F.A.Q.
Our Pack
Pack 3479 or 479?
For official registration purposes all Cub Scout Packs have 4 digits. However most packs only go by their 3 digit number. Our Pack is goes by 479.
I am ready to join, how do I sign up?
You can register with the council anytime and pay the council fee. There is an option to request financial assistance during registration to reduce this expense and we encourage you to use it. Once you register with the council we’ll get you added to our pack roster.
How much does it cost?
There are 2 fees.
The Northern Star Council fee is paid at registration/renewal ($205 for 2024-25). This fee goes to the council and helps offset the cost of scouting owned facilities and administration. There is an option to request financial assistance to reduce the council fee and we encourage you to use it.
Our Pack 479 fee is not due until October and is fully fundraised by your cub! The pack creates an annual budget based on the planned programming for the year. This allows us to identify our needs and rather than ask for money monthly, we take a “one and done” approach and collect in the fall. To raise money, we participate in an annual Popcorn and Wreath sales event which takes place September through late October. Scouts receive extra prizes once certain sales thresholds are met. Complete details regarding the sale will be discussed at the kickoff meeting in September. If you choose not to participate in fundraising the pack requires an additional $225 fee to help pay for pack activities, facility rental and various other expenses. Most families find that fundraising is a rewarding activity that helps the youth build important life skills, but we understand that you may be involved in other activities that require fundraising. Most of our scouts can achieve their sales target in one or two afternoons of selling around the neighborhood. The most successful scouts develop a repeat customer business which makes successive years of fundraising much easier.
What’s the time commitment? How often do we meet?
The large group (Pack) meets once a month, and so does the small group (Den), each about 1 hour.. Pack meetings are on a Thursday evening, and the Dens meet on their own various schedules. Traditionally our pack meetings are held at Cedar Ridge.
As an adult do I need to volunteer?
Cub Scouts needs adult volunteers. Our pack expects each family to help contribute in some way. Newer/younger families typically have a lower commitment, but the expectation is for all families to help. We have a strong pack and that is a testament to our parents who help.
Charter Organization?
Pack 479 is chartered by the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club. We are registered with the Northern
Star Council of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America).
Packs, Dens, and Leaders
What are Packs and Dens?
The Pack is the large group of all grades/ranks) and the Den is the smaller group of scouts in the same rank/grade. While we do try to incorporate advancement activities during the pack meetings, most of it will be done in your den and at home. Each month you will typically have both a pack and a den meeting. Dens will attend and sit together at the pack meetings.
What is a Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and Den Leader?
The pack is only as strong as its volunteers. Pack 479 benefits from an engaged group of parents and scouts who commit to running a great program for our cubs.
The Committee Chair is responsible for ensuring the pack and volunteers operate smoothly. They take care of schedules, finances, building rental, etc.
The Cubmaster and their assistant(s) are responsible for ensuring the pack meetings and cub involvement operates smoothly. They plan and execute the pack meetings, recruiting volunteers as needed. The pack meetings align with various Cub advancement requirements too.
Den Leaders and their assistants are responsible for den meetings, cub advancement, and adventures. They are the leader your cub will spend the most time with and there is one for each den.
Uniforms
What is a uniform?
All scouts and adult leaders have a button up uniform to wear and show their rank and patches. Our pack asks that Lions buy the uniform rather than the t-shirt. Sometimes called a “Class A” uniform. These uniforms are worn to most of our pack and den events. We recommend a short sleeve shirt, but that is a matter of preference. Plan on having your scouts wear the uniform for 2 more school years. The red pack t-shirts are sometimes referred to as “Class B” or just pack t-shirts. If these are to be worn, it will be noted on the calendar or in an email.
Our pack only requires that you purchase a uniform shirt. The guidebook, neckerchief, and slide are provided by the pack. Other items such as pants, socks, hat, and other accessories are optional.
Where do I buy it?
Uniforms can be purchased at a scout shop (Base Camp/Ft Snelling or Plymouth). Tell the scout shop employee that you are part of Pack 479 and your den number. They will help you find all the patches you need. We also recommend buying a shirt larger than what fits the scout now. You will want the shirt and patches to last for a couple of years. We recommend sewing on the patches, as the iron on or “patch magic” adhesives tend to come off and become gooey. Slightly used uniforms can also be purchased at the Uninform Exchange (also at base camp).
What is a Rank Kit?
Soon after you join, our pack will provide you with a rank kit. This includes the following: Handbook, Neckerchief, slide, and a red pack t-shirt. The pack will provide these and future rank advancements.