Show up once.
Decide after that.

Who can join

Pack 223 is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade. Most of our Scouts come from Happy Valley Elementary, where we meet, but you do not have to attend Happy Valley — families from across Lafayette and the surrounding towns are welcome.

Scouting America is open to all youth. If cost is a barrier for your family, say so. Financial assistance is available and the conversation stays between you and the treasurer.

The four steps

1. Come to a meeting or an outing

   Everything on the calendar that isn't ticketed is open to visiting families. Wear whatever you like. Pack meetings are at the Happy Valley Elementary multipurpose room; outings are at parks around the East Bay.

2. Get on the interest list

   Fill out the interest form so we know how to reach you. Our membership chair will connect you with the den leader for your child's grade, and you'll start getting the pack emails.

3. Register with Scouting America

   When you're ready, register your Scout online. Registration is annual and runs through Scouting America directly — see the button below.

4. Earn the Bobcat badge

   Every new Cub Scout starts with Bobcat, no matter what grade they join in. It covers the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the basics of being part of a den. Most Scouts finish it in a few weeks with a parent at home.

What it costs

There are two separate pieces: the national registration fee that every Scout in the country pays, and pack dues that cover our own program — food at campouts, Pinewood Derby kits, badges, awards, and the Blue & Gold banquet.

Fees shown are the current Scouting America rates. Confirm the current pack dues with our treasurer or membership chair before you budget.

What to wear

Common questions

How much time does this actually take?

Roughly one pack meeting a month (about 90 minutes on a weeknight at Happy Valley), a den meeting with your Scout's own grade, and about one weekend outing a month. Two of those weekends are family campouts. You are not expected at all of it — families come to what fits.

Do parents have to stay?

For Lions (kindergarten) and Tigers (1st grade), yes — an adult partner comes to every den and pack event. That's built into the program by design. From Wolf (2nd grade) up, Scouts work more independently, though parents are always welcome and family outings are exactly that: family outings.

Do I have to become a leader?

No. But the pack runs entirely on parent volunteers, and it works because lots of people do small things: bring the snacks, drive to the trailhead, run one station at a meeting, help cut derby cars for an afternoon. If you want a bigger role, see Our Leaders — we usually have something open.

My child is in 4th or 5th grade. Is it too late?

Not at all. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts join every year, and those two years are the most adventurous ones in Cub Scouting — more camping, more responsibility, and a direct bridge into Scouts BSA at the end of 5th grade. Your Scout will earn Bobcat first, then work on their grade's rank.

We can't make the kick-off events. Can we still join?

Yes. Families join throughout the year. Send a note to join@pack223.com and we'll point you at the next thing on the calendar.

What happens after 5th grade?

Arrow of Light Scouts cross over into Scouts BSA, the program for ages 11–17, at our Blue & Gold banquet in February. Several local troops recruit from our pack and send den chiefs to help run our den meetings. See Parent Resources for the local troops.

Is Pack 223 for boys, girls, or both?

Both. Cub Scouting has been open to girls since 2018, and Pack 223 welcomes boys and girls in grades K–5.