Information
What is the Cub Scout Program?The Cub Scout program is designed for elementary school aged children and their families. Part of the worldwide Scouting movement, Cub Scouts learn about themselves, their community, and their world through fun activities at weekly meetings, camping trips and other outdoor fun. Each grade level meets together by den. A den is led by one or two parent volunteers and meets weekly during the school year. Den members learn and grow together each week by working through the Cub Scout advancement program. Every few weeks a Cub Scout should earn an adventure loop, a small metal award that can be worn on the uniform belt. Through earning adventure loops, Cub Scouts explore how to ride a bike, how to tie a knot, eating healthy, learning about community leaders, going on a hike, and much more.
By earning adventure loops throughout the year Cub Scouts, by the end of the school year, will earn the rank badge for their year of Cub Scouting. Kindergartners are working toward their Lion Badge. 1st graders are working toward the Tiger Badge. 2nd graders toward the Wolf Badge. 3rd graders toward the Bear Badge. 4th graders toward the Webelos Badge. 5th graders who've earned the Webelos Badge work towards earning the Arrow of Light Badge and then crossing over to join a Scouts BSA troop in the early spring, where they start on the trail to earn the Eagle Scout badge.
In addition, all 1st grade Tigers and any new Cub Scout joining in an older grade level first earns their Bobcat Badge within the first couple of months of the year. Your child can begin working on their Bobcat now. The requirements are in each rank's version the Cub Scout handbook and can be previewed here. One of those requirements is for the Scout and a parent to complete the exercises in the booklet: How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide.
Who Can Join?
Cub Scouting is a program for the whole family. All family members, regardless of age are welcome to join us and participate where they are able. As approved by the National Council, Boy Scouts of America in 2017, both boys and girls are eligible to become registered Cub Scouts. We also strongly encourage parents and others to pitch in and get involved with our program. This could include more formal roles like volunteering as Den or Assistant Den Leader or Pack Committee member. We would also appreciate volunteers to take on projects like helping lead or organize one of our activities.
How Much Does it Cost?
Compared to many other youth programs out there, Cub Scouting is very affordable. The national annual registration fee is $33 a year ($2.75 a month). We do not charge any pack or den dues but ask each participating family to help with our annual popcorn sales fundraiser. The money raised from this popcorn sales funds our pack budget which pays for den supplies, advancement materials, and helps defray the cost of our camping trips.Scouts are also expected to acquire a Cub Scout uniform. However, many families find that they can find secondhand uniforms at a reduced price. Cub Scouts attending Eakin are allowed and encouraged to wear their uniform to school on days we have a den or pack meetings in lieu of standard school attire. Cub Scouts should also purchase the latest copy the Cub Scout Handbook for their program level. These supplies can all be purchased at the local Scout Shop located at the corner of Hillsboro Road and Woodmont Blvd. Instructions and a list of what your child will need is available here in our Pack's gear list.
Our Pack and its leadership get an enormous amount of program and logistical support from our local council, the Middle Tennessee Council, BSA. Our Pack's popcorn sales also help support the Middle Tennessee Council and we also strongly encourage families who are able to financially support the Council. Through these efforts, the Council is able to offer the Pack access to some world class facilities and programs at a very reasonable cost.The cost for special den or pack events are as announced. Pack 32 is run by an all volunteer team of parents and community members who love Scouting and want to help make a difference in the lives of young people. We are committed to keeping Scouting affordable for all families. We also do not want the cost to be a barrier to any child that wants to be a Scout. If there are financial issues that arise, please speak confidentially with the Cubmaster.
What Will We Be Doing?
Pack 32 meets every Tuesday during the school year at 6:00 PM in the Eakin cafeteria. Parents are encouraged to park behind the school (enter through the Martin Center parking lot). Three meetings a month are designated as den meetings and are led by our Den Leaders. Dens will frequently schedule special local trips as a den activity, such as to a local basketball game or visiting a community leader. Den Leaders will communicate this schedule directly to parents each week.
Once a month the Pack will hold a pack meeting. Each meeting is based around a particular theme and will involve each den making a special presentation to the other Scouts, fun games, and other social time together for events like the exhilarating pinewood derby!Several times throughout the year we have special Pack activities and trips. These include camping trips to a nearby Scout camp or park, an overnight caving expedition, or marching in the Nashville Veterans Parade.
Please check out the Pack Calendar for the latest information about where Pack 32 is headed next.
Sign us up!
A representative from the Middle Tennessee Council hosts a sign up event soon after school starts in the fall. Flyers will go out to all Eakin families. New Scouts and interested parent volunteers can also register online by clicking here. If you'd like more information, you can always reach out to the pack leadership by sending an email here.