Funding Your Scouting Adventure

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 & Recognitions

Badges, belt loops, and advancement patches that celebrate your Scout’s progress

Scout Gear

A Pack 545 t-shirt for all new Scouts

Support & Training

Leadership development and required Scouting America memberships for 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. 

đź’˛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.

2026-2027 Dues & Costs

$180 + uniform and optional activities

  • Pack Dues: $85
  • National Dues: $95
    • New member offer! Join by 10/31/26 for $45 initial registration fee / membership through Jan 2027.
  • Uniform and Handbook: ~$100
    • Estimated first year 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!

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.

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.

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.

How to Wear the Uniform

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.

Check out Upcoming Activities

Popcorn Fundraiser

Popcorn sales are our pack’s primary annual fundraiser. The program helps keep Scouting affordable while giving Scouts opportunities to build confidence, practice communication skills, and work toward exciting rewards.

Popcorn bucket overflowing with popcorn.

How It Works

Our Popcorn Kernel coordinates selling locations and schedules at local businesses. Scouts simply sign up for the “Show & Sell” shifts they would like to work.

There is no upfront cost, and families do not need to purchase any popcorn. All popcorn and selling materials are provided at each shift.

Scouts may also choose to sell popcorn directly to family, friends, and neighbors.

Earn Money Toward Scouting Costs

Twenty-five percent of each Scout’s sales goes directly into their Cub Account. These funds can be used toward:

  • Pack dues
  • Uniforms
  • Camps and activities
  • Other eligible Scouting expenses

The average Scout earns about $25 per hour toward their account. By completing just a few selling shifts, many Scouts are able to cover most or all of their Scouting costs for the year.

Prizes and Experiences

Scouts earn fun prizes and experiences based on their sales. Past rewards have included:

  • Zoo overnights
  • Aquarium adventures
  • Camping gear
  • Pizza parties
  • Ninja gym experiences

Participation is encouraged! 

Cub Account FAQs

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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

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.