Cub Scouting is fun! No matter what grade you are in, Kindergarten through 5th, it can be a blast. Do you like to learn by doing? This is just the place. You can learn to tie knots, set up a tent, or shoot a bow and arrow (archery). Have you ever cooked a meal on a campfire? Sent a secret code to a buddy? Built a birdhouse? Hiked? Earn rewards for doing these things in Cub Scouts.

Cub Scouts Belong to Packs and Dens

As a Cub Scout, you will be part of your own Pack.

The Pack is divided into smaller groups called Dens. Each Den has about six to eight Scouts. All of the Cub Scouts in your Den are in the same grade and to Nysmith (or started with the Pack while they were at Nysmith). Nysmith makes sure the Pack has good adult leaders, a place to meet, and exciting things to do. The Pack gets help from BSA, which is part of Scouting around the world.

Cub Scouts Do Things and Go Places

Have you been to the local police station and talked to the policemen on duty? Or visited the fire station and sat in the driver's seat of the pumper truck? Or visited the local TV station and sat in the news anchor's chair? You might also build a pinewood derby car and race it on the track! These are some of the places you might do with your den or pack.

Cub Scouts Earn Awards

Each time you complete an accomplishment or learn a new skill, you will be rewarded. Sometimes the reward is a loop for your belt, a pin, or a patch. Sometimes it is a smile on your parents' faces to see you grow and learn.

What are the requirements to join Cub Scouts? 

Lion Cubs (Kindergarten), Tiger Cubs (moving up to 1st Grade), Wolf Cubs (moving up to 2nd Grade), Bear Cubs (moving up to 3rd Grade), Webelos (moving up to 4th Grade), Arrow of Light (moving up to 5th Grade)

What does Cub Scouting offer my child?

Cub Scouting offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games, and other activities guide Scouts through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, Scouts also learn honesty, bravery, and respect. 

How does participation in Cub Scouting affect participation other activities?

The Cub Scout program is designed to compliment many other extracurricular activities. Typical time commitment is 1-3 Den meetings plus one Pack meeting per month. Scouts who participate in organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, etc, or academic-based extracurricular activities like music, art, science etc., can be recognized for these activities though Cub Scout belt loops and pins which are worn on their uniform. 

What are the responsibilities of a parent?

• Provide help and support for the den and pack. 
• Work with your child on advancement projects and activities. 
• Attend pack meetings with your child and present their advancement awards to them at the pack meeting. 
• Attend and assist with den outings. 
• Attend Cub Scout Family campouts with your child. 

Do Cub Scouts go camping?

Yes, but they ease into it. They may go camping with a parent, or even with the entire family. 

What other activities are available to Cub Scouts and their families?

Pack 659 is very active, providing a rich environment for Scouts and their families. Typical annual events include:  

• Camp Snyder - Summer Campout
• Popcorn Fund Raiser
• Scouting for Food 
• Blue & Gold Banquet
• Pinewood Derby 
• Winterfest
• Spring Campout
• Fall Campout
• and more! 

How much is it going to cost?

The annual Pack 659 dues of $150 covers such items as the National registration fee, Scouts Life Magazine, the pinewood derby kits, and all patches and awards for the year (through next March).

Other costs include uniforms and some activity fees including those for the Day Camp and Resident Camps. Youth members participate in one fund-raising activity (popcorn), which helps to cover Den supplies, equipment, and other activities. 

The Pack is fortunate to have the financial resources to assist Scouts for whom dues and/or other costs are a significant burden. Just tell one of the Pack leaders that a special accommodation is appropriate.

Where can I buy uniforms, pack and den number patches?

There are three area scout shops where you can purchase all the necessary supplies for your scout.  

Leesburg Hobbies & Collectibles
9 W Market St.
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 779-8600

National Capital Area Scout Shop
9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814-3897
(301) 564-1091 

Northern Virginia Scout Shop
5234 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA  22151
(703) 321-4836

Alternatively, you can order everything online from the BSA retail store at ScoutStuff.Org