Cub Scout Pack 630

Through fun, educational experiences with friends and family, Cub Scouting builds character, improves fitness, teaches practical skills, and develops a spirit of community service.

Our Mission

Pack 630’s mission is to teach boys and girls from Kindergarten through 5th grade the values and skills of scouting through a fun program of activities and events focused on developing character and leadership, building citizenship, physical activity and learning new skills. The Cub Scout Motto is “Do Your Best” and we strive to create an environment that embodies this principle and cultivates a growth mindset while encouraging our boys and girls to try new activities and skills.

A Cub Scout Pack is a group of boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade divided into Boy Dens and Girl Dens based on school grade level.

Each Den meets on their own schedule usually once a month to work on Cub Scout Adventures designed to teach new skills and deliver new experiences to help our Scouts grow and learn, through fun and friendship.

One evening per month the Dens come together as a Pack to celebrate individual and Den achievements and to have fun together. In addition to the scheduled Den and Pack meetings we plan special group events all year long including activities like hiking, camping, community service projects, fishing, museum overnights, summer camps, the Pinewood Derby and much, much more. Scouts earn recognition for their experiences and growth.

Pack 630 serves girls and boys in Kindergarten through 5th grade in Essex Junction, Essex, Westford and the surrounding communities in Chittenden County. Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Vermont's Cub Scout Pack 630 is chartered by the  First Congregational Church of Essex Junction (FCCEJ)  and serves primarily scouts in the combined Essex Junction, Essex, and Westford School District, although we do have scouts from other surrounding communities as well.

We strive to teach girls and boys from Kindergarten through 5th grades the values and skills of scouting through a fun program of activities and events focused on developing character, building citizenship, physical activity and outdoor adventures.

Each grade level is organized into Dens, one for boys and one for girls, that meet usually once a month at a time decided by the Den Leader and the families in the Den. Usually Den meetings focus on completing the advancement requirement adventures for each rank badge:

• Kindergartners = Lions
• 1st Graders = Tigers
• 2nd Graders = Wolves
• 3rd Graders = Bears
• 4th Graders = Webelos (short for We’ll Be Loyal Scouts)
• 5th Graders = Arrows of Light

Every scout starts by earning the Bobcat badge. During each year, scouts in the Den work on a series of adventures to earn their current rank badge. Scouts cannot go back and work on previous year’s rank because the requirements for each rank are not consistent with an older scouts level of ability. In addition to earning rank badges, Scouts can earn a number of additional awards each year.

Den Meetings

Our Dens generally meet once a month at a time mutually agreed upon by the families involved. Each Den meeting focuses on completing a new Cub Scout adventure. The activities required for each adventure can include things like games, sports, STEM projects, arts, crafts, outdoors skills and citizenship to name just a few. Scouts are awarded belt loops or pins at the completion of each adventure on the way to earning their rank badges.

Each Den is led by parent volunteers known as Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders. All Den Leaders receive position specific training as well as youth protection training from the Boy Scouts of America. Our leaders are committed to delivering an exciting and fun program to our scouts that builds character, teaches citizenship, and develops personal fitness and skills.

Pack Meetings

We host monthly Pack meetings, usually on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30pm at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction. At these meetings all of the dens gather together to learn, share, and have fun. The Pack also usually plans one or two outings a month (hikes, service projects, overnight trips to museums, camping for the older scouts, climbing, etc.). We also conduct an annual Pinewood Derby where scouts build and race simple gravity driven cars.

The Cub Scout program is based around activities and events that are designed to teach skills and develop character. Each year we provide many opportunities for boys and girls to engage in different types of activities and events. Below is a sampling of some of our past events.

• Camping
• Hiking
• Community Service Projects
• Summer Camps
• Rocket Launching
• Pinewood Derby Derby
• Fishing
• Astronomy
• Rock Climbing
• Swimming
• Environmental Conservation Projects
• Local Sporting Events – UVM Hockey games, Lake Monsters baseball games, Globetrotters basketball, etc.
• Meetings with Local Police and Fire Departments
• Overnights at Fairbanks Museum, Montshire Museum & Battleship Cove

Our pack is entirely run by volunteers who are dedicated to providing an exceptional Scouting experience to all children in the Pack. All leaders receive training from the Boy Scouts of America specific to their position and covering youth protection and safe scouting.

