👋🏽 Welcome To Pack 321

We are so happy you are considering joining our pack, where we take a lot of pride in our niche as one of the most inclusive in the area. August through May, we meet weekly on Thursdays for either:

  • a den meeting,

  • a pack meeting, or

  • or a parent meeting.

Every Cub Scouts pack is owned by a chartered organization, and Pack 321 is chartered through Mandarin Presbyterian Church. Therefore, our weekly meetings are typically held at one of two locations and start promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Den Meetings: Loretto Road campus
2501 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223

Parent Meetings: Loretto Road campus
2501 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223

Pack Meetings: Mandarin Road campus
11844 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223

Please do your best to arrive 15 minutes early and stay until the end of each meeting. Meeting dates are subject to change, depending on storm weather or church special events, but the current schedule is available on our calendar under the Resources section.

We are so happy to have you as part of our pack!

✌🏼 Scout Oath and Scout Law

The Scout Oath and Scout Law are two fundamental elements on which Scouting America was founded back in 1910.

Your child will learn about these two fundamentals from the very beginning of their participation in Cub Scouts, as the Scout Oath and Scout Law are recited by our pack during the opening of every meeting.

In many ways, everything we do in Cub Scouts can is tied back to these fundamental elements. And by the time your child crosses over from Arrow of Light to Scouts BSA, they will know the Scout Oath and Scout Law by heart.

Both are listed below and can also be viewed or referenced on the Scouting America website.

The Scout Oath:

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law:

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent.

💡 Getting Started

Cub scouting is a yearlong commitment, and we are happy to have you joining us on this journey. In order for your child have a successful experience, there are THREE essentials you will need to get started:

  1. Uniform (see section on uniforms)

  2. Read and understand the information below, which is also available in our parent packet

  3. A good attitude!

🧢 Cub Scout Uniforms

Beginning your scouting journey can be expensive if everything is bought all at once. Please keep in mind that we do not expect or require all parts of the entire uniform to be bought at one time, and we really encourage purchasing uniforms second-hand. However, if it is important to you to purchase a brand new set for your child, they can be purchased at our local scout shop, located at Scouting BSA North Florida Council, 521 Edgewood Ave S, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

At Cub Scouts Pack 321, there are two types of uniforms.

The first type is the less formal Class B uniform, which is worn at camp outs, den meetings and outings.

It consists of our pack t-shirt (order through the Pack 321 store) along with your child’s own active-wear shorts, socks and closed-toed shoes.

Examples are shown here:

The second type is the more formal Class A uniform, which is worn at pack meetings, fundraisers, and major events. The most important part of the uniform you need to get right is the shirt. And be sure to buy a larger size so that your scout can grow in it.

Lions have their own shirt which meets both the Class A and Class B requirements. Tigers, Wolves, and Bears wear the navy-blue collared shirt for Class A. Webelos have the choice of wearing either the navy-blue collared shirt that the younger dens do, or the tan collared shirt that older scouts do. AOLs only wear tan shirts for their Class A. Below are some examples of scouts in their uniforms:

Lion, Kindergarten, Ages 5-6
Tiger, First Grade, Ages 6-7
Bear, Third Grade, Ages 8-9
Webelo, Fourth Grade, Ages 9-10
Arrow of Light, Fifth Grade, Ages 10-11

After you purchase the shirt, the next pieces you need to get are the neckerchief and a slide.

A belt is also a good idea because your scout’s adventure awards can be displayed on their belt.

More information can also be found in the scout handbook, which is an optional purchase should you want to have your own copy of the information and materials your den leader will utilize as their primary programming resource.

🎖️ Advancement

Earning merits through participation, achievement, and adventure is a key aspect of Cub Scouts. Each Den Leader reports achievements to our Pack Advancement Chair, then the recognition and awards are typically given out during a portion of the monthly pack meeting.

Each Scout must complete at least 6 mandatory adventures and 2 elective adventures, in order to advance to the next rank for their subsequent school year.

Click on the chart to view more details about each den’s adventures:

activities by rank

This information can also be found in the scout handbook, and adventures may be completed with the den or alternatively at home with a parent. Recognition items are paid from and included in the pack dues.

🏕️ Camping

Our pack typically camps together 4 times a year at a mix of Scouting America campsites and Florida or Georgia State Parks. Campouts are not required, and elective to the Cub Scout curriculum so no child is ever penalized for not participating. However, camping is one of the key reasons many families join Cub Scouts, so it is important to choose what fits best for your family.

