Funding Your Scouting Adventure
Costs
Pack 545 Dues
Annual Pack dues go directly toward making Scouting fun, memorable, and meaningful.
Your dues provide:
- 🔨 Pack Activities – supplies for meeting activities, outdoor adventures, and special guest speakers.
- 🏁 Signature Events – Pinewood Derby cars, trophies, and rocket launches.
- 🎖 Awards & Recognition – badges, belt loops, and advancement patches that celebrate your Scout’s progress.
- 👕 Scout Gear – a Pack 545 t-shirt for new Scouts.
- 🍎 Support & Training – leadership development and required Scouting America memberships for our volunteer leaders.
Pack 545 is committed to creating an affordable and rewarding Scouting program with experiences that help every child grow in character, leadership, and adventure.
💲How to Pay: You will receive an invoice from Pack 545’s Treasurer for your Scout’s Pack dues. These may be paid to the Pack via check, Zelle or Venmo.
National Dues
National Cub Scout Dues are a separate annual fee required by Scouting America. These dues help support the national program, including program development, leader training, insurance, and support for local councils.
💲How to Pay:
- New Members: Pay directly to Scouting America at the time of initial registration. Join Pack 545
- Returning Members: Pack 545 handles renewal for registered Scouts. You’ll receive an invoice from our Treasurer and will make payment to Pack 545. We submit the payment to Scouting America on your behalf.
Uniform Costs
In addition to Pack and National dues, Scouts need a Class A uniform and handbook. A full uniform can cost up to $100 in the first year, but many families spend less thanks to our Pack Closet, which has gently used uniforms and books donated by past Scouts. Uniforms are designed to last multiple years as your Scout grows.
Each year, Scouts also need a rank-specific activity book and insignia (patches, neckerchiefs, etc.), which usually cost around $35 and may be available in the Pack Closet.
Your Scout will receive a free Pack 545 Class B t-shirt to wear at casual events and activities.
For the most current pricing information and to purchase, visit Scout Shop.
Activities Costs
Pack 545’s parent volunteers plan 1–2 optional activities each month, in addition to regular Pack and Den meetings. We look for fun, low-cost, and family-friendly events, and many are free. Some special trips, camps, or district events may have an additional cost.
Scouts also have the chance to attend camping trips and summer camps offered by our Pack and Council. These are not included in dues, and families provide their own camping gear.
2025-2026 Dues & Costs
$175 + uniform and optional activities
Breakdown:
- Pack 545 Dues: $90
- National Dues: $85
- Uniform and Handbook: $100 or less 👈Estimated first year uniform cost when purchased new, check Pack Closet for gently-used items. Uniforms are designed for multi-year use.
- Activities: Optional ✨Many activities are free!
Scouts can often cover all their activities by joining our annual popcorn fundraiser!
Popcorn Fundraiser
🏆 Did you know??
Pack 545 was one of the TOP popcorn fundraisers in the district for 2024!
Pack 545 runs one major fundraiser each year — popcorn sales. We encourage all families to take part in fundraising, which is designed to make Scouting affordable while giving Scouts fun experiences and valuable skills.
Here’s how it works:
- Scouts sign up for “Show & Sells” (short shifts selling popcorn at local businesses).
- 25% of sales goes directly into your Scout’s Cub Account to help cover dues, uniforms, or activities.
- The average Scout earns about $25 per hour toward their account. With just a few shifts, most Scouts can cover all of their Scouting costs for the year!
- Popcorn sellers earn fun prizes — past rewards have included zoo overnights, aquarium adventures, camping gear, pizza parties, and ninja gym experiences.
We believe every child should have the chance to be a Scout. Scholarships are available for families facing financial hardship. Please reach out to learn more.
Cub Account FAQs
What is a Cub Account?
Cub Account is an individual account for each Scout. Funds from fundraising efforts, like popcorn sales, are deposited here and can be used to reimburse Scouting-related expenses for that child.
How is a Cub Account funded?
- Through fundraising commissions (currently 25% of popcorn sales).
- From funds rolled over from another Cub Scout unit, if applicable.
- Funds are only available once all money from a fundraiser is submitted to the Pack Treasurer and deposited into the account.
What can Cub Account funds be used for?
Cub Account funds may only be used for Scouting-related expenses, such as:
- Pack or National dues
- Scouting magazine subscriptions
- Pack and Council event registration
- Uniforms
- Scouting supplies
The Treasurer will automatically deduct money from the Cub Account to pay for your child’s membership dues and Pack event registration fees.
For other transactions, please confirm with the Treasurer that your item is eligible for reimbursement before submitting your receipts. Payments are made by check or Zelle — no cash transactions.
Who manages Cub Accounts?
The Pack Treasurer maintains all records. Cub Accounts are bookkeeping accounts, with the money held in Pack 545’s savings account. Families can request an itemized statement of their child’s Cub Account at any time.
What happens to Cub Account money if my Scout leaves the Pack?
When a Scout becomes inactive with Pack 545, remaining Cub Account funds are transferred to the Pack’s General Fund as of October 31.
Please contact the Pack Treasurer before October to discuss options in accordance with the Pack 545 Cub Account Policy. Unused funds are not paid out directly to Scouts or their families, but in select cases can be transferred to a registered family member’s Pack 545 Cub Account or transferred to another Cub Scout Pack or Scouts BSA Troop where the Scout is registered.
Note: This page is for informational purposes only. For questions, comments, or to request a copy of Pack 545’s Cub Account Policy, please contact Pack 545’s Treasurer.