Pack Leadership

• Cubmaster – Paul Wolf
• Chartered Organization Representative – Kevin McCullen
• Committee Chair – Mark Saxon
• Committee Members - Mike Arcovitch, Erica Baldasaro, Jason Baldasaro, Bethany Saxon, Carmelle Terborgh, Julie Shaw, Ed Thairu, Jennie Tracy
• Treasurer – Mindy Pariser-Schmidt
• Fundraising Coordinator - TBD

Den Leaders

• Lion Den (Kindergarten) – TBD
• Tiger Den (1st Grade) – Stephen Quick
• Wolf Den (2nd Grade) – Noah Hamerslough
• Bear Den (3rd Grade) – Paul Wolf
• Webelos (4th Grade) – Jonathan Goodwin
• Arrow of Light Den (5th Grade) – TBD

Pack 630 uses the  Scoutbook  software provided by the Boy Scouts of America to track Scout advancement, participation and awards. Scoutbook is also used as the Pack calendar to keep everyone aware of upcoming events.

Upon becoming a member of the Pack parents are given access to the Pack’s Scoutbook account and to their child’s online Scouting record. If you need assistance logging into Scoutbook please contact the Pack Committee Chair.

1. Membership Application - Complete an online membership application by clicking  here .

Please note: payment information included on the online application only includes national registration which is included in your overall Pack dues (please see below for membership due information).

2. Fill Out Your Medical Records Form

Complete Parts A & B of the  Annual Health and Medical Record Form  and return it to the Cubmaster, Committee Chair, or your Den Leader. Part C is only required for events over 72 hours - such as resident camp.

3. Registration Fees, Pack Dues, and Uniforms

We don’t believe that finances should be a barrier to participating in Scouting -The success of our Popcorn sale helps keep our overall costs affordable and provides a source of financial aid for families that can be requested through the Pack Treasurer. 

• Families are responsible for paying their annual Scouting America Registration and Insurance Fees for all youth and adult members. New members should visit  Pack 630's Online Registration Page [my.bsa.us]  to complete their registration and payment and manage their Scout Life magazine subscription. Members will be prompted to renew their registration via email annually and can do so by logging in to  my.scouting.org [my.scouting.org] 
• Local Pack Dues are $40 Per Year and cover the cost of books, patches, and awards, Pack insurance, membership fees, and a monthly Scout Life magazine. The Pack also provides new handbooks and neckerchiefs for Scouts annually. 
• Uniforms are required to ensure that Scouts are able to take pride in their awards. They also enhance safety through visibility and provide for an equitable environment where all youth fit in. Families are responsible for the cost of purchasing a basic uniform including shirt, belt and required patches the Pack will facilitate the purchase of these items at Cost (Approximately $55 in 2024) from the Council Scout Shop in Waterbury. Families are welcome to visit the store, shop online, or source second-hand uniforms according to preferences. Kindergartners wear official Lion T-Shirts and the Cub Scout belt, while older youth wear the age-appropriate dress shirts. Many families select a uniform shirt sized to allow for growth as they are designed to last youth throughout their time in the program or until they age into the tan shirt at 5th Grade.

The Pack Treasurer will reach out to you for any payments due and you can provide them via check made out to 'Pack 630' or cash to the Treasurer, Committee Chair, or  the Cubmaster at a Pack meeting.

We anticipate the total monthly cost of Scouting to be inline with that of a streaming service. 

Cub Scouting is fun! No matter what grade you are in, Kindergarten through fifth, it can be a blast. Do you like to learn by doing? This is just the place. You can learn to tie knots, set up a tent, or shoot a bow and arrow (archery). Have you ever cooked a meal on a campfire? Sent a secret code to a buddy? Built a birdhouse? Hiked? Earn rewards for doing these things in Cub Scouts.

As a Cub Scout, you will be part of our Pack.

The Pack is divided into smaller groups called Dens. Each Den has about six to ten boys or girls. All of the Cub Scouts in your Den are in the same grade and some may even go to the same school.

Pack 630 is Chartered by the  First Congregational Church of Essex Junction . Our charter organization makes sure our pack has good adult leaders, a place to meet, and exciting things to do. We are supported by and part of the Boy Scouts of America, which is part of Scouting around the world.

Have you been to the local police station and talked to the policemen on duty? Or visited the fire station and sat in the driver’s seat of the ladder truck? Or visited the local TV station and sat in the news anchor’s chair? Or star gazed with local astronomers? Tried archery? These are some of the places you might go with your den or the Pack.

You might also build a pinewood derby car and race it on the track, build a sailboat and race it in the raingutter regatta, or build a spaceship and race it to the stars in the Pack space derby.

Each time you complete an accomplishment or learn a new skill, you will be rewarded. Sometimes the reward is a loop for your belt, a pin, or a patch. Sometimes it is a smile on your parents’ faces to see you grow and learn.

Pack Tools

•  Pack Facebook Page 
•  Scoutbook 

Pack Resources

•  Joining Cub Scouting 
•  Three Rivers District 
•  Green Mountain Council 
•  Boy Scouts of America 
•  Scout Training 
•  Boy's Life Magazine 
•  Scout Shop 

The Scout Motto

As a Cub Scout, you do your best and you help others. You learn the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. You also learn what they mean.

