F.A.Q.
Our Pack
Pack 3479 or 479?
For official registration purposes all Cub Scout Packs have 4 digits. However most packs only go by their 3 digit number. Our Pack generally goes by 479.
I am ready to join, how do I sign up?
You can register with the council anytime and pay the council fee. There is an option to request financial assistance during registration to reduce this expense and we encourage you to use it. Once you register with the council we’ll get you added to our pack roster.
How much does it cost?
There are 2 fees.
The Scouting America/Northern Star Council fee is paid at council registration/renewal ($205 for 2025-26). This fee goes to the council and helps offset the cost of scouting owned facilities and administration. There is an option to request financial assistance to reduce the council fee and we encourage you to use it.
Our Pack 479 fee is not due until October and is fully fundraised by your scout! To raise money, we participate in an annual Popcorn and Wreath sales fundraisers which takes place September through late October. Scouts receive extra prizes once certain sales thresholds are met. Complete details regarding the sale will be discussed at the kickoff meeting in September. If you choose not to participate in fundraising the pack requires an additional fee to help pay for pack activities, facility rental and various other expenses. Most families find that fundraising is a rewarding activity that helps the youth build important life skills, but we understand that you may be involved in other activities that require fundraising. Most of our scouts can achieve their sales target in one or two afternoons of selling around the neighborhood. The most successful scouts develop a repeat customer business which makes successive years of fundraising much easier.
What’s the time commitment? How often do we meet?
The Pack (large group K-5) meets once a month, and so does the Den (small group by grade level), each about 1 hour. Pack meetings are typically a Thursday evening, and the Dens meet on their own various schedules. Typically our pack meetings are held at Cedar Ridge Elementary School.
Vision Statement
Members of Pack 479 and the Northern Star Council are a positive influence in the lives of all young people in our communities.
Mission Statement
We prepare young people to be leaders and individuals of strong character by helping them discover and live by the principles of Scouting.
Our Pack strives to promote the Cub Scout core values, such as Citizenship, Compassion,
Cooperation, Courage, Faith, Health, Honesty, Perseverance, Positivity, Resourcefulness, Respect, and Responsibility. Cub Scout Pack 479 uses fun activities to help our children learn these values.
As an adult do I need to volunteer?
Cub Scouts needs adult volunteers. Our pack expects each family to help contribute in some way. Newer/younger families typically have a lower commitment, but the expectation is for all families to help. We have a strong pack and that is a testament to our parents who help.
Charter Organization?
A chartering organization, such as a church, school, concerned citizen’s group, agrees to work with the specific pack, troop, or crew. They’ll provide meeting space, help find and approve adult leaders, and appoint an individual as the Chartered Organization Representative. This representative works as a liaison between the organization and the Scout group. Pack 479 is chartered by the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club. We are registered with the Northern Star Council of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America).
Packs, Dens, and Leaders
What are Packs and Dens?
The Pack is the large group of all grades/ranks and the Den is the smaller group of scouts in the same grade/rank. 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 479 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
Does my scout need a Uniform?
Yes! All scouts and adult leaders have a “Class A” button up uniform to wear and show their rank and patches (including Lions). These uniforms are worn to most of our pack and den events.
Our pack only requires that you purchase a uniform shirt & basic required patches. You can buy these pre-sewn on at the Scout Shop. The red or tan 479 unit numeral patch, den number patch, rank neckerchief & slide are provided by the pack. Other items such as pants, socks, hat, handbook, and other accessories are optional. The Pack “Class B” T-shirt will also be provided by the pack.
Where do I buy a Uniform?
Uniforms can be purchased at a Scout Shop. Tell the Scout Shop employee that you’re in a Cub Scout Pack and your rank. They will help you find all the shirt with patches you need. We also recommend buying a shirt larger than what fits the scout now so can be used for a few 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 Uniform Exchange (also at base camp).