We are excited that you are interested in joining the Boy Scouts of America! To help guide you, we have outlined the steps that it takes to become a member.

1. Contact A Unit: Once you have determined the best unit for your family, contact the unit leader to find out when their next recruitment event will be held.
2. Complete Your Application: Your application will take time to be approved by the unit leader. If you have any questions during the application process, contact your unit leader or local council service center.
3. Start Your Adventure In Scouting: Welcome to Scouting! You are now part of the Boy Scouts of America, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

How are the Cub Scouts organized?

Cubs join a local Cub Scout Pack. Each Pack is comprised of several Dens that are typically 7-10 kids strong. Dens generally meet twice per month – typically afternoons after school. Packs meet monthly, usually in the evening. However, it is up to the den and pack to set a schedule that works with their families. Occasionally, a den or pack may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum. These events, along with regular meetings, are generally scheduled in a yearly pack calendar available to parents.

Packs consist of a number of same-grade dens which are either
all-girl or all-boy..  All Cubs are part of a region called a council. Mayflower Council serves 62 communities from Marlborough to Plymouth. Volunteers are most welcome at all levels!

How old (or young) can a child be to join Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is for girls and boys in kindergarten through fifth grades, or 5 to 10 years of age. Kids who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, are eligible to join the Scouts BSA program.  For more information on Scouts BSA, click here. 

How can I become an adult volunteer in Cub Scouting?

There are many adult volunteer positions within Cub Scouting, and we’re glad you are interested! Please reach out to your pack leaders for information. There are many ways in which you may be able to contribute. From assisting with a meeting, to chairing a committee, the pack will be glad to hear that you want to help. Grandparents are welcome too!

Is there a Cub Scout pack in my area?

There are hundreds of Cub Scout packs in the Mayflower Council area.  When you attend Join Scouting Day in your town, you’ll learn about Cub Packs in your area.

Is Cub Scouts the same as Scouts BSA?

No. Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA are both programs of the Boy Scouts of America, but they are geared for different ages. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of boys and girls ages 5-10. Scouts BSA is designed for older youth age 11-18.

May parents attend den meetings?

Absolutely! Parent involvement is encouraged within Cub Scouting and there are many ways to assist the den as a volunteer. Once you’ve joined a den, your leader will have information on ways to become involved…whether that’s leading an activity or simply attending meetings. In Cub Scouting, we’re happy to have you!

Are kids safe in Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA?

Every registered adult in the Boy Scouts of America undergoes a mandatory Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. Additionally, they are required to successfully complete Youth Protection Training (YPT) that has been lauded as one of the best adult training programs available. The BSA YPT mandates strict policies that includes two-deep adult leadership at all times.

What does it cost to join Cub Scouts?

The registration fee to join Cub Scouting is $72 annually. In addition, there are uniform costs, nominal activity fees and/or dues that may be charged by your local pack. The dues and/or activity fees are established by the families in the pack through the pack committee.

Of course, these costs may be offset by fundraising or other alternatives. Please contact your pack leadership for details. When compared to the cost of sports and many other activities, there is no doubt that Cub Scouting delivers great value to its members!  Special scholarships are also available. No child should miss out of Cubs or Scouts due to family hardships!

When compared with other youth programs, Cubs is a deal!  For example, a club volleyball team can cost $1,600-2,500 for a five-month season. The cost of uniforms and equipment can add another $100. 

What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Cub Scouting?

Each child in Cub Scouting will need a uniform and a handbook. Although the handbook and parts of the uniform change each grade level, much of the uniform can be worn from one year to the next. Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or special events. Den and pack leaders will provide parents with information about needed uniforms and supplies at the beginning of each Scouting year.

Of course, these costs may be offset by fundraising or other alternatives. Please contact your pack leadership for details. When compared to the cost of sports and many other activities, there is no doubt that Cub Scouting delivers great value to its members!

Where can I purchase Cub Scouts literature, uniforms, and other program materials?

Uniforms, literature, and other Scouting merchandise is available at specialized Scout Shops or online at www.scoutshop.org. Mayflower Council Scout Shops are located in Southborough and Milton.

How can I save money on the cost of uniforms and equipment?

The Cub Scout pack may provide assistance with the cost of uniforms and equipment through initiatives such as fundraisers or uniform exchanges. In addition, many packs award uniform components (hat and neckerchief) as part of the graduation to the next grade level. Parents should inquire as to what the pack provides before purchasing items.

If a child joins Cub Scouting after kindergarten, do they need to “catch up” on earning badges from earlier grade levels?

No. The Cub Scouting program is designed so that a child may jump right in at any point. There is no need to work backwards to catch up. A new Cub Scout may join in any grade (K-5) and continue through the program.

What activities will my child participate in through Cub Scouts?

The foundation of Scouting is built on providing hands-on, interactive activities that lead a child down the path of character and leadership development. In den meetings and pack meetings, Cub Scouts will make new friends, play purposeful games, and learn new skills through age-appropriate activities outlined in the Cub Scout handbooks. In addition, Cub Scout families will have opportunities to go camping and to participate in outdoor adventures. Lessons learned in the out-of- doors help to develop a life-long respect for the environment. Many packs host special events such as banquets, Pinewood Derby races, and community service projects. Packs may also be invited to attend other special events such as a large community festivals and/or special “Scout Nights” at local sporting events. All of the fun family activities are part of a curriculum designed to help a Cub Scout become their best future selves!

Can we camp locally with the Cub Scouts?

Absolutely! Mayflower Council owns four camps. 

Camp Resolute and Cub Adventure Day Camp are located in Bolton, MA.  Camp Resolute is an overnight summer camp for Scouts BSA. Cub Adventure Camp offers summer day camp opportunities as well as an Overnight Adventure Week. 

Camp Squanto, Plymouth, MA is an overnight summer camp for Scouts BSA.

Nobscot Scout Reservation, Sudbury , MA is open to all Cubs and Scouts BSA year-round for Pack, Den and Troop adventures.

Must I be a U.S. citizen to join Cub Scouting?

No. U.S. citizenship is not required to register as a BSA youth or adult member.

I can't make it to the scheduled Join Scouting Day, can we still join?

Absolutely, go to beascout.org and enter your ZIP code. You will be presented with a list of units to join in your area. Pick the one that is most convenient for your family.