The cost of a camp out ranges from $15 - $80 per person, and this expense is not included in pack dues. Much of the price variation depends on the camping location and whether the camp out is Council-sponsored or not. Therefore, we try to keep prices as economical as possible, including keeping food costs down.

Campsites typically have onsite restrooms and showers that can be used. Sign-up registration closes 1 week out so that we can purchase food, and fees are paid after the event. Each camp out has a particular focus:

Orientation Camp out (September). Orientation is an opportunity for existing Scouts and their families to start establishing stronger relationships with new Scouts and their families, as well as teaching first timers how to camp.

Tent-or-Treat Camp out (October). Tent-or-Treat is a fun fall celebration, replete with costumes and candy.

Winter Camp out (January). Winter is a chance to break out some cold weather gear and learn packing/cooking for different climates.

Cross-over Camp out (March). Cross-over is for AOLs to graduate up in Scouting, and demonstrate that ascension through role modeling for younger Cub Scouts.

Exact dates for each camp out are included in the pack calendar.

Required Health Forms

You will find health forms needed for all camp outs below, or by clicking here.

One form must be completed each year for every family member who will attend a camp out because they expire annually.

Please provide an updated health form when you join our pack, as well as in January each year. If at any point you need to update the information, please let us know and we will provide you with another copy to fill out.

We encourage families to make copies of your own, and even consider creating a generic version that you can modify each year to save you time.

Suggested Equipment

A camping gear list is provided below to get you started. Please be mindful that you do not need to spend a lot of money to go camping. As you gain more experience, you may want to add items you need or remove items you don’t use. If you need assistance or guidance, ask your den leader and we will help get you ready.

  • Backpack

  • Headlamp

  • Battery-Powered Lantern

  • Inexpensive Watch

  • Scout Book

  • Paper

  • Pencil / Pen

  • Skit Ideas

  • Batteries

  • Large Trash Bag

  • Refillable Water Bottle

  • Mess Kits

  • Closed-Toe Athletic Shoes

  • Extra Pair of Shoes

  • Wind-breaker / Poncho

  • Coat / Jacket

  • Pajamas / Sweats

  • 2 T-shirts

  • 2 Shorts / Pants

  • 2 Pairs Underwear

  • 2 Pairs of Socks

  • Belt

  • Brimmed Heat

  • Rope

  • Tent

  • Rain Fly / Tarp

  • Ground Cover

  • Stakes

  • Mallet

  • Foam Pad

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Pillow

  • Camp Chair

  • Orange Duct Tape

  • Bug Spray / Ant Killer

  • Tick Spray

  • Soap / Shampoo

  • Comb / Brush

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Bath Towel

  • Wash Cloth

  • Toilet Paper

  • Medicine

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Blankets

NOTE: No sheath knives, water guns, or gun toys. Batteries corrode, tent stakes break, hygiene products get used up or dry out. So be sure to check all of your gear BEFORE you pack it up for the campout!!

😜 Other Events

Our Pack participates in additional events besides camping, including:

  • Attending a Florida Gators game

  • Marching in the Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade

  • Community service projects

  • Attending a Jacksonville Iceman game

  • Building cars and racing in the Pinewood Derby

  • Celebrating the founding of Cub Scouts at Blue & Gold

  • Going on an out-of-town trip together

After the school year ends, we continue our Cub Scouting experience with meet-ups, day camp and overnight camp.

This past year we held:

  • two playground days,

  • a jump day at Bravoz,

  • a movie day,

  • a Jacksonville Sharks arena football game and overnight camp out, and

  • an end of summer water slide extravaganza.

🪙 Dues

New families are frequently surprised at the costs involved with Cub Scouts, so we try to describe each component as clearly as possible:

Youth Registration Fee
and Council Dues

$150 for 12 months of participation

This goes directly to the National and Regional Council offices and allows you to join Cub Scouting. You pay this fee when you register for the program, and renew each year.

Adult Registration Fee
and Council Dues

$78 for 12 months of participation

This goes directly to the National and Regional offices and simply allows you to participate with your child in Cub Scouting. Parent volunteerism is required for Lions and Tigers, because those programs are intended to be completed together as a parent and child. You pay this fee when you register for the program, and renew each year.

Pack 321 Activity Dues

$130 for Fall 2025 to Summer 2026

This goes to our Pack and you pay through Scoutbook (credit card, debit card, or Paypal) to cover the following:

  • den meeting activities/group supplies,

  • pack meeting special activities,

  • advancement and achievement awards,

  • Pinewood Derby car kit,

  • Blue & Gold catering.

These dues are paid at the beginning of the school year, during the Fall. We have fundraising opportunities, as well as some financial aid available for families in need. A copy of our budget is available upon request from our Treasurer, to any member of our pack.

