Resources
The Essentials
Joining the Pack
Create an account at my.scouting.org
Register for Pack 166 at https://my.scouting.org/online-registration/eea7b13e-39e0-4f34-a17d-7626fd852a12/applicant-type
Provide your email(s)/contact info here.
Purchase Class A and B Uniforms (see details below on Uniforms).
Connect with your Den Leader.
Complete BSA Youth Protection Training on your my.scouting.org account.
Participate: Please be in attendance and participate. Cub Scouting is a journey and this is where it starts.
Lead / Volunteer: It is our hope Parents will take on leadership or other volunteer roles at the Den and Pack levels.
Please ask if you have an interest.
Basic Forms for Parents
Health Forms: Necessary for all scouts and all parents and siblings that attend any camp out. They need to be filled out once every 365 days, which is why sometimes depending on camp-out dates each year it appears we need this filled out TWICE each year.
Print this form for each member of your family => http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_AB.pdf
Youth Protection Training: All Scout Parents are required to view "Youth Protection Training" every 2 years. YPT is a short, 15 minute video training to keep our scouts safe during all meetings, outings, and campouts.
Open the following website: https://my.scouting.org/
Create a login account
After you login, a main welcome screen with the following instructions for taking YPT will appear. A menu is along the left-hand side.
From the menu on the left, click E-Learning.
From the General tab, scroll down to Youth Protection Training and click Take Course. (YPT appeared first in the list of classes for me)
When you complete the course, print a certificate of completion to submit (paper or electronically) to your Den leader. Leaders must submit their course completions to the Pack Trainer so that we can properly update Pack records.
Most leadership training courses are offered via my.scouting.org. A few courses are in person and are offered a few times a year.
Cub Scouting: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/
Capitol Area Council: https://www.bsacac.org/
Chisholm Trail District: http://ctbsacac.org/
Can be purchased for around $60.
12500 North IH 35
Austin, TX 78753
More Detail:
Uniforms
The Class A is the official Cub Scout Uniform. It varies slightly by rank but is generally comprised of:
Official Blue or Tan Cub Scout Shirt
Cub Scout Belt
Rank appropriate Neckerchief & Slide
World Crest Emblem
Unit Numerals (166)
Capitol Area Council Shoulder Strip
Den Numerals
Cub Scout Hat
Note - We are a “waist-up” uniform Pack. Scout pants/shorts/socks are available but not required in our Pack.
Class A uniforms may be purchased in-person at the Steve Matthews Scout Store or online at https://www.bsacac.org/shop/. We recommend going to the store instead of purchasing online because the store personnel are able to answer any questions you have and help you get the correct items.
The Class B uniform is the Pack T-Shirt (Bright Orange). This uniform is welcome at most outdoor or informal events or as indicated by Pack Leadership. Purchase via our pack store or contact one of the leaders at a den/pack meeting for information. They are also typically available to purchase or pick up at pack meetings.
Events
There will be many events and opportunities to join in fun scouting activities throughout the year. Events may be coordinated at the pack or den level by leaders or adult volunteers within our pack. Other events are coordinated by the local council, district, or other BSA entities. The types of events range from campouts, overnight experiences, and day activities. All of these events will help build on the cubs' knowledge of scouting principles, skills, and experiences. Most of these events are optional and paid for individually so don't feel bad if you can't make some of them due to other events or commitments you may have.
Pack Events: We aim to have at least 3 campouts and 1 to 2 overnight events during the school year along with a handful of daytrips or other small events.
Campouts:
Campouts are usually planned for 1 or 2 nights, held at state parks or other local camping facilities within a short driving distance from Austin. Cub Scout camping is car camping. The campsites will typically have water and electricity available at each site or very nearby.
Someone will haul our scout trailer that contains all of the food, cooking gear, wood, and other supplies to the campsites where we will have a single basecamp to use as our hub where we will cook meals and hang out. See following section for more information on what to consider bringing to campouts.
