Welcome New Cub Scout

On behalf of the Pack and its leadership, we are excited you have a Cub Scout that has joined! Here is a guide to get you started. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your den leader or the Cub Master. The leadership group is committed, with your help, to ensure that all of the Cub Scouts have fun while being safe and respectful of others and the environment.

Note that all scouting events, meetings and activities REQUIRE that the Cub Scout’s parent or guardian be present. Scouting is not just about the cubs, it is also about creating opportunities for you to interact and bond with them.

Please join by filling out a cub scout application at this link. 

https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/

We look forward to welcoming you to the pack!

Dens and Pack

The children in each grade meet on a regular basis as a den throughout the year (September to June). Dens focus on helping cub scouts complete the achievements required to earn a badge. Pack events and activities involve all dens (all grades). The frequency of meetings varies, but it is generally at least once a month for dens and about once a month for Pack meetings / events. Both Den and Pack meetings are generally one hour long and are at the Scout House. Note that there are some pack events at different locations and dens will sometimes have outings.

*All new Cub Scouts start by earning the Bobcat badge.

Uniform & Book

One of the first things to do is get a cub scout uniform and book. You can go to one of the local scout shops in our area and they will help you get everything you need, including a program book for your den level. The book is required and the minimum uniform requirement is a shirt, badges (council, pack number, den number), neckerchief and slide. Other items such as hats and pants are also available for purchase. Earned badges, pins and loops are provided and paid for by the pack.

Valley Forge Scout Shop
901 E 8th Ave #103
King of Prussia, PA 19406

(610) 989-9626

Mon thru Fri 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sun Closed

Online: www.scoutstuff.org

When you buy your uniform, a scout shop salesperson will ask for the following information:

Council: “Cradle of Liberty”
Pack #: 71
Den #: See grid above listing dens and its number

Tip: Buy a shirt size that is larger than what your Cub Scout needs. Many choose to buy a short-sleeved shirt and wear a long-sleeved t-shirt under it in colder months. And pickup “Badge Magic” to iron on the badges (instead of sewing).

Pack Website

Our website includes a calendar of all den and pack events. It also facilitates event registration and online payments (via PayPal).

URL: http://www.merioncubpack71.org/

Talk to pack leadership for the username and password.

Pack Events

Coming soon..

Key events:

• Pack Meetings - Including presentation of badges/awards, special guests, skits, movies, etc.
• Fall Camping Trip - Stay overnight or just come up for a day and enjoy a hike, dinner and s'mores!
• Scouting for Food - Collect donations from your neighborhood for a local food bank
• Pinewood Derby - Create your car and race against your fellow Cubs while enjoying some snacks
• Blue & Gold Dinner - Bring the family for dinner to have your scout recognized for his achievements with special entertainment (magician, performers, etc.)
• Bike Rodeo - Safely demonstrate your skills on a variety of challenges on your bicycle or get your bike tuned up (helmets are mandatory)
• Spring Camping Trip - Another opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Families are welcome!
• Scout Fair - This fundraising event for the Pack is fun for everyone with carnival games, prizes and a pie eating contest!
• Water Ice Social - Our last meeting where we enjoy a summer treat and present prizes for selling fair tickets

Dates and other information are also available on the Pack’s calendar: http://www.merioncubpack71.org/event

Dues, Fees and Other Costs

Dues are paid each year in September/October - $265 each year. The first year you will need a uniform and each year a book, neckerchief and slide will need to be purchased (total cost of about $75 for the first year and $50 thereafter). The contribution for those attending a camping trip is about $15/person (covers the reservation, supplies and most meals).  Note that our pack is run solely by volunteers and is a non-profit organization.

If you did not pay your dues as part of the online application, please pay your dues using the instructions below:

1. Visit http://www.merioncubpack71.org/paypal/pay
2. Select your cub scout and click “Add to Cart” (repeat for siblings)
3. Click “View Cart” in upper left-hand corner
4. Click “Check Out” to be redirected to PayPal
5. Use your PayPal login OR click on “Pay with a debit or credit card”
6. Complete the transaction

Note: Dues include a yearly subscription to Scout Life magazine (http://boyslife.org/). It may take 2 - 3 months before you receive the first issue.

Pack and Den Communication

Email is the primary method of communication used by the dens and pack. A newsletter is automatically sent out each Sunday highlighting upcoming events. Each den has its own distribution list used by the den leader to provide information and updates. Information about each pack event will be sent out well in advance to allow you to register and/or prepare.

Tip: Make sure den and pack emails don’t get sent to your junk mail folder!

Getting Involved

Our pack relies on all adults contributing some time and effort to help ensure we create a great experience for our Cub Scouts. All of the leaders are volunteers and we need everyone’s help to run all of the activities. You may help with running den meetings and becoming a member of a committee for camping, the fair or other events. The leadership thanks you in advance for your support, as we can’t do it alone. The leadership meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Scout House and all adults are encouraged to attend (see Pack calendar for exact dates and times).

Next Steps

1. Your den leader will be in touch with you or feel free to contact them with any questions.
2. Make sure email from our pack (merioncubpack71.org) doesn’s end up in your junk folder.
3. Check the schedule for upcoming den / pack events and update your calendar!
4. Please pay your dues
5. Buy your uniform and book
6. Get involved!