Thinking About Scouts?
Here are our FAQ to help and feel free to fill out our form below and we will get in touch with you soon!!
Q: Why should I join Pack 1313?
A: Well…first...we like to think we have an awesome and very active Pack! There are a few things you should think about before joining a specific Pack, though. A child will stay in Scouts if they have friends that are in the same Pack (but they’ll certainly make a bunch of new friends, too!!!). Further, joining a Pack that is chartered by your place of worship is helpful. Note, however, that you do NOT need to be affiliated with the charter organization for the Pack that you choose (i.e. you do not need to be a parishioner of the Catholic church to join Pack 1313. In fact, many of our Pack are not Parishioners of St. Ben's). One other consideration is the day of the week for Pack meetings. We at Pack 1313 typically have our Pack meetings on Friday evenings or Saturdays and we do our best to avoid sporting schedules for the boys as many kids in our Pack also participate in soccer, baseball, football, karate, etc. Our neighboring Pack in Peters Twp - Pack 1320 - may be contacted if Pack 1313 does not work for you. Regardless of the Pack you choose, we strongly believe in the Scouting mission and just want the kids to get the BSA experience.
Q: How much of a commitment is joining a Cub Scout Pack?
A: Frankly, as much or as little as you want (provided that the boy continues to progress/achieve through his Scouting Ranks). Of course, we encourage as much participation as possible…and Pack 1313 attempts to have as many family events as possible. Pack meetings are typically 1 per month (on Fridays or Saturdays) and the entire family is welcome to attend. Den meetings can vary based upon preference of the given Scouts/parents/leaders in a Den, but typically range from 1-4 meetings per month. Joining a Pack is a minor commitment vs. many other activities the kids are in, and we truly believe that there is a huge value obtained for such a small commitment.
Q: What are the annual dues for Pack 1313?
A: Pack 1313 charges approx. $100/year for membership with the Pack. That fee covers the cub scout’s dues to the national organization, his neckerchief, Pack 1313 patch, awards & belt loops for the year, and offsets the costs of many of our events.
Q: The cost for dues is high. Is there anything that can be done to defray those costs?
A: We want to see all kids gaining the benefit of the Cub Scouting program. Please talk with the Pack’s Cubmaster if you have a financial hardship situation as we have ways for subsidizing the cost of the dues. Further, our annual Popcorn sale allows for a % of your boy’s specific Popcorn sales to be used for anything needed that is Scout-related (dues, uniforms, camp fees, etc). It isn’t terribly difficult to sell enough popcorn to cover an entire year’s worth of scouting fees. Further, think about the cost to join baseball, football, soccer, etc. Remember that our dues are for an entire year of Scouting whereas a similar cost for sporting activities typically only covers a single season.
Q: What does my son need for a uniform?
A: Also within our "Documents" section is a guide that explains what is needed for your child’s uniform with links to www.scoutstuff.org where all scouting supplies may be purchased. There is also a Scout Shop in Pittsburgh (called "Flag Plaza") at 1275 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 where you can buy some cool Scout gear any time!
Q: What are the Ranks that a Cub Scout achieves?
A: Bobcat (First Rank for all Cub Scouts) —> Tiger (1st Grade) —> Wolf (2nd Grade)—> Bear (3rd Grade) —> WEBELOS (4th Grade) —> Arrow of Light Scouts (5th Grade) —> Scout (6th Grade and beyond!)
Q: What is the “Blue and Gold Banquet”?
A: This banquet celebrates the birthday of Scouting and is a formal event where the Arrow of Light Scouts from a Scout Pack graduate to become Scouts. It is a wonderful dinner and ceremony for the entire Pack, including any family members that wish to attend.
Q: What is the “Crossover Picnic/Campout”?
A: Where the “Blue and Gold Banquet” graduates Cub Scouts to Scouts….the “Crossover Picnic” graduates Cub Scouts from their current Rank to their next Rank. Pack 1313 typically has a great picnic with lots of fun activities for the formal “Crossover” event. We also have family camping the evening of the event where the whole family may join us for fun around the camp fire, s'mores, and camping in Mingo Creek County Park (a privilege only permitted to local Scouting orgs!).
Q: What’s the best way to keep up with when Pack 1313 has events?
A: First…watch for frequent e-mails from the Pack. Also, please make sure to activate your Scoutbook account (www.scoutbook.com) as this will be the primary mechanism for communicating our calendar and your Scout's advancement. Upon receipt of your confirmed registration, you will receive an invite to activate that Scoutbook account.
Q: When does my son need to wear his uniform?
A: Before answering, understand that you may hear about a “Class A” or “Field” uniform. This is the formal Cub Scout uniform that your child uses for showing off badges earned. You may also hear about a “Class B” uniform. This is merely a t-shirt that you can purchase from the Pack and is totally optional. Now…the answer… All Pack and Den meetings require Class A/Field uniforms. Any other Pack event will typically require “Class A” uniforms, but may also allow/recommend "Class B” uniforms. If you are unsure….just ask your Den Leader or the Cubmaster. They will be more than happy to ensure you are properly prepared!
Q: I need to get in touch with one of the Pack leaders. Where is his/her contact info?
A: Our Pack website (www.pack1313.org) is always kept up-to-date with that info.
Q: What is all of this stuff about a Council, District, and Unit?
A: Pack 1313 is a Unit that is part of the Laurel Highlands Council - Mingo Trails District. The Council covers many areas of Western and Central PA, parts of MD, and parts of WV. The Mingo Trails District covers Scout Units within approx. 2/3rds of western Washington County, PA. Each Pack within the District is called a Unit.
Q: What’s the difference between a Pack and a Troop?
A: Cub Scouts (school grades 1 through 5) join Packs. Once a Cub Scouts graduate from the Cub Scouting program, they (hopefully) join a Boy Scout Troop to continue the path to becoming an Eagle Scout.
Q: I still don’t understand this stuff. Is there anywhere I can go to get more info on the program?
A: Our local council's website should help answer your additional questions (example: www.lhc-bsa.org). If you still have questions, just call or email the Cubmaster, Anthony Lingis @ (412) 841-2060 or cubmaster@pack1313.org. He would be more than happy to help you gain a better understanding of the program.
Q: What do I need to know about belt loops?
A: Your Scout will need a BSA belt to show off the belt loops that he’s sure to earn as he progresses through the Scouting ranks. It may be purchased at the Scout Shop at Flag Plaza or on-line at www.scoutstuff.org.
Q: Can my daughter join Pack 1313?
A: If there are enough requests, we will assist parents in developing an all-girl Pack. Currently, however, Pack 1313 is an all-boy Pack. Of course...moms are always welcome to be part of our leadership!
Q: Does Pack 1313 support the "Lions" program for kindergarten-age?
A: Our Pack meetings are almost always "family" events, thus sibs and family are welcome to participate at those meetings. We are only accepting applications for 1st grade and above, however.