Trailhead

Where every new Pack 535 family begins.

Welcome! This page covers what a new family needs in the first few weeks. Nothing here requires a login, so feel free to pass it along to a spouse, a grandparent, or another family thinking about joining.

1. How We Stay In Touch

Pack 535 runs on two things, and they do different jobs.

WhatsApp is the conversation. Reminders, questions, photos, and last minute changes. Every grade level has its own Den group run by that Den Leader. Joining your Den group automatically adds you to Pack 535 Announcements, our Pack-wide channel, so there is only one thing to join.

TroopTrack is the record. Calendar, event sign-ups, and payments. Every family gets an emailed invite when a Scout registers.

2. Finding Your Den

Scouts are grouped by grade, and each group is called a Den. Every Den has its own leader and its own meeting schedule.

Kindergarten  Lions
1st grade  Tigers
2nd grade  Wolves
3rd grade  Bears
4th grade  Webelos
5th grade  Arrow of Light

See who leads each Den on the Pack Leadership Roster.

3. What a Month Looks Like

Den meetings are your Scout's own group, set by your Den Leader. This is where most of the hands-on Scouting happens.

Packtivities bring the whole Pack together, about once a month. Just show up, no sign-up needed.

Campouts and bigger outings happen a few times a year. These have a sign-up in TroopTrack as each event differs.

Everything lands on the calendar, which is always the most current source.

  See the Calendar  

4. Uniforms

The Pack t-shirt is covered. Every Scout gets one, included in your Activity Fee. This is what gets worn to most Packtivities and casual outings, so a brand new Scout is ready to go right away.

The official uniform is purchased separately at the Scout Shop. What a Scout needs depends on rank, and Scouting America's uniform page lays out exactly what goes with each one.

In the meantime, the local shop is Capitol Area Council's Scout Shop, and there is no rush. A Scout in a Pack t-shirt is fully welcome at anything we do.

Uniform costs should never be a barrier either. Reach out and we will help make it work.

5. Dues

$125 per Scout for the year. That breaks down into two parts:

$85 National dues go to Scouting America and cover registration, insurance, and the national program.

$40 Activity Fee stays local and covers:

All earned patches and belt loops
Pack t-shirt (Class B uniform)
Pinewood Derby kit
A portion of Pack operating costs such as trophies, website, and storage rental
Adult volunteer membership fees

That last line is worth pointing out. Because the Activity Fee covers adult registrations, parents who want to volunteer do not pay to do it. Cost should never be the reason a parent holds back from being part of the program.

Popcorn is how we keep dues where they are. Our fall sale funds the program for everyone, which is why Scouts who participate make a real difference to what the whole Pack can do. More about Popcorn

6. Parents, There Is Room For You

Scouting runs entirely on parents, and helping does not mean taking a title. Some parents lead a Den, some help at one event, some just like being in the room where planning happens. All of it counts.

Come see how it works. Our Committee WhatsApp group is open to any parent. No title, no commitment, no expectation to take anything on.
Join the Committee group

Ready for more? Registering as an adult leader is straightforward, and Pack 535 covers the cost.
Adult Leader Training  |   Parent Training

Want to Know More?

About Us  ·   About Scouting  ·   About Advancement  ·   Pinewood Derby  ·   Popcorn

← Back to Pack 535 Home