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Here is a lot of  information on questions you might have about our organization!

Questions and Answers and information about Cub Scouting

• Ok, sounds great, I want to join right now!

What is Cub Scouts?  Cub Scouting is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age. 

The levels of BSA are as follows:

• Tiger Cubs is a year-round family- and home-centered program that encourages the ethical decision-making skills for first-grade (or 7-year-old) boys. These boys participate in the program with their adult partners. The program emphasizes shared leadership, learning about the community, and family understanding.
• Cub Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Activities emphasize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
• Webelos Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for fourth- and fifth-grade (or 10-year-old) boys. Webelos Scouts participate in more advanced activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts.
• Boy Scouting. A year-round program for boys 11 through 17 designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. (Boys also may become Boy Scouts if they have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade.)
• Varsity Scouting. An active, exciting, year-round program for young men 14 through 17 built around five program fields of emphasis: advancement, high adventure, personal development, service, and special programs and events.
• Venturing. A year-round program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age to provide positive experiences through exciting and meaningful youth-run activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills.

What are the Aims of Scouting? Character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.

What is the mission statement of the BSA? The mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

How can I learn more about Pack 139?  Please go here

Who can join Cub Scouts?   Any boy who has completed kindergarten or is 7 years old.

What do we need to start and when do we need it?  Boys will need a uniform and the appropriate handbook. You should try and have them by the first den meeting, however if you don't please don't worry about it.

How often do the Cub Scouts meet?  We have monthly pack meetings. It is up to each Den Leader and the parents to decide how often to meet. Most Tiger Dens meet once or twice a month and might have 1 "Go See It" a month. Wolf, Bear, and Webelos usually meet once a week. Some dens also plan other activities

How much time does it take?  Pack meetings average around 1 hour. Den meetings times are set by the Den Leaders, but most are around 1 hour a week. There are also achievement requirements that take place at home and those vary in the time it takes to complete them.

What do we have to do at home?  The the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear rank required achievements are mainly meant to be done with the family at home, however some are done during den meetings. You will have to work with your Cub Scout so that he will achieve the next rank. The focus changes in Webelos to more den or patrol oriented activities to prepare for Boy Scouts.

Where does the money go?  All money that the pack raises goes directly to the pack for things like Awards, Pinewood Derby, and The Blue & Gold Banquet. 

How is the pack funded? We currently have fund raisers every year. All money that is raised is used to fund all Pack activities, awards, badges etc. Scouts are required to pay for some activities, such as camp etc....

How much does it cost to get started?  You will need to pay the registration fees, get a uniform, and a handbook. 

• Registration Fees are $45.00 for September-June. This includes scout registration, insurance, annual dues, and the subscription to Boy's Life Magazine
  
• Handbook
  First Graders: Tiger Book +- $4.25
  Second Graders: Wolf Book: +- $6.95
  Third Graders: Bear Book +- $6.95
  Fourth Graders: Webelos Book +- $6.95
  
• Uniform:
  Standard Blue Shirt, short-sleeve-+- $22.95, long-sleeve- +- $26.95
  Neckerchief +- $ 5.10
  Neckerchief Slide +- $ 2.40
  Pants (optional) +- $30.85
  Cap (optional) +- $ 11.80
  
• Uniform insignia
  139 Patch (provided by the Pack for $3.00)
  NNJC Council patch
  Den # patch (to be assigned)
  
  Uniform pants and hat are optional but strongly recommended unless there is a financial burden in obtaining these items. Tiger, Wolf and Bear cubs will wear the blue cub uniform and Webelos will wear the tan boy scout uniform.

Where can I buy a uniform or supplies? Uniforms, insignia, books and other scout equipment may be obtained from Ramsey Outdoor Store*, 240 State Hwy 17N, Paramus, tel.: 201-261-5000. The book should be brought to every Den Meeting. The uniform should be worn to all Den and Pack meetings and trips unless otherwise notified. The uniform represents something your boy should be proud of so please encourage him to wear it.

This website address is to your information only. Due to BSOA regulations, they are not allowed to sell uniforms online.

How do I get my son signed up?  Contact a leader or member to get signed up or fill out an application and send it is with the membership fee to the address below.

What do the colors (Blue & Gold) stand for?  The blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above. The gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.

Why do Cub Scouts wear a uniform?  The uniform is an important part of the Scouting program. It identifies the boys and adults and gives them a sense of belonging to the den, the pack, and the Boy Scouts of America. Most boys enjoy wearing their uniform. They should wear it to all den meetings, pack meetings, and special pack activities.

Who is in charge of the Pack?  The pack is run by the pack committee. This committee consist of: Committee Chairman, Cub Master, Assistant Cub Master, Secretary, Treasurer, Charter organization Rep, all Den Leaders, all Assistant Den Leaders, special committee chairman's, parents and anyone else who would like to participate in the monthly pack committee meetings. To find out about our members, please go here.

What is the chartered organization that sponsors you?  Saint John the Evangelist Church, Bergenfield.

What kind of activities do the Cub Scouts do?   We have several optional activities to participate in like family camping, derby races, sporting events, marching in parades, and summer camp, a Toy drive...just to name a few.

Can parents help?  YES, parents are encouraged to help at any level from helping a Den with an activity to being a Den Leader or Assistant Den Leader. We are open to any suggestions that you may have that will help to improve the program that we are providing to the boys. We also need your help and support. Pack 139 is a family affair. The best way you can show your boy that you feel scouting is important is to be part of the activities and to come to the monthly Pack meetings. At these meetings, the boys receive recognition for their accomplishments and the whole family can have fun joining in the games and songs. Refreshments are also available.

Can boys with disabilities join?  Yes!  The Cub Scout program is adaptable to many special needs, and there are program and training materials to help Cub Scout leaders adapt the program to the situation. There are also programs to teach the boys to understand those that may be a little different than they are. However, it is important that the Pack and Den leadership be made aware of these cases so that we can deal with any problems or situations that may arise. We ask that you fill out a health form that stays with the pack. Please be sure to note any special needs or conditions we need to know about. You should also plan to stay for most of the meetings, at least at the beginning of the year, if your son's condition warrants it. The first couple of months are a learning and adjustment period for you, your son, and the pack leadership.

What are the ranks of Cub Scouting?  Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos. (Rank patches at upper right).  Recognition is important to young boys. The Cub Scouting advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with boys on advancement projects.

• Tiger Cub. The Tiger Cub program is for first-grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade.
• Bobcat. The Bobcat rank is for all boys who join Cub Scouting.
• Wolf. The Wolf program is for boys who have completed first grade (or are age 8). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.
• Bear. The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age 9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.
• Webelos. This program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Handbook, he will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout requirements--all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.

Who can be part of Cub Scouts?  Scouting is for boys in elementary school, but it is a family activity. All den leaders are mothers and fathers and many cubs bring their whole family to meetings and events.

Can a boy join in the middle of the year?  Yes, boys can join at anytime. Contact a leader or member to get signed up or fill out an application and send it is with the membership fee to the address below.

Ok, sounds great, I want to join right now!  Go here

Please send application with membership fee to: (write checks out to Pack 139)

Name Address

*Please contact a leader or member for more information and/or to let us know you are joining so we can have your leader contact you ASAP without delay.