Clear, honest answers to the questions parents actually ask when considering Cub Scouts for their child.
No. Pack 496 is proudly chartered by Newcastle Trails NPO (a secular, non-profit community trail organization) and meets in the cafeteria of Newport Heights Elementary. We are a completely secular, welcoming pack that embraces families of all religious beliefs, philosophies, and cultural backgrounds.
Yes! Scouting America Cub Scouts has been fully co-educational since 2018. Pack 496 welcomes both boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade. All dens and activities are open to all scouts equally.
Not at all! We meet at Newport Heights Elementary because of its central location, but our families come from public, private, and home schools all across Bellevue, Newcastle, Newport Hills, Renton, and Mercer Island.
Cub Scouting is designed to fit your busy family life. There is no attendance policy and no penalties for missing meetings. Adventures are modular, and missed requirements can easily be completed at home with parents or on future outings. Families who make it to roughly half of what is offered have an amazing year!
Annual costs total approximately $215 ($130 paid online to Scouting America / Chief Seattle Council + $85 annual pack dues). Cost is never the reason a child cannot join. Full or partial financial assistance and loaner uniforms are available upon confidential request to our treasurer.
No. Camping is 100% optional. If you do want to try camping with us, do not go out and buy expensive gear up front. Between pack loaner equipment and extra tents and sleeping bags from other parents, we can lend you what you need for free.
Never! We hold optional fundraising opportunities (such as popcorn sales in the fall and Christmas wreath sales), but selling is completely voluntary. There are no minimum quotas, no buy-out fees, and no pressure.
In the spring of 5th grade, Scouts earn their Arrow of Light (the pinnacle of Cub Scouting) and participate in a ceremonial "Crossover" bridge into a Scouts BSA troop (ages 11–17), where they begin youth-led outdoor expeditions, merit badges, and the journey to Eagle Scout.
Yes! In fact, we encourage every family to visit a meeting first. Visiting is completely free, there is no paperwork, and your child can wear normal school clothes. Just show up at the Newport Heights cafeteria on the 1st or 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 PM.