How Can I Join Pack 157?

In September, we provide information about how to join Pack 157 to boys entering grades 1 through 5 at Rogers and Jeffery Schools. You may call the Greater Pittsburgh Council BSA for a list of packs in your area.

What Does It Cost to Join?

The membership fee for new Cub Scouts is $25 payable when you register.  In addition, each den collects dues (generally around $1.00 per week) to cover the cost of den activities. Returning Cub Scouts participate in a popcorn sale fund raising event in October. Each returning Scout is required to sell $100.00 in popcorn or submit a check in the amount of $35.00 to the pack.  Tiger Cubs are not required to sell popcorn.

Out of these funds, the pack pays for:

• Registration fees and insurance for Scouts and adult leaders
• Advancement patches, pins and other awards for Scouts
• Trophies, ribbons, pinewood derby kits and banquet supplies.
• Copies and general pack supplies

Uniform Requirements:

• Tiger cubs may wear the official orange shirt or a generic orange t-shirt.
• Cub Scouts must wear the official uniform blue shirt, neckerchief and slide.
• Webelos may choose the blue or khaki official uniform shirt, webelos neckerchief and slide.
• Hats, socks and belts are optional.
• Navy blue pants, shorts or jeans.
• Council Shoulder Patch, Pack 157 Numerals, WOSM Patch, Den Numeral

Ask about aquiring an experienced uniform shirt($5.00). We try to recycle!

What is a Pack?

A pack is a group of Cub Scouts, adult leaders and parents who belong to the same Cub Scout unit (e.g., Pack 157 Elfinwild Church, Japeechen District, Greater Pittsburgh Council Boy Scouts of America). A pack generally draws its membership primarily from an elementary school, church or community that is associated with the pack's Chartered Organization and Community. Each pack is made up of Tiger Cub (grade 1), Wolf (grade 2), Bear (grade 3) and Webelos (grades 4 & 5) dens.

What is a Chartered Organization?

A Chartered Organization is the sponsoring organization for a Cub Scout pack, usually a church, PTA, homeowners' association or other community group. The primary responsibilities of the Chartered Organization are to select the leadership of the pack and provide a meeting place. Each year, the pack must renew its Charter with its local council. The Chartered Organization must approve the rechartering application in order for the Charter to be renewed.

What is a Den?

A den is a small group of boys (ideally 6-8) of the same grade level. Each den meets on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to work on achievements and other activities. The den is led by adult Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders, who are responsible for planning and conducting each den meeting.

When and Where are Pack Meetings Held?

Pack meetings are generally held monthly on the forth Friday of the month. Pack 157 meets at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church on Mt. Royal Blvd. in Glenshaw. The Pack Calendar provides exact dates, places and times of all pack meetings.

Who Runs the Pack?

The pack is run entirely by unpaid volunteers.

• The Pack Committee, which currently consists of the Committee Chairman, Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Secretary and the Treasurer, develops budgets, approves expenses, arranges for facilities and conducts overall planning.
• The Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders are most directly involved with the Cub Scouts. Dens generally meet weekly or bi-weekly, a Den Leaders meeting is held monthly (in conjunction with the Committee Meeting) to discuss issues of common concern.
• An adult member of each Cub Scout household (not including Tiger Cubs) is expected to participate in a volunteer position or serve on a committee. In addition to Pack Committee and Den Leader positions, Pack 157 generally tries to fill 15-20 volunteer positions (e.g., Membership Chairman, Advancement Chairman, Den Leader Coach, Tiger Cub Organizer) and have 8-10 committees (e.g., Blue and Gold Banquet, Pinewood Derby, Popcorn Fund Raiser, Fishing Derby, Bowl-a-thon, Carnegie Science Center Sleepover and Scouting for Food)

Where Can I Get More Information?

Contact Elfinwild Church, talk to a friend or neighbor who has a son in Cub Scouts, or call the Greater Pittsburgh Council BSA office at 412-471-2927.