If your boy lives in or around Mendon, MA, and he is in the 1st to 5th grade, the answer is likely "yes".  Most boys live in Mendon and attend Clough Elementary School, though boys from surrounding communities and/or different schools do attend and are most welcome.  Visit the Knox Trail Council web site for other packs in the area.  Note that the term "pack" generally refers to Cub Scouts (ages 6-10), while "troop" refers to Boy Scouts (ages 11-18).

The scouting year begins in September, shortly after the beginning of the school year.  For 2011, registration will be on September 6th and 7th at Clough Elementary; see the Calendar of Events for specifics.  The scouting year ends in May, as the school year is winding down.  There are activities and camps during the summer, but there are no regular scout meetings during this time.

Scouting is designed with the following ages in mind:

• Tiger scouts for boys six years old and/or beginning 1st grade
• Wolf scouts for boys seven years old and/or beginning 2nd grade
• Bear scouts for boys eight years old and/or beginning 3rd grade
• Webelos I for boys nine years old and/or beginning 4th grade
• Webelos II for boys ten years old and/or beginning 5th grade

At 11 years old, or upon completion of the Arrow of Light after Webelos II, Cub Scouts cross over into the Boy Scouts program.

At all levels, there is no requirement to have completed the earlier badges.  For example, a boy entering the 3rd grade can begin scouting at the Bear level without needing to first complete the earlier levels targeted at younger boys.

This depends considerably on the enthusiasm of the individual scout.  At the tiger and wolf levels, boys are broken up into dens with typically 4-6 boys.  Den generally meet twice per month for an hour, though the den is given some discretion to create their own schedule.  Older boys will generally meet more frequently, and in larger dens.  Additionally, all dens, collectively called the pack, meet together once per month for one hour.

Outside of the den and pack meetings, boys perform scouting activities at home and/or away from home, and with or without the rest of their den.  Individual activities may last only minutes, or hours, depending on the activity and, again, the enthusiasm of the scout.

There is an annual fee for participating.  For 2011, this fee is $55, which includes the handbook for your scout's level.  Additionally, boys are expected to have a scouting uniform with shirt, neckerchief, cap, belt and pants (pant are optional, many boys just wear blue jeans).  Outfitting a scout with these items and patches generally costs around $50-$75.

See the Uniform page for shopping options, as well as patch placement diagrams.  A few tips:

• We recommend waiting until you know your den number and get the checklist of items/patches before venturing out to a scout shop.  This will help avoid the likelihood of needing to make a second trip.
• The on-line scout shop, while undoubtedly convenient, does not stock the Knox Trail Council badge, which is unique to Metrowest scouts.  You will need to visit the scout shop in Southboro to get this badge.
• Scout shops frequently run out of stock on items during the September rush.  Don't sweat it if your uniform is incomplete for the first pack meeting.

How is the pack organized and ran?

Whom can I contact with further questions?

If you are interested joining Pack 1, please contact Mary Ann LaBonne (Pack Committee Chair) by email: malabonne AT hotmail DOT com.  You can also post questions to the discussion board on our Facebook page, Mendon Cub Scouts Pack 1.