If your family has complications in paying dues, please let us know as soon as possible so we can find a working solution together:

  • Fundraising is typically the #1 approach,

  • and scholarships are #2.

Because at Pack 321, we don’t want money to be the reason your child doesn’t get to participate. Please contact your den leader if you need assistance and we will help you.

📣 Fundraising To Reduce Dues and Fees

Throughout the year, Pack 321 has several opportunities to keep help cover the cost of scouting. These activities include our Fall promotion of selling popcorn, as well as our Spring promotion of camp cards. Last year, our pack led in the Council with nearly $20,000 in popcorn sales.

Be sure to download the Trails End app, and enter the code DKPM3 so that you link with our pack. We also seek out other opportunities to help cover the costs of dues and activities. If your family needs further assistance, please let us know.

Uniform Cost Reduction

The Pack t-shirt (Class B) is approximately $20, and a new Cub Scout Uniform (Class A) typically runs $50 - $100 from the Scout shop. However, we encourage parents to purchase Class A uniforms second-hand on Facebook marketplace, eBay, or secondhand clothing store. A scout is thrifty!

Covering Camping Fees

Camping fees are not included in our dues. On average, Pack campouts run $15-$20 per person, and Council campouts run $55-$75 per person. Camping is completely optional. Fundraising may be used to offset or fully pay for camping.

Earning Jacksonville
Icemen Game Tickets

Tickets to sporting events are not included in our dues. Attending the game is completely optional. The price to attend the Icemen Game in January is typically $15 per person, and fundraising may be used to fully pay for tickets.

Subsidizing the
End-of-the-Year Trip

To celebrate a successful scouting year, our Pack typically travels to an out-of-town destination together. The destination changes each year, as does the expense, and examples of overnight trips we have gone on in the past three years include:

  • 2023 - USS Yorktown in Charleston, South Carolina

  • 2024 - Seaworld in Orlando, Florida

  • 2025 - Legoland in Lakeland, Florida

This year for 2026 we are going to Wild Adventures and estimate it will cost $60 - $80 per person. This trip is completely optional. This cost is not included in the activity dues, but fundraising may be used to offset or fully pay for the trip.

Summer Activities

These vary each year and are up to the individual family. Scouts who participate in at least three Summer Activities are eligible for a special achievement award. Here is our calendar from Summer 2025 for comparison:

📘 Glossary of Cub Scout Terms

  • AOL (Arrow of Light) – This is the rank designation for our 5th graders and is the highest rank for Cub Scouts.

  • BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) – This is a training all adults are encouraged to complete. It is the required training for Cub Scout camping because our Pack must have at least 1 adult who is BALOO trained to be on site at all times.

  • Committee Chair – This person is a key 3 member of the Pack Leadership Committee and coordinates activities for the pack. This is the person who typically works behind the scenes, helping manage logistics and tasks across all our operational areas.

  • Cubmaster – This person is a key 3 member of the Pack Leadership Committee and is the face of the pack. This person leads the pack meetings, coordinates Den Leader activities and supports Dens.

  • Den – Each Cub Scout is grouped according to grade level. These groups are called dens. The dens are: Lion (Kindergarten), Tiger (1st Grade), Wolf (2nd Grade), Bear (3rd Grade), Webelo (4th Grade), and AOL (5th Grade).

  • Den Leader – This is the adult volunteer in charge of each den. This person plans the program schedule for the den, coordinates participation and delegates task responsibilities with Cub Scout parents, and helps ensure Cub Scouts achieve their individual rank and/or advancement.

  • Den Meetings – this is when each den gets together to work on adventures.

  • Key 3 – these are the 3 core leadership roles in the pack. This includes the Cubmaster (CM), the Committee Chair (CC), and the Chartered Organization Representative (COR).

  • Mess Kit – A personal, durable plate, bowl, cup and flatware for eating meals while camping.

  • Pack Meetings – This is where all the dens come together to celebrate the adventures and awards they have completed. There is also usually a fun special activity for Cub Scouts to participate in.

  • Scoutbook – An online application maintained by Scouting America that is used to maintain pack information, track Cub Scout adventure participation, advancement, accept payments and provide account balances, and facilitate communication.

🧰 Resources

To avoid duplication of files or links, and confusion for Cub Scout families, we maintain one central location on the website for these resources. They can be accessed by selecting the “Resources” menu item in the top navigation of our website, or clicking here.

Examples of items we keep there include:

  • Links to tools like Scout Book

  • Our Pack calendar

  • Our Pack Parent Packet

  • Registration Forms