Information

The Pack

The Pack is all the kids in all the grades, led by the Pack Committee (parents) and the Cubmaster 

  • We typically meet as a large group of all grades on the third Tuesday of the month at Brookside Elementary from 6:30-8pm

  • The Pack often has some other activity each month, typically on a weekend (things like service projects, family campout, pinewood derby, etc.)

  • The Pack coordinates a visit to summer camp and winter camp (those are overnight camps with a parent, and an added cost)

Curriculum & Advancement

Each Den has a set of content (activities and electives) organized by National BSA into a handbook. Most of that content is available online, and we track it via an online app (Scoutbook). When scouts complete an activity, they will earn a beltloop or pin. Kids love awards! At the end of the year, scouts who have completed the required activities earn the Rank Patch to add to their uniform. Scouts automatically advance to the next den each year. (E.g. Every second grader is a Wolf, regardless of whether they earned the Tiger badge.)

More Info

The Scouting America website has lots of good info on how Cub Scouts is set up and why, including the aims and methods of scouting, parent resources, FAQs, and other details. 

Religious Content

Pack 850 generally leaves this to families to do at home. Cub Scouts has aspects that are encouraging and inclusive of any religious practice, but does not focus on any one practice.

Boys & Girls

Pack 850 is a “Family Pack”,  that means that we are co-ed at all levels.  If a den gets large, the Den Leader (in conjunction with the parents) may choose to divide into separate dens (either by gender, or otherwise) as it makes sense for that den.

Fundraising

We have a fall Popcorn sale (info coming soon, including in-person sales in Sept/Oct) to raise money for the Pack, and a springtime drive to support “Friends of Scouting”.

Leadership

We are a parent-led organization, so we need parents to help run the group and activities. The Pack Committee (parent group) meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Our organization is sponsored by the Norwestern Youth Fund. Note, we often use the word “parent” but that is meant to cover any adult relationship with the scout: guardians, grandparents, etc.

Pack Leadership: All Volunteer

  • Organized and “chartered” through the Norwestern Youth Fund, our Chartering Organization Representative is Dale Galvin.

  • Pack program is led by the Cubmaster: Kevin Swanson

  • The Pack is run by the Committee, which is interested parents/guardians who volunteer. The Committee Chair position is currently open.  The Committee is: the Chair, Cubmaster, Den Leaders, Treasurer and any other interested parents. 

  • We have focused sub-committees to organize things like the Pinewood Derby, Family Camping trips, Summer/Winter camp, conservation projects, etc. 

  • Dens are led by Den Leaders, who is typically a parent with a child in that den. You will get their contact info when you join. Dens also need Assistant Den Leaders! 

  • All volunteers receive Youth Protection Training annually and are subject to background checks. 

Adults – we need you too!

Cub Scouts is a fun activity for parents and kids to do together. Please think of how you would like to be involved to make scouting rewarding for both you and your scout! There are many ways to participate, from helping at a meeting to being a Den Leader or on the Pack Committee. 

Scouts offers a lot of training and guidance for adults too!

The Dens

Each den is a grade-based group, led by a Den Leader, usually comprised of 3-12 kids 

  • The Dens usually meet once per month for a den meeting, and then average about one other activity per month. The details are set by each den, so it varies. 

  • All meetings and activities are essentially optional, families can pick and choose or be flexible with schedules, but we encourage engagement! 

Lions - Kindergarten

Lions are the youngest Cub Scouts, just starting their Scouting adventure. They do simple, fun activities alongside an adult partner, like games, crafts, and short outings, that help them learn teamwork, sharing, and trying new things.

Tigers - 1st Grade

Tigers continue the journey with their adult partner, working together on adventures that introduce them to Scouting values, outdoor activities, and community service. Tigers learn by “doing” through games, field trips, and group projects.

Wolves - 2nd Grade

Wolves begin to take more initiative and responsibility. Their activities encourage independence while still being fun, like learning about the outdoors, practicing safety, and completing projects that teach problem-solving & creativity.

Bears - 3rd Grade

Bears gain confidence as they tackle more hands-on skills, such as woodworking, knot tying, cooking outdoors, and learning about citizenship. They are encouraged to explore new challenges while working more closely with their den.

Webelos - 4th Grade

Webelos (short for “We’ll Be Loyal Scouts”) is the bridge between Cub Scouts and a Scouting Troop. They explore a variety of “adventure pins” that expose them to outdoor skills, science, first aid, and leadership. This stage focuses on growth and preparing them for the next level.

Arrow of Light - 5th Grade

The Arrow of Light is the highest Cub Scout rank and the final step before joining a Scouting Troop. Scouts at this level practice leadership, strengthen outdoor and camping skills, and learn what it means to live the Scout Oath and Law every day. Many Arrow of Light Scouts are preparing to “cross over” into a Scouting troop.

Joining

The best way for new Scouts to sign up is online, using www.BeAScout.org. Use this direct link for Pack 850, or search for a Cub Scout Pack in your zip code and find Pack 850. Returning Scouts do not need to sign up again. 

Dues

Total about $165 per calendar year. National Scouting America charges about $115/year and our Pack charges about $50 to cover our local costs. Scouting America will prorate the dues for new Scouts when you sign up online, and will include a $25 new member fee. Later in the fall the Pack will collect annual dues for all scouts (new and returning). The dues cover supplies, awards, neckerchiefs and slides, and workbooks for the Lions (K), but does not include day/overnight camps or uniform shirt. 

Scholarships

Available upon request for dues and camps, funded by our generous chartering organization (Rotary) and the local Friends of Scouting fund.

Uniforms

Lions will receive a t-shirt; Scouts in grades 1-4 will need to purchase a uniform shirt (the blue one) and usually a belt; Scouts in grade 5 can use the blue shirt, or can move on to the tan shirt that the older scouts use (see the online store or visit the trading post in South Seattle). Other uniform pieces are optional in our Pack.

Uniform and Insignia of the Cub Scouts

Lions wear lion t-shirt. Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos use the navy cub scout top. Arrow’s of Light use the khaki top as they prepare to advance into the Scouting America troops.

Please visit the Cub Scout Uniform resource for additional information.