Where do I get an application for my Scout?
Applications are available online at beascout.org. After you apply online, you must also complete the Annual Health and Medical Record and turn it in to the Den Leader at your Scout’s first meeting or event. Please note that the date of your child’s last tetanus shot is required. We will also require copies of this form for any family members who attend our overnights (both youth and adults).
Note: For Lions and Tigers, if the parent/guardian does not live with the Scout, the parent/guardian must also complete an adult application. Those can also be completed online.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, there are registration fees for new members that you will pay online when you register your child at beascout.org. These fees cover national and council dues. None of these funds come directly to the Pack, but they do cover some of our insurance, training, and support from the larger organization. As of April 2024, those fees will total $97. You will also have the option of adding a subscription to Scout Life magazine for an additional $15. We highly recommend the magazine!
Returning members are also responsible for $97 in national/council dues on the anniversary of when they joined Scouting. Watch your email to avoid a lapse in membership. If your child joined the Pack prior to fall 2023, their anniversary will be in December. For an additional $15, your Scout can also receive the Scout Life magazine. Note that you will pay Scouting America directly; the Pack is no longer collecting and passing these fees along.
ALL members (both new and returning) are also responsible for Pack dues in fall 2024. The amount assessed will be $125. These dues will be waived if your Scout sells at least $500 in popcorn product. Pack dues cover advancement materials (belt loops, pins, badges, etc.) and some Pack event costs. More information will be provided at the Pack Parent Meeting on 9/3.
***PLEASE NOTE THAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR REGISTRATION, PACK, AND EVENT FEES. EMAIL US ANY REQUESTS!***
How do I know when events and meetings are happening?
Pack events are posted on the Google calendar located on this website. When you register and provide your email address, we’ll add you to our email distribution list. Those emails also publish to the Pack 24 website: www.pack24riverside.org/.
Den events are announced by your child’s Den Leader. Most Den Leaders do this via email.
What’s the difference between a Den meeting and a Pack meeting?
A Den meeting is with your Scout’s specific grade. Scouts meet as Dens to complete requirements outlined in their Scout handbook by participating in various projects and activities.
When does the Pack meet?
Pack meetings are for all the Dens to gather for announcements and activities and sometimes even fun entertainment. The Pack typically meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm sharp at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 116 Barrypoint Rd. from September through May. Pack meetings typically last an hour.
When does my Scout’s Den meet?
Your Den Leader will set the Den meeting schedule and location. Typically, Dens also meet once or twice a month. A parent or other supervising adult must be present for your Scout at each Den meeting. Special situations may be considered for 2nd-5th graders, but the Den Leader must be notified BEFORE the meeting.
Where do I buy my Scout’s uniform and handbook?
***Note that the La Grange Scout Shop is currently closed. Orders can still be placed online for pick up at the office in La Grange.*** Scout uniforms and handbooks can be purchased at the Scout Shop in La Grange. Let one of the employees at the Shop know you’re with Riverside Pack 24 and what grade your Scout is in and they’ll get you everything you need, from shirts to neckerchief to patches. Scout hats, belts and official pants are optional. After your Scout advances past their first year, neckerchiefs and handbooks will be purchased for them by the Pack. We do try to have items passed down from older dens whenever possible, so consider asking your den leader for items that have been passed along before purchasing new items.
How do I volunteer?
Early and often! Volunteers are always appreciated. Just tell a leader you want to pitch in and we’ll put you to work. Also, look for calls to volunteer via SignUp Genius in emails and on Pack 24 website posts. With no volunteers, there would be no Pack 24!
What is an Akela?
An Akela is you — a parent or other responsible adult that sees the Scout along on his/her journey.
How many outings does the Pack typically have in a season?
We tend to keep our Scouts busy! Typically, we have camping trips of all types, museum overnights, popcorn sales, Pinewood Derby, pancake breakfast, service projects, Blue & Gold banquet and so much more. Outings are encouraged, but optional. They usually entail an additional fee, but often the Pack subsidizes the cost for the Scouts. We know everyone leads busy lives, but we promise you lots of fun and Scout bonding.
Are there any other policies I should know about?
As mentioned before, we do require a parent or guardian to attend meetings or events with their Scout. Siblings are usually welcome too. (We will let you know in advance if siblings need to stay home.)
We ask that our Cub Scouts leave their cell phones and other electronic devices at home or with their parent (this includes smart watches) during ALL meetings and events.
The BSA has a new policy beginning 9/1/2023 that the only adults allowed on Cub Scout overnights are registered leaders and the parents or legal guardians of Cub Scouts. This means that if an aunt/uncle, stepparent, grandparent, significant other of a parent, etc. plans to attend one of our overnights we will need time to officially register them.
Please let your den leader know if you have questions or concerns about these policies.
I have a suggestion for an outing. Who do I talk to about it?
Let any Leader know! Better yet, come share your input at one of our Pack Committee meetings — we meet every month on the 4th Tuesday at 7:00 pm via Zoom. Fresh faces are always welcome. Email us for access.
How long does the Scouting season last?
The official Scout season is from September through our last meeting in May. However, we do plan events over the summer, like the Fourth of July parade participation and lemonade stand, summer camps, and more.
Are you on social media?
You can also join the Pack’s Facebook group, which is a closed group: www.facebook.com/groups/riversidepack24