534 Frequent Questions

When do you meet? Cub Scout Dens usually meet 2 or 3 times a month. Usually on Monday evenings, but may change depending on what activity the Den may be doing.  Individual Den schedules can be obtained from your Den Leader. The Pack will meet once a month, on the third or fourth Monday and will have other activities planned throughout the year. The Boy Scout Troop meetings are on Mondays as well. All meetings unless otherwise posted are at the Huntsville Community building.


What is the difference in a Pack, a Den, and a Troop? A Den will have up to 8 Cub Scouts (1^st thru 5^th grade) of the same age or grade with an adult Den Leader. Several Dens make up the Pack. At Den meetings, boys work on advancements, play games and do other activities. Pack meetings are when Cub Scouts are given advancements they have earned and Pack events are discussed. Most Den and all Pack activities are for the whole family. Troops are Boy Scout units whose members are at least 10½ up to 18 years of age. Packs, Troops, and Venture Crews make up Districts (we are Cherokee District), and several Districts make a Council (we are Old North State Council).  The Council is in Section 7B of the Southern Region.


What about the uniform? Tigers, Wolves, and Bears wear the blue uniform shirt with the appropriate color neckerchief for the rank they are working toward. Webelos Scouts wear the same color khaki shirt as Boy Scouts with the Webelos neckerchief and blue shoulder tabs. Boy Scouts wear forest green tabs on the khaki shirt. Uniforms are expensive, so buy a shirt large enough to last more than a year. The pants, belt, hat, and socks are optional.  You will need a Council strip, World Crest, and unit number (534) for the uniform.  The unit numbers are red and white for Cub Scouts and green on khaki for Boy Scouts. Your Scout will also need a handbook for the rank/Den he is in or the Boy Scout Handbook for those in the Troop.

Where do I get uniforms and supplies? Official BSA uniforms and other equipment can be purchased from the National Scout Shop at the Council office.  The store is open Monday-Friday from 9-6 and Saturday 9-2.

How much do uniforms cost? On average the shirt, neckerchief, slide, and needed emblems will be about $30 - $40.  The full uniform including pants/shorts, belt, socks, and hat can be as much as $100.  Start with the shirt and neckerchief first and add other items later if you wish.


How do you sign up? It is very easy to get started. Just fill out the application form (press hard) and turn it in to a Unit Leader. Be sure to complete a medical form.


How much does it cost to register? Pack and Troop 534 recharter in February, so the cost is prorated for the remainder of the Charter, for those who register during any other month.  Registration fees are $16 and Boy's Life magazine is $12 per year.  There are also unit dues of $10 per year for unit expenses.


What are the fees for? Registration goes directly to the Council/National BSA for administration and program costs.  A required $1 fee for required BSA accident insurance is included in this fee.  Boy’s Life magazine is an age specific Scouting magazine for boys. It is optional, but a good magazine that comes once a month to your son in the mail. Unit dues help cover unit-operating costs such as advancements, recognitions, postage, and some program materials.


Who are the Unit Leaders? A roster for both the Troop and the Pack are available with contact numbers. We are always looking for adults (Moms and Dads) to serve as registered Leaders for both units. It is not hard to do and no prior Scouting experience is needed, only a desire to have fun and spend quality time with your Cub Scout and family. All unit leaders are volunteers who give of their time and talent. Most will tell you they enjoy it as much as their sons do, not to mention the adult fellowship that also can be very rewarding. 

 

How will we get information about meetings and other events? The first is by announcements during Den, Pack, and Troop meetings.  We try to keep our website current with news articles, announcements, and pictures.  The website is www.pack534.com  or www.troop534.com  We use Email very frequently for updates and reminders (we promise no spam or chain messages).  Our Boy Scouts are currently working to set up a Facebook page for the Troop.  Of course our Den Leaders and Unit Leadership welcome phone calls.