• ABOUT

      Welcome parents, scouts and future scouts!

      Being a Cub Scout means you are a member of a worldwide youth movement that stands for certain values and beliefs. Cub Scouting is more than something to do. It's all about the person you will become.

      Thank you for considering Cub Scouts. We hope to see you at future Pack 478 activities!
      Joe Altepeter, Cubmaster of Pack 478
      (Pack478Cubmaster@gmail.com)

      Below are answers to many of your questions about Cub Scouting and Pack 478:

      • Who can join Cub Scouts? All boys and girls in Kindergarten through fifth can join Pack 478. While the Pack is based primarily at Oakland Terrace, Rock View and Flora Singer Elementary Schools, the Pack serves boys and girls throughout the Silver Spring, Kensington, and Wheaton areas.
         
      • How can my son or daughter join Pack 478? Although the Cub Scout program starts in Kindergarten, boys and girls can join at anytime from Kindergarten through 5th grade. If you are interested in joining, please contact the Cubmaster, Joe Altepeter, at Pack478Cubmaster@gmail.com, or come to one of our meetings and check us out. Annual fees are $185 to our parent scouting organization, Scouting America, and $20 to our local Pack 478. In addition to the registration fee, each boy or girl is expected to sell popcorn for the Pack’s annual fundraiser. Please fill out the Cub Scouting Youth Application and Health Forms (parts A and B only, no doctor required). The Cubmaster will coordinate with you to receive the completed forms.
      • How is Pack 478 organized? The Pack is divided into units of boys or girls of the same age group/grade, called Dens. Each Den is led by a trained, adult leader, usually with one or more assistants.​

        Kindergartners join as Lions - Lions participate with a parent (or other adult family member). The Lions program is simple, extremely flexible, and a great way to introduce families to Scouting.
        1st Graders join as Tiger Cubs - Tigers participate with a parent (or other adult family member) and follow the theme “Search, Discover and Share.”
        2nd Graders are Wolves - Wolves work on projects that spark interest in a range of hobbies.​​
        3rd Graders are Bears - During the Bear year, boys and girls continue to improve their skills with more challenging requirements.​​
        4th and 5th Graders are Webelos - “Webs” are on the trail to more advanced scouting. They explore hobbies, the outdoors, and careers ranging from science to sports.
         

      • How often do Cub Scouts meet? The Scout year runs on the same schedule as the school year, beginning in September and ending in May. The Pack meets as a whole once a month, usually at Oakland Terrace, Flora Singer or Rock View ES. In addition, each Den meets one or two times a month. Den meetings are held in community centers, churches and/or Den leaders’ home. The Pack also holds a monthly hike for interested hikers, as well as other special events and trips. Dens do not meet in the summer, but the Pack typically holds special summer events such as a visit to a minor league baseball game and Cub Scout summer camp. We also march in the annual Kensington Labor Day Parade.
         
      • How do parents participate? Parental participation is a crucial element to successful Scouting! First and foremost, a parent participates by accompanying his or her son or daughter to Cub meetings and events. Boys and girls who succeed in Cub Scouting do so because their parent(s) actively participate. Second, parents participate by working with their son or daughter on Cub projects and advancement requirements. Finally, a parent can participate by serving as a Cub Scout leader, or by helping organize Den or Pack activities. Cub Scouting is an all-volunteer enterprise. All the Pack and Den leaders are parent volunteers.
         
      • What does the annual registration fee cover? The Pack’s annual registration fee covers the operating costs of the Pack, the District and Council level annual dues. It also covers the cost of each scout's awards. The fee does not cover the costs of the scout's uniform or a subscription to Scout's Life magazine. In addition to the registration fee, each scout is expected to sell popcorn for the Pack’s annual fundraiser.
         
      • Is financial aid available? Yes! Pack 478 maintains a first-come, first-served fund for scouts in need of assistance paying dues, thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters. Please contact the Cubmaster if finances are a limitation for joining our pack. Please also consider donating to our fund. All participation in pack financial assistance is kept strictly confidential.
         
      • Do Cub Scouts wear uniforms? Yes. Uniforms are required and our Cubs are proud to wear them! Uniforms vary by rank, but the same basic shirt can be worn each year. Each year, the hat and neckerchief change. (Guidelines for uniforms can found in the Menu under Resources).
         
      • How parents stay up-to-date with Pack and Den activities? This website is the best way to stay up-to-date with Pack activities. Information on all the upcoming Pack activities are listed on the website calendar. Each Den also has its own page. The Cubmaster and Den leader also send out e-mail announcements regarding upcoming meetings and activities. A reliable e-mail address that is checked frequently is essential to keeping up with Pack and Den activities.