What is a Cub Scout Pack?
A Cub Scout Pack is a group of Cub Scouts, adult leaders, and parents who belong to the same Cub Scout unit (e.g., Pack 31 of Old Zionsville, PA, Trexler District, Minsi Trails Council). A pack generally draws its membership primarily from elementary schools in the local area. Pack 31 is comprised of boys from the many elementary schools in the East Penn District such as Shoemaker, Alburtis, Emmaus, etc. Each pack is made up of Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos dens. Cub Scout Packs are sponsored by Charter Organizations.

What is a Charter Organization?
A Charter Organization is the sponsoring organization for a Cub Scout pack, usually a church, PTA, homeowners' association or other community group. The primary responsibilities of the Charter Organization are to select the leadership of the pack and provide a meeting place. Each year, the pack must renew its Charter with its local council. The Charter Organization must approve the re-chartering application in order for the Charter to be renewed. Pack 31's Charter Organization is Old Zionsville, UCC Church.

What is a Cub Scout Den?
A den is a small group of boys (ideally 5-6) of the same grade (age) level. Each den meets usually on a weekly basis for about an hour or two to work on achievements and other activities. The den is led by an adult Den Leader who is responsible for planning and conducting the activities at each den meeting.

What Does It Cost to Join?
The dues for Pack 31 is $40.00 per year (add $13.50 for Boy's Life subscription if you like), payable when you register.

Scouts will also need to purchase a uniform for around $50. However, uniforms can last close to five years (Tiger through Webelos) if bought large enough.

When and Where are Pack Meetings Held?
Pack meetings are held once a month throughout the school year on the second last Tuesday of every month unless otherwise noted. We meet in the worship hall of the Old Zionsville Church. The Calendar provides exact dates, places and times of all pack meetings and outings.

What are Pack Meetings Like?
Each pack meeting is planned around a theme, such as "Pinewood Derby", "Blue & Gold Banquet", etc. Pack meetings will include songs, skits, and possibly games, advancements and adult recognition as well as a presentation. All meetings are opened with a flag ceremony (colors) and conclude with dismissal by the cubmaster. Some may have refreshments. The master of ceremonies is the pack Cubmaster. All Cub Scouts and at least one parent are expected to attend. Cub Scouting is a family activity and all family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Pack meetings are always lots of fun.

When and Where are Den Meetings Held?
Den meetings are usually held weekly, although it is up to the individual Den leadership and parents to decide how often and at what time meetings will be held. A Den meeting can be held anywhere the Den parents agree upon.

What are Den Meetings like?
Den meetings usually start with an arrival activity or game, followed by colors (e.g. Pledge of Allegiance) and announcements. Then the boys begin working on the project of the week. In den meetings boys work on a wide variety of projects, all with the development of a particular skill in mind. As the boys progress through the ranks (Wolf, Bear, Webelos) they will be introduced to subjects such as; building, fixing, cooking, camping, hiking, arts & crafts, music, games, environment, leadership, fitness, science, and communication, just to name a few. Each den chooses its own direction under the guidance of its leaders. Sometimes den meetings will involve outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, sports) or a field trip (e.g. library, fire station). Den meetings usually end with a short closing ceremony (e.g. recite the Cub Scout Promise). Most times den meetings try to cover a specific achievement or elective from the handbook. Although the purpose of the den meeting is to develop skills and learn, the emphasis is always on having fun.

Who Runs the Pack?
The pack is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. The Pack Committee, which consists of the Committee Chair, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement Chair, Webmaster and Den Leaders, develops budgets, approves expenses, arranges for facilities and conducts overall planning. The Committee meets once a month, usually the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm. The Den Leaders are most directly involved with the Cub Scouts. Dens generally meet weekly. It is hoped that an adult member of each Cub Scout household will participate in a volunteer position or serve on a committee. In addition to Pack Committee and Den Leader positions, Pack 31 will try to fill various other volunteer positions (e.g., various outings coordinators, Pinewood Derby organizer, Blue & Gold chairperson, etc. ). See our Leaders page for a list of our current leadership.

How Can I Join Pack 31?
New boys are welcome to join our Pack at any time during the year. All boys in grades 1st through 5th are eligible to join. See How to Register.

Where Can I Get More Information?
Send us an email and we will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have, or talk to a friend or neighbor who has a son in Pack 31. Feel free to visit a den or pack meeting any time (see Calendar). Pack 31 always welcomes new scouts and leaders. Another great resource for an introduction to Cub Scouting is What Is Cub Scouting?.