they became leaders and educators and participated in many camping, canoeing, and skiing excursions. I highly recommend this organization.

 

[Malibustyle23]

Thanks for the insight and help especially Jamesmom. I never thought about all the outdoorsy items that we would have to acquire since we have nothing! I am really thinking I would like him to get involved since the only other activity he does is little league and that is only in the spring. I just wish they had a trial run of a meeting or two before being charged the enrollment fees incase he isnt up for it. DS is a very shy and introverted child at first and takes a long time to warm up and open up to people. I don't wanna force him to go because we paid and signed up if he isn't that into it. Although he is very into most things and always wants to play with other kids. The paper stated that his group would likely meet once a week and the whole group would meet once a month. Seemed like a lot of meetings to me?

BTW Sadie what part of Maryland are you from? I am on the eastern shore.

 

[Coll0610]

DS has been in Scouting since first grade - he just started high school. DH is an Eagle Scout. The one thing I've learned is that the cost, time committment and activities vary widely from pack (or troop for Boy Scouts) to pack even in the same town. Our Cub Scout pack earned enough money from popcorn sales that the only thing we ever had to pay for was the annual dues (like $20 or $30 I think) and buy a shirt. The pack paid for the dinner and door prizes at the blue and gold banquet, the pinewood derby cars and pizza that night, all the rank insignia and each den also got some money for activities. This was with no selling quota. The pack at the next school over had a selling quota for the popcorn and charged for the blue and gold dinner. BIL's pack up in the Chicago suburbs has a catered blue and gold banquet at a fancy reception hall and does expensive (but cool) activities. So a lot of the expenses are going to depend on your individual pack. Go to the first meeting and find out how things are done in your pack. You might even find someone who has an outgrown shirt to give or sell you. (Bonus - the pack number and other insignia may already be sewn on).

Boy Scout troops also vary a lot in how they are run and what kind of activities they do. Around here, the Cub Scout packs are usually affiliated with a school but the Boy Scout troops aren't, so you can do more shopping around then.

I'm really glad DS joined Scouts. I debated waiting a couple of years but someone at work (the mother of 3 Eagle Scouts) told me not to wait. You want to get them while they are young so they will like it before they find out that some of the other kids think it's geeky. DS has learned a lot of things and taken some cool trips. I'd really suggest you give it a try this year and see what you think after that.

 

[Nicolepa]

Thanks for the insight and help especially Jamesmom. I never thought about all the outdoorsy items that we would have to acquire since we have nothing! I am really thinking I would like him to get involved since the only other activity he does is little league and that is only in the spring. I just wish they had a trial run of a meeting or two before being charged the enrollment fees incase he isnt up for it. DS is a very shy and introverted child at first and takes a long time to warm up and open up to people. I don't wanna force him to go because we paid and signed up if he isn't that into it. Although he is very into most things and always wants to play with other kids. The paper stated that his group would likely meet once a week and the whole group would meet once a month. Seemed like a lot of meetings to me?

BTW Sadie what part of Maryland are you from? I am on the eastern shore.

Our dues this year are $75. That will cover everything except any camps he wants to do. We have one fundraiser a year (popcorn).

We are doing Mom & Me camp again this year $100. We did summer day camp, can't remember the the cost, and he might do Winter Camp in December. The only outdoorsy thing we have HAD to get so far is 2 sleeping bags for camp. Mom & Me and Winter camp are in cabins.

Oh and meetings. For the first 2 years we had 3 meetings a month, max. 1 is a regular den meeting, 2 was a field trip related to the den meeting and 3 was the pack meeting.

 

[Hannathy]

Depending on the group he may or may not need all that camping stuff as a Cub. He certainly won't need it to try it out and see if he likes it. Cubs do a bit of camping but not like he will if he stays in and moves up to be a Boy Scout.
The fishing stuff that the other mom mentioned is something their pack does it isn't done by all groups. Our troop/pack I get confused, did nothing like that in Cubs.So you would not have to buy a fishing pole. After dues and uniform the only expense we had was to do the buy out if you didn't want to sell and to go to camp the next summer and not all boys went.
In fact my DS is in Boy Scouts now and he just camped for a week in the woods in a tent and all he had to buy was a sleeping bag because his troop has so much equipment and this was his first year. So they said borrow and figure out what you like and then buy it for next year. Next summer they go on a 77 mile canoe trip and he can't wait.

I like it for my son and as far as the Moms's we try to stay away as much as possible because we feel it is good for the boys to be around positive male influences. there is a family camping weekend in October so they do include the moms.
I would let him try and see. That is what he is supposed to be doing now trying out a lot of things to find out what he likes.

 

[Tink9295]

wow- where to begin?

my son has been in scouts since the summer before 1st grade and has just entered 3rd grade. the initial start up costs were a scout shirt and belt. We bought the shirt bigger and he is still wearing the same shirt we bought 2 yrs ago.

our fees are $40 a year, which include a subscription to Boys' Life Magazine. Our den leader also collects $20 a yr per scout to cover snacks and materials for den meetings. There are also occasional (but very low) fees for den activities (usually $10).

