What are the ages for Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting is for boys from Kindergarten through fifth grades (about 5 to 10 years of age.) Boys who are older than 10 or who have completed the fifth grade can no longer join Cub Scouting, but they may be eligible to join the Boy Scouting or Venturing programs. Most of the scouts in Pack 85 attend Indian Lane Elementary School, but attendance at ILES is not required to join Pack 85.
How can I become an adult volunteer in Cub Scouting?
There are many roles to be filled in each pack, and adult help is always appreciated. Ask your pack leaders about where they could use a hand. All adult volunteers must fill out an application 
and go through a criminal background check and online BSA training depending on the volunteer position.
How much does it cost?
The Boy Scouts of America seeks to keep Scouting affordable for all members involved. A per-individual charge is accessed to Pack 85 annually for registration with the BSA, currently (2020) $5.50/mo. Please note that additional insurance and pack fees are also collected to offset the cost of supplies (Pinewood derby car kits, model rocket kits, rank and advancement awards, activities and ceremonies). Pack 85 participates in cub scouting's yearly popcorn fundraiser or camp events to help off-set these costs. Resources also exist to help families who may not be able to afford the cost of joining.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to join Cub Scouting?
Citizenship is not required of youth or adult members.
The Cub Scout Program
Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts?
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are both programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America. However, they are entirely different programs geared for different ages. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys.
How often do Cub Scouts meet?
Cub Scouts generally meet in their dens once each month, sometimes more frequently if dens decide, and a pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Groups may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum, in place of one of or in addition to the monthly meetings. Special events such as award banquets or holiday observances may sometimes be substituted for monthly pack meetings.
May parents attend den meetings?
Cub Scouting is a family-based program, and we encourage parents to be involved in all aspects of their boy's participation. Parents must be present for all Tiger Cub meetings (first grade boys) because so many of the activities require parental support. Cub Scout activities such as camp-outs and field trips require parental attendance.
Uniforms and Supplies
What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Cub Scouting?
Each boy in Cub Scouting will need a uniform and a handbook. The minimum uniform requirement is the uniform shirt and neckerchief. Hats, pants, belt, socks, etc are available at scout stores and are encouraged, but not mandatory. His handbook, cap and neckerchief will change each year as he goes through the program, but other uniform parts remain the same for at least the first three years. When a boy enters a Webelos den, he may need to obtain a new uniform if the parents in the den opt for the khaki-and-olive uniform. Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. What equipment is needed, as well as whether it will be provided by the unit, will vary from pack to pack. Den and pack leaders should provide parents with information about any supplies that will be required at the beginning of each program year.
Learn more about Cub Scout uniforms at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Uniform/Parents.aspx 
.
Where can I purchase BSA literature, uniforms and other program materials?
Our uniforms, literature, and other Scouting merchandise is available at the Cradle of Liberty Council Scout Shop at 1485 Valley Forge Rd, Wayne, PA 19087 (610) 688-6900.
How can I save money on the cost of uniforms and equipment?
The Cub Scout pack may provide assistance to families. Some packs operate a uniform bank, or they may provide boys the program books that are needed. Parents should ask what the pack provides before purchasing the items themselves. Online resale sites may be good for bargains too. Our big-brother Boy Scout Troop 85 often has camping gear and tents to lend those who need it.
Advancements and Awards
What is advancement?
Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to badge, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a boy in a natural way. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As a boy advances through the ranks, requirements are progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of a boy as he grows older. Each grade level in school works in a den of like-age boys, and each den has a handbook which outlines the goals of the scouting year.
Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve Scouting's aims—character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does to advance is designed to achieve these aims and aid in his personal growth. These badges are a means to an end—not an end in themselves.
How does a Cub Scout move up to Boy Scouts?
Boy Scouting is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light or are at least 10-years-old, so a Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light is eligible to join a troop immediately (usually when he completes the fifth grade). However, many packs coordinate with a local Boy Scout troop to facilitate the transition from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting. In these instances, it is better for the boy, his family, and both units if all Webelos Scouts make the transition together rather than having each boy leave the pack as soon as he is eligible. These transitions are celebrated with a special Crossing Over ceremony that is normally held at the Blue and Gold Celebration Event in March.
When is the right time to join? While most scouts join either in Summer or early in the school year, the answer is anytime. There is no deadline or cut off. Pack dues are pro-rated for partial years.
A helpful link to the national scouting organization's FAQs is here:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/cubscouts/pdf/512-200_WB.pdf