The help campouts run smoothing, we rely on parents and scouts volunteering to help with various tasks ranging from buying or loading food/supplies before the campout, cooking and cleaning up during the campout, and unloading after the campout. Everyone getting involved really helps make the campout an enjoyable experience for all who attend.
We will usually try to coordinate some activities during the campouts, such as hikes, fishing, etc.
The cost will typically range from $40-$50 per family to attend which covers the cost for the camping facility, food, and other supplies.
Overnight Events:
Overnight events are held at larger venues that provide unique experiences for the cubs. Examples have included spending the night on an aircraft carrier, a museum, the zoo, or an aquarium.
The gear to take varies on the experience but will typically be sleeping gear and toiletries.
Due to payment and reservation requirements of the various venues, these events can require a final headcount and payment 4-6 weeks prior to the event. The signup details will include any of the signup and payment deadlines.
The cost for these types of overnight experiences may vary, but typically range between $60-$85 per attendee.
Daytrips and Other Pack Events:
On occasion there will also be other fun pack events that are planned. These will vary in duration depending on the type of event. They may range from a few hours to full day events.
The cost for these other events can vary widely but will typically be free or a very small fee to attend.
Council and Other Events: There will be many types of events that are coordinated/sponsored by the local scout council. These can include "scout days" at various sporting events, outdoor adventures that may include activities such as archery, BB guns, or other crafts, and day camps. On a few occasions they may also offer overnight events, such as sleeping at the Cowboys stadium or camping at one of the local council campgrounds. These events will be shared on our pack website with signup details. On occasion, we may coordinate as a pack to attend, but will typically be available for individual signup.
Cancelation or Reschedule Policy: We hope events do not need to be cancelled, but there are rare occasions when it happens. The cancelation policy varies by event and/or venue and will be posted with the event signup if significantly different from information provided here. The large overnight events are usually offered rain or shine, requiring payment weeks in advance, and may not offer refunds or changes within a certain time prior to the event. For campouts, the campsites are reserved months in advance, but food and other supplies are typically purchased the week prior to the event. In the event we need to cancel a campout due to severe weather, we will typically be able to provide a full or partial refund, depending on the circumstances. Other events coordinated/sponsored by the council will have their own policies that should be available when booking.
What should I buy/bring for Cub Scout Campouts?
Basic List:
Tent - Consider getting a "size up". For example, if you have a family of 4, you may want to get a tent that sleeps at least 6. But also note that tents usually are placed on tent pads and we sometimes double up families at sites. The typical tent pads are around 16'x16'.
Sleeping Surface - Thermarest/Air Mattress/Cot/Sleeping Pad.
Do not get a hammock as many parks do not allow them hanging from the trees
Sleeping Bags (Sheets and Blankets = If it's gonna be a warm campout, you might just want to bring some sheets and a blanket, instead of sleeping bag.)
Pillows
Flashlights (Headlamps are popular among the kids)
Folding chairs
Walkie Talkies (Nice to have to keep in touch with your kiddos)
First Aid Kit
Canteen or water bottle
Clothes - Season appropriate
Shoes - We may go on hikes on rocky or rough paths and it can sometimes be wet or muddy.
Sun Protection and Insect Repellant
Cooking equipment - Don't buy! In Cub Scouts, we do all of the cooking as a group and use Pack-provided gear. So, save your money.
Cups/Plates/Silverware - We provide this as a pack, but feel free to bring your own.
Snacks
Some families like to have a fan or heater in their tent to make it more comfortable depending on the temperature. If you bring one, make sure it is suitable for tent use, specifically heaters, to avoid a fire or burn danger.
Campsites usually have electrical outlets nearby. You may consider bringing a long extension cord (at least 50') if you need to power anything in your tent (charge phones, power a fan, etc.)
Important Notes:
If you are new to camping don’t over do it initially with the equipment! We would recommend buying less expensive gear first and after a few campouts, or a few years, you'll figure out what you consider important and what worth the extra cost.
This is car camping NOT backpack camping, where you have to carry in/out all of your equipment. So, if you think you might need it (and it fits in your car), bring it.