Parent FAQ

New to Cub Scouts? Here are the questions parents ask us most.

Does our family need camping experience?

No. Lots of families are new to camping, and learning how is part of the fun. Camping is also just one part of Cub Scouts. Not everyone goes on every trip, and there’s plenty to do without it.

Does my child need to go to Thomas Fitzwater Elementary to join?

No. We meet at TFES, but any child in kindergarten through 5th grade can join Pack 577, no matter what school they go to, including private schools and homeschool.

Can we visit before joining?

Yes, and we recommend it. Let us know you’re coming and your child can join right in.

Can my child join in the middle of the school year?

Yes. Families join all year long, not just in September.

Do parents stay at meetings?

Yes. Parents stay at den and pack meetings with their Scouts. For Lions (kindergarten) and Tigers (1st grade), a parent or guardian takes part right alongside them.

Do we need to buy a uniform before our first meeting?

No. Come as you are. Your den leader can help you figure out what you need once you’ve decided to join.
Uniform guide

When it’s worn. The official Cub Scout uniform (sometimes called “Class A”) is worn to pack meetings and events like parades. The pack T-shirt (“Class B”) is for active outings like hikes. For campouts, service projects, and most other activities, regular clothes are fine.

What you need. A uniform shirt, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, and belt. The belt matters because it’s where Scouts wear the Adventure belt loops they earn. The pack doesn’t require the official pants, socks, or hat. The neckerchief and hat change with each rank, but the shirt and belt can last for years if you buy them a little big. See Scouting America’s uniform page for each rank’s pieces.

Patches to sew on. The Cradle of Liberty Council shoulder patch and the pack’s 577 patch on the left sleeve. The pack has a 577 patch for every Scout, so you don’t need to buy one. The inside back cover of the Cub Scout handbook shows where everything goes.

The Pack 577 unit number patch with its 60-year veteran bar

Where to buy. Online at ScoutShop.org (don’t forget the Cradle of Liberty Council shoulder patch), or in person at the Valley Forge Scout Shop in King of Prussia. Their staff can help you find the right pieces, and they offer tailoring, so you can have the patches sewn on for you.

What if we miss a meeting?

That’s fine. Kids are busy with sports, music, and everything else. Your den leader can help your Scout catch up on anything they missed.

How often do you camp?

The pack camps twice a year, in October and May.

Do parents have to camp?

Yes. On Cub Scout campouts, each Scout camps with their parent or guardian (or another adult they’ve arranged). It’s a family weekend, and one of the favorite parts of the year for a lot of families.

What equipment do we need?

Nothing to start. For campouts, you’ll need basics like a tent, sleeping bags or blankets, and a flashlight.
Camping packing list

Sleeping gear: tent, sleeping bag and/or blankets, air mattress or foam pad, pillow.

Personal gear: water bottle, camp chair, non-breakable mug, flashlight or headlamp, toothbrush and toothpaste, and any medication (kept and managed by a parent).

Clothing: shirts, pants or shorts, underwear, socks (and more socks), closed-toe shoes or boots, pajamas, hat and gloves, raincoat, and a fleece jacket (better than a cotton hoodie, since cotton soaks up water).

Optional: battery-powered lantern, camera, football, frisbee, etc.

Please leave at home: candles, open-toed shoes and sandals, and electronics for the Scouts.

How much does Cub Scouts cost?

See What Does It Cost? on our Join page for the full breakdown. Financial help is available, so please talk to us.

Are siblings allowed at events?

Yes. We’re a family pack, and brothers and sisters are welcome at all of our events.

What are Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Bears?

They’re the Cub Scout ranks, one for each grade: Lion (K), Tiger (1st), Wolf (2nd), Bear (3rd), Webelos (4th), and Arrow of Light (5th). See Dens & Grades for more.

What happens after 5th grade?

Arrow of Light Scouts “cross over” into a Scouts BSA troop, for ages 11–17. During their Arrow of Light year, Scouts visit different troops, like Troop 577, and pick the one they want to join.

How much volunteering is expected from parents?

Every parent helps a little, like bringing snacks, lending a hand at an event, or driving to an outing. Some parents volunteer as den leaders or join the pack committee. Pack 577 is run entirely by volunteers. Nobody is paid, so every campout, Pinewood Derby, and den meeting happens because parents give their time. You don’t have to do it all, but the pack only works when families pitch in.

Still Have Questions?

The best answers come from seeing it in person. Come visit us, or email us any time.

Thursdays, 7:00–8:00 PM
Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School
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