F.A.Q.
Packs, Dens, and Leaders
What are Packs and Dens?
The Pack is the large group (all grades/ranks) and the den is the smaller group of scouts in the same rank/grade. While we do try to incorporate advancement activities during the pack meetings, most of it will be done in your den and at home. Each month you will typically have both a pack and a den meeting. Dens will attend and sit together at the pack meetings.
What is a Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and Den Leader?
The pack is only as strong as its volunteers. Pack 3479 benefits from an engaged group of parents and scouts who commit to running a great program for our cubs.
The Committee Chair is responsible for ensuring the pack and volunteers operate smoothly. They take care of schedules, finances, building rental, etc.
The Cubmaster and their assistant(s) are responsible for ensuring the pack meetings and cub involvement operates smoothly. They plan and execute the pack meetings, recruiting volunteers as needed. The pack meetings align with various Cub advancement requirements too.
Den Leaders and their assistants are responsible for den meetings, cub advancement, and adventures. They are the leader your cub will spend the most time with and there is one for each den.
Uniforms
What is a uniform?
All scouts and adult leaders have a button up uniform to wear and show their rank and patches. Our pack asks that Lions buy the uniform rather than the t-shirt. Sometimes called a “Class A” uniform. These uniforms are worn to most of our pack and den events. We recommend a short sleeve shirt, but that is a matter of preference. Plan on having your scouts wear the uniform for 2 more school years. The red pack t-shirts are sometimes referred to as “Class B” or just pack t-shirts. If these are to be worn, it will be noted on the calendar or in an email.
Our pack only requires that you purchase a uniform shirt. The guidebook, neckerchief, and slide are provided by the pack. Other items such as pants, socks, hat, and other accessories are optional.
Where do I buy it?
Uniforms can be purchased at a scout shop (Base Camp/Ft Snelling or Plymouth). Tell the scout shop employee that you are part of Pack 479 and your den number. They will help you find all the patches you need. We also recommend buying a shirt larger than what fits the scout now. You will want the shirt and patches to last for a couple of years. We recommend sewing on the patches, as the iron on or “patch magic” adhesives tend to come off and become gooey. Slightly used uniforms can also be purchased at the Uninform Exchange (also at base camp).
What color uniform does my scout need (blue or tan)?
Lions – Bears: Blue
Webelos – Arrow of Light: Tan
We recommend this for Lions to show that they’re a part of the Pack and for Webelos/AOL so they can use them for Scouts.
What patches do we need to buy?
There are 5 patches you should buy
- Pack Numbers: 479
- Den number
- Council patch*
- Scout crest*
- Scout crest ring*
*Uniforms with the council and scout patches can be purchased pre-sewn.
What is a Rank Kit?
Soon after you join, our pack will provide you with a rank kit. This includes the following: Guidebook, Neckerchief, slide, and red pack t-shirt. The pack will provide these and future rank advancements.
What accessories do we need?
Lions – Bears should also buy a BSA Belt. They will receive belt loop awards that can be placed on the belt and worn. Other accessories such as hats or pants are optional.