Ready to Go?

Let's get started on your scouting adventure.....

Do you want to hang out with your friends from Amana Academy?   Are you ready to experience the fun of camping?   Do you like to build and race cars and boats?   Are you excited to launch rockets?   Wouldn't it be fun to learn jokes, songs and skits with your friends?   Are you looking for an activity that your family can be involved with as well?

If you are ready to start your scouting adventure, the next steps are as follows:

• Request an adult and student application from Pack 285 using the contact form on our home page
• Return the completed applications and payment to Pack 285 at the next pack or den meeting
• Pay your annual dues of $112 or set-up a payment plan with the Pack Treasurer (plus $24 for the adult if your scout is a First Grader)
• Purchase a Class B tshirt for the pack (approximately $10) or purchase the basic uniform attire
• Start coming to den meetings!

Frequently Asked Questions 

1.  How much does it cost to join Pack 285?

The cost to join Pack 285 is $112. This fee includes: District and Council registration fees; the cost of your handbook, badges and awards; a subscription to Boys' Life, and Pack meeting expenses.  Adult volunteers pay an extra $24 to be background checked.  Extra costs include your uniform and any admission to special events or locations.  Webelos dens also vote on dues which must be earned and paid by the scout at each meeting.  Den meeting snacks are donated by families in a rotating manner.

2. Does my scout need a uniform?

Yes.  To participate in field trips and Pack meetings, scouts are encourage to wear their Class A uniform which consists of navy pants or shorts (Amana uniform pants/shorts are fine), a uniform shirt with the basic badges, a belt, hat, and scarf with clip.  While the cost may seem high for a uniform, they do run large and can be worn for several years with only a change of scarf and hat.  In fact many of our previous scouts have offered their gently worn items to incoming families.  Ask about our uniform swap when you apply!  The cost of a shirt and patches will be around $35 + tax.  You can purchase these at the Scout Shop near Windy Hill, online or possibly find uniforms available through Craigslist or eBay.

For den meetings, camp outs and other outdoor events that could be messy, we typically wear Class B tshirts.  The approximate cost of a Class B tshirt is $10.  Other scouting tshirts received at camp outs or available for sale at the Scout Shop can be worn with permission of your den leader.  Many families will purchase a Class B tshirt to use while they save up for the full uniform.  This is predominantly with families who join in August and must pay the higher registration fee.  Uniforms make terrific holiday gifts!  

3. If I join mid-year, will I still earn my rank before May?

Scouts are not required to complete a rank in order to move up to the next level.  Advancement occurs automatically when the scout ages into the next rank. The only achievement which must be completed in order to move forward is the Bobcat.  This is the first rank earned and can be achieved whenever your son joins the pack.  Scouts who join in March or April may not earn their full rank but will earn at least their Bobcat.

4. Do we meet over the summer?

Our pack participates in optional summer activities such as the cub scout day camp at Wills Park and the residential week-long Adventure Camp sponsored by the Atlanta Area Council.  We also host two pack activities over the summer: usually an evening picnic and a one night camp-out.  Scouts can use the summer to start working on their achievements for the next rank.  Many achievements can be done at home.

5. Our belief system prohibits us from pledging our allegiance to the flag or conflicts with the scouting program in some other way.  Can we still join? Will we be welcome?

YES!  Pack 285 is a culturally diverse group and the Northern Ridge District is very open to families of all faiths, compositions and nationalities.  The Cub Scout program is flexible in design and allows for the full inclusion of all scouts. We encourage you to speak with our pack leadership about how to personalize your scout's experience.

6.  My son is very active and after a full day of school doesn't want to sit still. Will he enjoy the scouting program?

If there is one thing we understand, it's BOYS!  We are all parents of boys.  Snack time is the first thing that happens in our after-school dens.  A heavy snack, provided by the parents, helps to ease our young men into a full hour of skits, songs, experiments and athletics.  We do expect our scouts to listen and use good manners but we understand that everyone needs to be fed and to move around after a long school day.