I have not found it to be a large amount of money for scouts. the time commitment is the more pressing matter. there are 2-3 meetings a month, usually in the evenings. there are scout learning activities for each den, plus monthly pack activities such as the klondike derby, pinewood derby, fall hike, etc.

Mothers are of course welcome at the meetings. in fact, for our den there are more mothers than fathers involved.

in terms of what you get out of it, my son finds the combined athletic and intellectual aspects of the scouts to cover all of his interests. It also allows him a safe, nurturing place to meet and maintain friendships.

hope this helps!

This is well said. I just want to say that my DS began scouts in 1st grade and is still in scouting. He is 18 and has earned his eagle rank this year. (Very proud mom here). But what he learned in scouting will carrying him thoughout life. His eagle rank will lead to job opportunites. It looks good on job apps. and college apps. He has good leadership skills. He left for college this week and is doing amazingly well. I believe all those campouts and summer camp has prepared him for being away. His friends that never went to camp are homesick and struggling.

So for what it's worth, I believe that every penny spent on scouting was money well spent. We'd do it again in a heartbeat. Seeing them complete their scouting career and receiving his eagle award is one the best feelings a scout and parent could have.

Good Luck!

 

[Sadie22]

Also want to add that you can borrow items from other families or perhaps the organization has items to lend. Put the word out if you need something and maybe some family will pass along some outgrown uniform parts or sleeping bags, etc. Buy only with advice of several experienced parents who have been in the pack longer than you. Kids grow so fast.

 

[apnep]

I am going to chime in here.

My oldest son is on his way to being an Eagle Scout and my youngest is entering his first year of Cub Scouts. I highly recommend it. At first, I thought my DH was nutso for Scouts, but we have come a looong way. My DH started my oldest 6 years ago and was the troop leader for two years until DS hit Boy Scouts. My youngest is very excited to be following in his big brother's foot steps. Our DD is also in Girl Scouts.

How much money you spend depends on the troop. Our oldest son's Cub Scout troop had lots of extra tents they could lend out if anyone needed equipment. We did the popcorn thing and we usually only had to shell out for snacks every once in a while.

Our Boy Scout troop is unique. We pay annual dues, but we don't do any fundraising. Some of the money that supports the troop comes from investments made earlier on by the Scoutmaster & also OOP. Groceries/campouts are paid for by each scout but usually only run no more than $20/campout. A scout's family is also invited to attend campouts and participate in activities as well. We get to camp and don't have to worry about packing food, just paying for groceries which is small. It's nice and fun and everyone gets to help and watch the boys grow.

In the two years our oldest has been in Boy Scouts, we have seen him grow tremendously. He has become SO much more responsible and had SO many opportunities to learn not only about basic survival skills, but cooking, leading, cleaning, hiking, shooting, repelling, bouldering, and just plain social skills. It is amazing what the troop has done for him. He goes camping every month and has been away to week long summer and winter camps. I get teary eyed every time we see another scout become an Eagle.

If you can do it, I would highly recommend it for your son. It's truly a great experience for them and something they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives.

 

[apnep]

I just want to say that my DS began scouts in 1st grade and is still in scouting. He is 18 and has earned his eagle rank this year. (Very proud mom here). But what he learned in scouting will carrying him thoughout life. His eagle rank will lead to job opportunites. It looks good on job apps. and college apps. He has good leadership skills...

I believe that every penny spent on scouting was money well spent. We'd do it again in a heartbeat. Seeing them complete their scouting career and receiving his eagle award is one the best feelings a scout and parent could have.

Good Luck!

I want to cry just reading your post. Much congratulations! That is wonderful! You are right about the boys learning a lot of good life skills. I agree, it is money well spent.

 

[vegasnative]

I haven't read through the posts yet, but thought I would give you a clue as to what I have spent. I have twins going into 3rd grade and a younger son going into 1st.

It does seem like a lot to start because you have to pay for the annual membership & uniform at the beginning or the scout/school year. But, the uniform should fit them for a few years. The only other real cost will be for scout camp (should you choose for him to go...which I highly recommend). But if he sells popcorn then you get some money knocked off the cost.

I attend my boys meetings because they are required to have an adult present. Moms or dads is fine.

I will say this...when I entered my boys into Tiger Cubs (1st grade) they attended the scouts at the school they attend. I was VERY disappointed in it. Their den leader was a girl, the pack master was a girl......now I'm not saying that they make "bad" leaders in Scouts....but my boys just were not getting into it, plus they were pretty lame!

So I looked around for other packs, and the Elem. school down the street from our "home" school had a big pack. So I visited their den one night and LOVED it. It was truly what I expected out of Scouts. The den leaders are male, the pack master is a male and the boys really enjoy that (I believe) more than the women leaders.

With that said, I'm kind of convinced that the "pack" and the leaders can make or break the Scout experience.

It is a great opportunity for boys to be guided and to learn life experiences they will have with them forever.

