Pack 283 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pack 283? Pack 283 is a Cub Scout Pack of over 100 boys in grades 1-5 who attend schools in and around Wayzata, Minnesota. Most of our boys attend Gleason Lake, St. Barts, Redeemer and Providence Academy schools. Pack 283 is over 60 years old and is part of the Northern Star Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Where do we meet? Pack 283 is chartered by Wayzata Community Church and is able to use its wonderful facilities for our meetings. Dens meet there also, or may meet in den members’ homes.

When do we meet? Pack Meetings are held once a month on a Monday evening during the school year. Dens establish their own meeting days and times.

What is a den? Dens are smaller groups of boys in the same grade and usually the same school. They meet about two times a month.

What den will my son be in? New dens are formed when boys are beginning first grade (Tigers). After that boys will join existing dens with boys from their school.

What do Cub Scouts do? The heart of the Cub Scout program is working toward a new rank badge each year. This leads boys through many fun and educational activities in areas such as family responsibility, community, citizenship, health and safety, nature, and physical and outdoor skills. Boys receive a handbook where they will find age appropriate requirements that they complete with their family and their den. With each rank the challenges increase along with a boy’s skills and sense of achievement. Cub Scouts are known by their ranks:

• 1st grade – Tigers
• 2nd grade – Wolves
• 3rd grade - Bears
• 4th/5th grades – Webelos

What other events take place? Our calendar is full of fun and exciting special events year round. Fall bonfire and family camping, Twins and Timberwolves games, ice skating, summer camps, spring cabin camping, JJ Hill parade, service projects, and the very popular Pinewood Derby, to list only some.

Who are the leaders? The Pack is run by parents. We have Cubmasters who lead the boys, a Pack Committee of parents and leaders responsible for planning, and at least two den leaders for each den. There are many other volunteer opportunities and we need your help. The success of our Pack depends on the active involvement of all parents.

How much does it cost? We pride ourselves on providing a quality but low cost program for boys and their families. Annual dues are $45 per boy and include a handbook and neckerchief, all awards and patches, regular Pack and den meeting activities, and a subscription to Boys Life magazine. The cost for the required uniform is around $35 (some families buy additional items). There are fees for some special events that boys choose to attend (like Twins/Timberwolves games and camping). Confidential scholarships are available on request for all or any part of these expenses – just ask a Cubmaster, our Treasurer or your den leader.

What is the time commitment? There are no attendance requirements, but boys who attend regular den meetings and the monthly Pack meeting will get the most out of their Cub Scout experience. Scouting is a year round and potentially long term program, so it coexists very well with seasonal sports and other activities. Not surprisingly, many of our Scouts and leaders are also members and coaches for various sports. Cub Scouts and your den buddies will still be there when the season is over, even if you had to miss a few meetings.

Do parents attend den and Pack meetings? Our youngest scouts, Tiger Cubs, are required to have an Adult Partner with them at every Pack or den event. Our oldest scouts, Webelos, will be doing more just with their leaders, including some overnight camping. Parents are needed and welcome at all times and are crucial to helping their sons finish their new rank badge each year and get the most out of his Cub Scout experience.

Pack 283 is a family experience. Both moms and dads lead our dens, attend our events and help in other ways. Siblings are welcome at all meetings and events, and everyone lends a hand to make the Pack go.

Where do I get more information about Pack 283 and Cub Scouting? Our website, www.pack283.net has information about all our activities. You may also find information about Scouting at www.northernstarbsa.org or www.scouting.org

Cub Scout Promise I, (name), promise to do my best To do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cub Scout Motto Do Your Best

Tiger Cub Motto Search, Discover, Share.