FAQs about Our Pack Program

There are lots of cub scouts packs in Austin, what’s special about Pack 36?
Pack 36 is the only specifically Jewish cub pack in Austin. Our mission is “to serve the Jewish Community by providing a fun, active, family-oriented program that emphasizes traditional cub scouting activities in a Jewish context”. Pack 36, the Jewish Boy Scouts Troop 28, and the Jewish Venture Crew 36 all work together. Pack 36 is sponsored by the Jewish Community Association Austin.
When does the pack meet?

Pack 36 meets monthly on Sunday afternoons from 4-5:30pm, rather than after school weekly, as many secular packs do. This allows Jewish boys from throughout the community to participate in our programs. We also have several pack field trips and events during the year, and fun summer activities.

Individual dens (groups of boys at the same grade level) set their own meeting schedule, typically meeting on a Sunday afternoon or weekday afternoon.

Where does the pack meet?

Regular meetings are typically held at the JCAA Dell Campus. We meet in the outdoor Camp Pavilion by the soccer fields, or in case of inclement weather, the ECP Multipurpose room.

Individual dens choose their own meeting locations.

What Jewish practices do you observe? What is expected of my son?
Our pack is made up of Jewish boys from virtually all parts of our community. We may say a Jewish prayer at a meeting, although anyone is free to refrain from participating. Any food served during programs (e.g., snacks at pack meetings, meals during camps) is strictly kosher. Furthermore, our pack does not participate in scouting activities on Shabbat or Jewish holidays. This enables boys from all parts of the community to participate equally.
How much does it cost?

There is an $85 annual pack fee that covers national registration with Boy Scouts of America, and Boys Life magazine. Additionally, your son will need a uniform and will probably have den dues, which are usually modest charges to cover the cost of materials used in the program of the day. Participants in special programs (e.g., family camp) may be charged a fee to cover the program’s costs.

We are committed to ensuring that no boy is excluded from cubs due to monetary concerns. If you have financial difficulties, please contact the Committee Chair (Jonathan Kleinman) in confidence to discuss special arrangements.

I’d like to help in Cub Scouts, but I don’t have any scouting experience. What can I do?

Offer your help! We’re always on the look out for additional leaders, both Moms and Dads – no experience necessary! You’ll find that cub leadership is a rewarding experience as you help our young Jewish citizens develop. We also need parent helpers for different activities. Our programs are successful because we have good family involvement.

Withoutparent volunteers we cannot run the pack.

My son has not been in cubs before, can he join at any age?
Boys must be entering 1st-5th grade this fall (or be 6 years old or older) and be willing to say the Cub Scout Law and Promise to join. That’s it! If your son is in an older grade and just starting out with cubs, no problem. He will quickly earn his Bobcat award then start on the program for his grade level.
What sort of programs and badges are available?
With the exception of 1st graders, every boy joining cubs first earns his Bobcat badge. At each grade level there is a specific program. 2nd graders are Wolves, 3rd Bears and 4th & 5th Webelos. In addition to their grade-level programs there are religious awards (the Maccabee and Aleph awards), sporting programs, academics and others. Upon completing a program, your son will receive recognition from the group by receiving a badge or pin.
I have other children who aren’t in cubs – can they come to any of the meetings?

We are a family oriented pack and love to have siblings, friends, etc. (boys and girls) at pack meetings and events unless you are told the event is specifically cubs only.

Friends and siblings do need to be supervised to avoid disrupting meetings. Please ask your den leader about having friends or siblings at den meetings.

How does Pack 36 address the diversity in Jewish observances among pack members?

Our most basic imperative is to provide Scouting and camping for boys. Our pack insures that Jewish boys can gain the benefit of Scouting and that barriers due to religious observance are never an impediment.

We respect all levels of observance.