Parent guide
Join Cub Scouts in Madison
Everything you need to know before your first Pack 491 meeting: who can join, how meetings work, what it costs and how to sign up.
Your path to joining
Five Steps from Hello to First Badge
Reach Out
Send us a message or call (713) 301-7997. We'll share the next meeting date.
Visit
Bring your family to a pack meeting. No pressure to sign up on the spot.
Meet
Get to know the leaders, the other families and your child's den.
Register
Complete the Scouting America registration and pay the annual fees.
Adventure!
Get your Troop Campfire login, RSVP for events and start earning badges.
Who can join
Boys and Girls in Grades K–5
Cub Scouts is for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade, typically ages 5 to 10. Scouts join a den based on their grade, and a parent or guardian takes part in every den.
The schedule
Built for Busy Families
Expect one pack meeting (the whole group) and one den meeting (your child's grade) each month. Joining meetings and activities is always optional.
Short and Sweet
Meetings usually last about 45 minutes.
Everything in One App
Members get a Troop Campfire login for the agenda, RSVPs and calendar sync.
A typical meeting
What Happens at a Pack Meeting
The Kickoff
We start with a high-energy game to get everyone moving.
Recognition
We celebrate Scouts and hand out the awards they earned this month.
The Cub Core
Den leaders run activities built on values like bravery, health and being reverent.
Closing
A few announcements about upcoming adventures, then home.
Parents Join In
In every den, from Lions to Arrow of Light, a parent or guardian takes part alongside their Scout. Volunteers lead, and you get to share the adventure and meet other Madison families.
Bring the Whole Family
We love having all family members take part. Siblings, grandparents and caregivers are welcome at pack meetings and events.
Volunteers Welcome
Parents can help with activities or take a leadership role. Never required, always appreciated.
Costs & uniforms
Scouting Should Be Open to Every Family
There are two yearly fees per Scout: one for Scouting America and one for Pack 491. Financial assistance is available for families who need it. Just ask a leader.
Uniforms: no need to buy a new uniform right away. We often have hand-me-down options and work with every family's situation.
| Yearly fee | Per Scout |
|---|---|
| Scouting America registration | $200 |
| Pack 491 fee | $100 |
| Total per year | $300 |
$200 · Scouting America registration
Your Scout's Membership
Paid when you register, and it goes to Scouting America and our local council, not to the pack. It covers:
- Insurance for your Scout at approved Scouting activities
- Youth Protection: the safety rules, training and screening every adult leader goes through
- The Cub Scout Program: the adventures, ranks and safety standards dens follow
- Scoutbook, the online system where your Scout's progress is tracked
- Council Support: local staff, leader training and council events and camps
$100 · Pack 491 fee
Everything We Do as a Pack
Stays right here in Madison and pays for the program your Scout enjoys all year:
- Awards: adventure loops, pins and rank badges handed out at pack meetings
- Blue & Gold Dinner, our yearly celebration of Scouting with the whole family
- Pinewood Derby: race day, the track and trophies
- Rocket Launch: rockets, engines and launch gear
- Recharter: the pack's yearly renewal with Scouting America, which keeps Pack 491 official and insured
- Meeting Supplies: crafts, games and materials for den and pack meetings
Fundraisers like our Can & Bottle Race help keep the pack fee low. Want to help? Make a donation to Pack 491 ↗
Parent questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join Cub Scouts?
Boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade, about ages 5 to 10. Scouts join a den with kids in the same grade.
How often does Pack 491 meet?
Usually one pack meeting and one den meeting a month, about 45 minutes each. Joining meetings and activities is always optional.
Do parents take part?
Yes. Cub Scouting is a family program, not a drop-off program. In every den, from Lions to Arrow of Light, a parent or guardian takes part in meetings and activities alongside their Scout.
Can siblings come along?
Yes! We love having the whole family participate. Brothers, sisters and other family members are welcome at pack meetings and events.
How much does it cost?
$200 a year for Scouting America registration plus a $100 Pack 491 fee, so $300 in total. See what each fee pays for. Financial help is available.
Do we need a uniform right away?
No. We often have hand-me-down uniforms, so there's no rush to buy one.
Can we visit before signing up?
Yes, please do! Send us a message and we'll tell you when the next pack meeting is.
Where do meetings happen?
43 Bradley Rd, Madison, CT 06443. Some events and outings happen elsewhere; members see every location on Troop Campfire.