The Scout Oath

What the Scout Oath Means

Before Cub Scouts agree to the Scout Oath or Promise, they need to know what it means.

On my honor I will do my best … Saying “On my honor” is like saying “I promise.” It means that you will do your best to do what the Scout Oath says. The Scout Oath has three promises. Let’s look at what they mean.

To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law … A duty is something you are expected to do. At home, you might be expected to make up your bed or take out the trash. You also have duties to God and to your country. You do your duty to God by following the teachings of your family and religious leaders. You do your duty to your country by being a good citizen and obeying the law. You also promise to live by the 12 points of the Scout Law.

To help other people at all times … Many people need help. A friendly smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By helping other people, you are doing a Good Turn and making our world a better place,

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight … The last part of the Scout Oath is about taking care of yourself. You stay physically strong when you eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise. You stay mentally awake when you work hard in school, learn all you can, and ask questions. You stay morally straight when you do the right thing and live your life with honesty.

The Scout Law

What the Scout Law Means

The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. He does his best to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.

• A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY: A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
• A Scout is LOYAL: A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
• A Scout is HELPFUL: A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward.
• A Scout is FRIENDLY: A Scout is a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from him.
• A Scout is COURTEOUS: A Scout is polite to everyone and always uses good manners.
• A Scout is KIND: A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He never harms or kills any living thing without good reason.
• A Scout is OBEDIENT: A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and pack. He obeys the laws of his community and country.
• A Scout is CHEERFUL: A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
• A Scout is THRIFTY: A Scout works to pay his way. He uses time, property, and natural resources wisely.
• A Scout is BRAVE: A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He stands for what is right even if others laugh at him.
• A Scout is CLEAN: A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He helps keep his home and community clean.
• A Scout is REVERENT: A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

• Pack dues are $150 for Lions, $150 for Tigers, $120 for Wolf, Bear, and Webelos, and $140 for Arrow of Light per year.
• A new Tiger is an additional $25 (new member fee). A new Wolf, Bear, or Webelos is an additional $55 (new member fee and uniform shirt).
• Dues cover the cost of books, patches, and awards, Pack insurance, membership fees, and a monthly Scout Life magazine. The Pack also provides t-shirts for Lions, blue Cub Scout shirts for Tigers, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and tan Scouts BSA shirts for Arrow of Light.
• We don’t believe that finances should be a barrier to participating in Scouting - so scholarships are made available through our Treasurer based on a family’s need.

• Once your family has decided to join, you need to complete a membership application to begin the joining process.

• You can sign up at any time during the year while your son or daughter is enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Dens meet from September through June, and the Pack generally holds recruiting events in the late Spring and at the beginning of the school year. The Pack offers programming year round. The right time to join is anytime!

• The Pack doesn’t subsist on dues alone, so we do organize fundraisers during the year and ask scouts to participate. Our main fundraiser is selling popcorn in the fall (and there are some pretty fun incentives to sell).

• The Boy Scouts of America requires members to have a “belief in god” but does not define what that means. As a non-sectarian organization, each scout, family, and faith tradition defines that in their own way. The Pack is chartered by the First Congregational Church in Essex Junction but scouts of all faiths are welcome and part of the Pack. Each rank includes a religious/spiritual component that can be completed by any scouting family, even those without a formal religious affiliation. They are generally designed to encourage conversations within families around their family’s faith and values, whatever those may be, and service to others. The Cub Scout Motto applies here as in all things, Do Your Best!

• The local scouting council offers a day camp nearby and resident camps at Camp Sunrise in Benson, VT. These are optional, but lots of fun and many scouts from the Pack attend one or both.
• We offer campership scholarships and fundraising opportunities to families in need within the Pack as well if finances are an obstacle. For more information visit the Camps page of  Green Mountain Council .

• Cub Scouting is entirely run by volunteers, including a Pack Committee, Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster and Den Leaders. New volunteers are critically important to keep the Pack running smoothly, so if you are interested in getting more involved email our Commitee Chair. All leaders are provided training by the BSA that covers both how to fulfill the duties of their position and youth protection training.

• We know that kids/families are really busy today. It’s most important to attend monthly den meetings so scouts don’t fall behind on earning their rank advancement. Pack meetings are held monthly and we usually schedule 1-2 other fun activities and events each month. Pack meetings and events are important (and often help with advancement too), but you don’t need to attend every single one if you have conflicts with other activities, sports, events, etc. We do hope that most scouts will become members of our Scouting Family and will want to attend as much as possible.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pack630vt/  or @pack630vt

Email:  EssexPack630@gmail.com