 

[vegasnative]

Thanks for the insight and help especially Jamesmom. I never thought about all the outdoorsy items that we would have to acquire since we have nothing! I am really thinking I would like him to get involved since the only other activity he does is little league and that is only in the spring. I just wish they had a trial run of a meeting or two before being charged the enrollment fees incase he isnt up for it. DS is a very shy and introverted child at first and takes a long time to warm up and open up to people. I don't wanna force him to go because we paid and signed up if he isn't that into it. Although he is very into most things and always wants to play with other kids. The paper stated that his group would likely meet once a week and the whole group would meet once a month. Seemed like a lot of meetings to me?

BTW Sadie what part of Maryland are you from? I am on the eastern shore.

We meet 3 times a month. 2 den meetings and 1 pack meet a month. Keep in mind, that during the summer months there isn't much action for Cub Scouts, they kind of stop during this time. They may do an occasional BBQ or something though.
The meetings really aren't not as much as what it sounds like. I thought the same at first, and if your son gets into sports it can be a bit tricky at times, but still not to terrible to do.

 

[DawnM]

Yearly dues for us for cubscouts is $24.

Boyscouts is more and we have a $5/mo. dues for boyscouts (not for cubscouts though).

We have found scouts to be worth way more than we pay! We have done it for 4 years and plan to go all the way through. It is definitely the most reasonable extra curricular activity we can do!

 

[Duckyiam71]

My son just started first grade last month so in the mix of papers sent home was one regarding Cub Scout sign ups. There will be a meeting at his school in the evening regarding the clubs. The paper stated the amount of usual meetings and the ages for each pack/den. It also stated that fees would be collected that night.

I have no clue about Cub scouts. My only knowledge is that they wear uniforms and collect badges. I am interested in getting my son involved in something outside of the house and gain more friends to be more social.

So please help me. What kind of fees are associated? Is this gonna cause me money every meeting, everyday, all the time? Do you spend all the time contributing to costly fundraising? Are the uniforms costly? Where do you buy them?

Any reason to definitely do cub scouts or any reason to avoid it? Thanks for any help or insights you can offer. BTW Are mothers allowed to attend meetings and such now? For some reason I remember growing up and it being boys only " a He-Man woman haters club" of sorts! But I may of be just a foolish girl back then.

Thank you for asking this! I have been thinking about the same thing for my first grader! I am leaning towards it after reading all the good rewards! Thanks everyone!

 

[StephMK]

Another vote to give it a try! DS joined in 1st & is now in 4th. His dues are $45 for the year & that covers most of their stuff. We buy a shirt & book each time he moves up a level but it's not too bad.

They meet 1x a week from Sept-Apr & 1x a month pack meeting. I've done Girl Scouts with our 2 DDs so this has always been DH's "job". It took awhile for us to get in the swing of how it runs & what to expect but DS really enjoys it.

Because we are not an outdoor family, I think it is great that DS is able to get these opportunities. He LOVED knot tying & has learned some cool stuff since all parents rotated teaching a meeting activity. It got DH involved & forced him out of his comfort zone too. While DH still doesn't fully appreciate camping, they had a great time this summer. My friend's older son gets to go on all sorts of adventurous trips & I think it's very worthwhile.

 

[pennymom]

Another "Definitely give it a try" vote here! DS9 is going into third grade and his third year of Cubs, and DH is assistant Den Leader for the second year. DS6 is going into first grade, and looking forward to being a Tiger after seeing all of the cool things that his older brother has done over the past few years. And I'll be the Assistant Leader for the Tiger Den this year. Tiger Cubs (1st grade) meet once every two weeks, and the one monthly pack meeting, Wolves, Bears and Webelos (2nd-5th grade) meet weekly and also the monthly pack meeting

Our Pack's yearly fees are $25, plus $1 per meeting from each Cub for supplies/snacks, and a uniform shirt, hat and belt each year. As PPs have said, get a larger shirt and it will last for a few years, or many Packs keep a bin of outgrown uniforms, so definitely ask. Our Pack also does three fundraisers a year, popcorn in the fall, mulch in the spring, and a pancake breakfast, which cover the main costs of three weekend camping trips (we do pay a small amount towards food), Pinewood Derby, Space Derby, books for the boys, beltloops, Blue and Gold Dinner, neckerchiefs and slides, etc. Summer Day Camp can be expensive ($150/week this summer), but our Council gives a discount if a parent can volunteer for the full week, and it isn't required that the boys go at all (but well worth going!). Day trips are a few times a year, and the Pack subsidizes those that include a fee and the parents pay the rest. If cost is an issue, speak to the Cubmaster or Committee Chair, and they should be able to tell you what type of help is available.

As PPs have said, what you will actually need varies from pack to pack...for example, our Cubs make their own fishing poles each year and two times a year camp in cabins paid for by the fundraisers. Our family does have a tent for the family camping weekend, but got it on clearance. However, what the boys learn and get to experience is wonderful, and well worth every penny we have spent.