FAQs

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You'll find below answers to many of the questions that tend to arise when families consider Scouts. Certainly, if you have additional questions, please email us at forestparkcubscoutpack109@gmail.com, and one of our Adult Leaders will happily connect with you.

What is our Pack number?

We are Pack 109. Several years ago, a "4" was added to the front of Cub Scout Packs to differentiate them from Boy Scout Troops. Note: our pack uses only 109 on our uniforms.

How does Pack 109 operate?

Forest Park Pack 109 is organized under the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which now encourages and invites children of all genders to participate in Scouts. Pack 109 is run by volunteer parents of youth in the community involved with scouting. All packs have a Chartered Organization, which acts as a ‘sponsor,’ and ours is the Forest Park Kiwanis Club.

The pack is run by the registered BSA Adult Leaders of the pack, who make up the Pack Committee, which includes a Committee Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, Event Coordinators, Awards Coordinators, Den Leaders, Assistant Den Leaders, and others. All parents of a Cub Scout in Pack 109 are encouraged to become a Committee Member. In addition to submitting to background checks, the BSA requires all Adult Leaders maintain Youth Protection as well as Position-Specific Training - the organization is focused on providing the most secure environment possible for Scouts.

How does Pack 109 collaborate with other area Cub Scouts?

Our Pack is part of the Portage Creek District of the Pathway to Adventure Council, or "PTAC" for short. Councils around the world then roll up into the national BSA organization.

How often do you meet?

The dens meet twice per month, and the full pack meets once per month.

Do we have to be part of an organized religion, or a specific church to be a Scout?

No. While there is a Duty To God badge, and reverence is a value of scouts, the interpretation is up to the family of the individual scout. Pack 109 has a variety of faith traditions among the scout families!

Are all genders welcome to join?

Yes! The scouts are now inclusive. Pack 109 in Forest Park is happy to accept all who want to be part of scouts.

Can siblings come along to Pack and Den meetings, or will I need to get a babysitter?

Yes, siblings and immediate caregivers are welcomed. Caregivers are expected to be active participants in the experience of Scouting, in fact. Many families in Pack 109 routinely have siblings present for den and pack meetings. It is truly a family affair.

Are the parent leaders vetted and trained to work with youth?

All leaders within Pack 109 are parents in the community who take the Boy Scouts of America Leader Training, which includes best practices around how to avoid putting a child in any kind of danger and what to do in the event an instance of abuse or neglect is identified. All of our leaders are required to renew this Youth Protection Training every two years.

How much does it cost to be a Cub Scout?

Short answer: Around $200, divided between membership dues, the uniform & handbook & fun activities for the kids. There are many ways to reduce or offset that cost, both to the pack and the families! Read below for how it works:

Membership includes the fees paid to the National Scouting organization annually which range from $100-$125 depending on whether your child is new to Scouting.

What if cost is a hurdle to our family?

Kiwanis of Forest Park has a standing offer to pay these fees for any individual interested in Scouting. It is their and our Pack’s view that finances should never be a barrier to someone joining our Pack!

What about uniforms and handbooks?

Uniform/Handbook includes the cost to purchase a uniform shirt, the appropriate neckerchief & slide and handbook. Our pack requires Cub Scouts to wear the blue/tan shirt with proper insignia and neckerchief & slide for your den. Depending on your sewing skills, the cost can range from $65-$85. This cost will depend on how your child grows. More details will be provided. There is a handbook for each den and costs $18. To help offset that cost, the pack has a Scout Closet with gently used uniforms and handbooks available.

You can visit one of the three local Scout Shops (the closest one is in La Grange) to learn more. For additional information, visit the PTAC Scout Shop page at this link.

La Grange Scout Shop

811 West Hillgrove Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525

(view on Google Maps)

Do we have to pay for activities?

Activities are one of the ways we make Scouting fun and meaningful for the children involved. Costs include the materials needed to meet the requirements to earn badges, the Pinewood Derby, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. These costs are generally covered by fundraising (e.g. popcorn) throughout the year.

Will we have to sell popcorn?

There are many ways to participate in selling popcorn, which helps fund a portion of scouts’ dues as well as ensures the pack can have some fun activities together. Selling popcorn not only contributes to the financial health of the pack, but it also teaches the individual scouts important lessons about setting a goal and working towards it. It also helps the scouts be a visible presence in the community, thereby encouraging more families to get involved.

What does a Den Leader do?

Each volunteer Den Leader performs a number of duties throughout the course of the year:

• Carry out the activities listed for each rank adventure in the handbook in order for the Scouts in the den to earn their badge of rank.

• Plan, prepare for, and conduct den meetings with the assistant den leader and a different family each month.

• Attend the monthly pack committee meetings.

• Lead the Den at pack activities.

• Ensure Cub Scouts earn their badge of rank and continue in Cub Scouting.

• Coordinate shared leadership among the families in the den.

• Provide meaningful responsibilities for the denner and assistant denner so that they can learn responsibility and gain satisfaction from their efforts.

The Den leader sets the stage for a successful Scouting experience for families in the Den by:

• Complete Youth Protection Training

• Completing Den Leader training.

• Communicating with participating families.

• Leading den meetings and outings.

• Being the point person for engaging the Wolf den with the pack and pack meetings.

• Helping to create an atmosphere of fun and family within the den for families and youth.

What are the expecations of parents/guardians/caregivers?

As this is a family activity, we expect that each family:

• Attends all den meetings and outings/pack meetings with their Scout.

• Works with their Scout to complete requirements as needed.

• Participate in delivering the fun to our Scouts.

• Has lots of fun with their Scout and other Scouting families!

What recognition is given when a Scout completes an Adventure?

When an adventure is completed, the Scout will receive an Adventure belt loop. They can begin wearing a Cub Scout belt to proudly display these earned awards.