What to Expect
Everything a family new to Scouting usually wants to know before showing up.
When and where we meet
Every Tuesday while school is in session, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, at the Razorback Moose Lodge, 215 W Apple Blossom Ave, Lowell, AR 72745. Get directions.
Scouts meet every Tuesday. On most Tuesdays the dens meet separately, and on the last Tuesday of the month the whole pack comes together to celebrate the awards Scouts earned that month.
What a den meeting looks like
Den meetings are where your Scout learns new skills, practices old ones, and works on requirements for adventure loops, pins, and rank advancement. There are games, crafts, songs, and a lot of activity — it's an hour, and it moves.
Scouts bring their handbook to every den meeting so their den leader can initial what they've completed. Dens are led by trained parent volunteers, usually a den leader and an assistant.
Do parents stay?
It depends on your Scout's age. For Lions and Tigers — kindergarten and 1st grade — an adult partner 18 or older stays for every activity. From 2nd grade up, parents aren't required to stay, though we'd genuinely love to have you. Scouting works best when families are in it together, and everything siblings can join, they're welcome at.
What it costs
Here's what a new family pays:
| What | Cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack dues | None | — |
| Scouting America membership | $125 per year | Scouting America |
| Uniform and handbook | Varies | Scout Shop |
| Scout Life magazine | $15 per year — optional | Scouting America |
| Adult leader registration | $65 per year — only if you volunteer | Scouting America |
Paid to Scouting America, not the pack. It covers membership and Scout activity insurance, and renews 12 months from the month you join.
Scouting America sets these fees nationally and can revise them. Check scouting.org for the current amount.
What our fundraisers pay for
Pack 9 doesn't charge dues of its own — our fundraisers cover what the pack spends. Our popcorn and camp card sales help pay for den meeting materials, awards, Pinewood Derby cars, belt loops and patches, and decorations for the Blue and Gold banquet. Because the pack takes part in both district fundraisers, rank advancements come to us at no charge — and we keep a portion of what we raise.
What you'll need
Required: A uniform shirt with patches, a neckerchief and slide (together these are the “Class A”), and the Scout's handbook.
Recommended: A belt — until 4th grade, awards come as belt loops that go on it.
Optional: A den hat and green or navy shorts or trousers. Buy these anywhere; kids outgrow them fast.
Pack 9 has its own activity shirt — our “Class B” — worn for outdoor activities to keep the Class A clean.
Uniforms can be ordered from scoutshop.org or bought in person at the Shewmaker Center for Scouting, 3409 Elm Springs Rd, Springdale, AR 72762 — 479-750-3033.
Common questions
Who can join?
Any child in kindergarten through 5th grade. Cub Scouting is open to boys and girls alike, and families can join any time of year.
What does it cost?
Pack 9 charges no dues. You pay Scouting America's registration fee when you join, and you'll need a uniform shirt, neckerchief, and handbook. Our popcorn and camp card fundraisers cover awards, Pinewood Derby cars, and rank advancement.
When and where do you meet?
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Razorback Moose Lodge, 215 W Apple Blossom Ave in Lowell, while school is in session. The last Tuesday of the month is the whole-pack meeting.
Do parents have to stay?
For Lions and Tigers — kindergarten and 1st grade — an adult partner stays for every activity. From 2nd grade up, parents aren't required to stay, though we'd love to have you.
How much time does it take?
One hour on Tuesday evenings, plus optional weekend activities like campouts and the Pinewood Derby. Come to as much or as little as your family can manage.
Do we have to camp?
No. Campouts are some of the best weekends of the year, but they're never required.
Can we join mid-year?
Yes. We run a round-up at local elementary schools each fall and sometimes in the spring, but families are welcome any time.
Does my child have to go to a particular school?
No. We visit Lowell, Tucker, Jannie Darr, and Fairview elementary schools, but Scouts can come from anywhere.