Albany Cub Scouts are kids in kindergarten through fifth grade who join a pack to go hiking, play games, learn skills, make friends, and much, much more.
Cub Scouting means "doing".
You have lots to do as a Cub Scout—hiking, camping, crafts, games, sports, songs, stories, and puzzles, to name just a few things. Much of the fun happens right in the den and pack. The den usually meets once or twice a month, and the pack meets once a month all school-year long. At den meetings and pack meetings, Cub Scouts do all sorts of different things for fun and learning.
Scouts also participate in events like the annual Blue and Gold banquet, the Pinewood Derby, an Egg Drop, and our Pancake Breakfast. They go on field trips. They go camping and have other kinds of outdoor adventures. They take part in community events. Cub Scouts do all sorts of exciting stuff! Whatever it is that you enjoy, you'll have a chance to do it in Cub Scouting.
Organization
Albany Cub Scouts Pack 3 is made up of dens organized by age group. Different grade levels work toward achieving the rank for that year as follows:
- Lion: Kindergarten
- Tiger: 1st grade
- Wolf: 2nd grade
- Bear: 3rd grade
- Webelos (We Be Loyal Scouts): 4th grade
- Arrow of Light: 5th grade
Arrow of Light Scouts transition in the spring to Scouts (typically to Troop 14 in Albany).
Each Den has a leader who is part of the Pack Leader Committee, along with other Adult Leaders. Pack 3 is in the Herms District of the Golden Gate Council and is chartered by the American Legion Post 292 of Albany.
Activities
Achievements and advancement in Albany Pack 3 follow the Cub Scout guidebooks. Each den plans its own activities, which may include working on advancements, field trips and attending sporting events. Pack activities include:
- Hiking (local park trails)
- Community Service (Scouting for Food, Earth Day cleanup, Storm drain stewardship, Beach Cleanup, Flag Placement on holidays at Veterans' cemetery)
- Overnight Campouts (typically at least one each in the spring & fall)
- Pinewood Derby (Scouts build and race model cars)
- Pancake Breakfast (held in the Veterans Memorial Building)
- Annual Egg Drop (yes, its exactly what it sounds like)
- Ice Skating, Bike Rides, Sporting Events, Water Park, etc...
Pack activities are communicated via email.
Meetings
Pack Meetings
The whole Pack (all 5 dens) meets the first Thursday of every month at the Veterans Memorial Building, usually from 6:30 to 8pm. The entire family (including siblings) is welcome. The goals of the Pack meetings are to celebrate scout advancements, communicate forthcoming activities and have FUN!
Den Meetings
Additionally, each den establishes its own meeting schedule, usually 1-2 times per month. At these den meetings, Scouts may work on advancements or special projects, learn skills and always, always have a great time. For Lion and Tiger Scouts, it is expected that a parent will join their Scout at these meetings. After that, parents are welcome to attend, but it is not required.
Leader Committee Meetings
The Pack Leader Committee typically meets once each month to plan activities on the Third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall. All parents are welcome to attend and provide input.
Family Involvement
Albany Pack 3 is led by volunteers; it's success is in direct proportion to the family support it receives. Because we run our own program, we require the families of all of our scouts to actively participate in our program.
The Pack 3 Registration form requires families to select their top three Family Job choices. Leader and chair positions average 1-3 volunteer hours a month and coordinator/ event committees average 4-6 volunteer hours a scouting year. Shortly after registration, you will be contacted with a complete job description and supporting documents for your position.
*All families are required to volunteer at the campouts they attend and the Pancake Breakfast, which is Pack 3’s fundraiser.
Uniforms and Supplies
Uniforms and supplies can be purchased at our Council Scout Store at 800 Ellinwood Way in Pleasant Hill. Phone 925-974-6100 or web at www.bsa-mdsc.org/resources/scoutshop.php).
The East Bay Scout Shop is in San Leandro at 1001 Davis Street, phone 510-633-2005 or on the web at www.sfbac.org/about/ebscoutshop.
Pack 3 champions a "hand-me-down" uniform program, making scouting more accessible for all families. Older scouts' outgrown uniforms find new life with newer members, helping families manage their budget while fostering a spirit of community and sustainability.
More information on uniforms is available on the Join Albany Cub Scouts page.
Registration & Fees
In order to register with our pack, Pack Dues and Council Dues are paid separately. The total cost of registration is $300, $145 directly supports our Pack's exciting activities throughout the year. The remaining $155 goes to local and national Scouts BSA council dues. These council dues help maintain the many camps owned and operated by Scouts BSA and provide insurance coverage for your scout and family during all Pack-sanctioned activities.
Beyond registration, we encourage families to consider a one-time donation to the Annual Friends of Scouting Program. This fundraiser is crucial for supporting various aspects of the scouting program, from maintaining infrastructure to providing volunteer support and delivering engaging programs.
Pack 3 also hosts fundraising events, like our annual Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale, to help offset costs for campouts and other special functions.
