My DS joined last year as a 2nd grader (Wolf). He LOVED it and is planning on going through 5th grade. He is even up for going back and completing the Tiger requirements (1st grade) so he can earn the very cool arrow that most of the 5th grade boys earned last year.

Our pack (all dens) meets once a month. It male-run, but there is a lot of involvement from moms too. The den meets once or twice a month, depending on scheduling and urgency to complete some requirements before the March Blue & Gold Banquet. There are some things they'll ask you to complete at home, but most requirements are done as group in the den.

Other events that are optional participation are popcorn selling, pinewood derby, stick building, 2 campouts each year.

Our group is very laid back and accepting of scheduling issues. At our first pack meeting, one of the boys in my DS's den showed up late in tackle football pads and cleats. But he wore his Cub Scout hat. They are also well organized and well funded through popcorn sales. In talking with other parents from other schools, I think ours is one of the best (and largest) in the area.

The whole family is invited to campouts and are "come as you can." We haven't made one yet due to scheduling conflicts, but hope that DH and DS will do the fall one at the end of October. I understand that some moms and siblings go when they can make it. So, if you have a soccer game Saturday AM, then come Saturday afternoon. Can't spend the night? They are only 1 hour away. Don't have gear? Usually enough to share.

For us, this has been a great experience thus far, for both DS and DH. Neither of them gets enough "man time" so it's been good. They are out right now selling popcorn outside the hardware stor .

I know it's not for everyone. Our Pack Leader's oldest DS only did 2 or 3 years. It's not his thing. But the younger brother really thrives with it and will likely go through at least 5th grade.

It's really worth trying out for a year. That's what we did.

MonsterMom6
10 year old ^b^ b twins @ 30w5d (1 survivor) and
8 year old gggg quads @ 32w0d