Join Pack 888 — Alexandria, VA

Help your child build character, friendships, and lifelong skills through the adventure of Cub Scouting.

Apply on BeAScout.org ↗
Why Scouting?
More than fun — it's a foundation for life

Since 1910, Scouting has built leaders. Here's what your child gains.

🧭
Character

Scouts learn integrity, trustworthiness, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

🤝
Citizenship

Service projects and community involvement teach scouts to give back.

💪
Fitness

Outdoor adventures, hiking, and active meetings keep scouts moving and healthy.

🏅
Leadership

Den roles, public speaking, and project planning develop tomorrow's leaders today.

How to Join
4 Simple Steps
1
Apply Online

Fill out the electronic application and pay Scouting America fees at BeAScout.org or email [email protected]. The membership term runs January–December; dues are prorated for mid-year joiners.

2
Pay Dues

Registration covers Scouting America insurance for all participants. See the cost breakdown below.

🎖️
Upcoming: Military Family Fee Waiver Starting June 1, 2026, Scouting America will waive the $85 national registration fee for youth in active-duty, Guard, and Reserve military families through Dec 31, 2026. Learn more ↓
BSA Registration Fee $85
NCAC Activity Fee$80
Pack 888 Dues$55
Total (full year) $220

* Scout Life Magazine is optional (+$15).
Pack 888 financial assistance is available — ask us!

🤝
Pack Support — Your Choice
In addition to dues, we ask each family to support the Pack in one of two ways:
Option A: $75 Donation $75
Option B: Participate in Pack fundraising (e.g., popcorn sale) No cost
3
Meet Your Den

After registration, the Membership Chair will contact you and introduce your child to their Den Leader.

4
Get Uniformed

Purchase a uniform at the Northern Virginia Scout Shop (5234 Port Royal Rd, Springfield) or the National Scout Shop online. Robcyns Store (3660 King St, Alexandria) also carries a limited selection.

Ranks & Dens
Find your scout's rank by grade

Scouts advance through ranks year by year alongside their den.

Kindergarten
🦁 Lion
Lion shirt & hat
1st Grade
🐯 Tiger
Blue shirt, orange neckerchief & hat
2nd Grade
🐺 Wolf
Blue shirt, red neckerchief & hat
3rd Grade
🐻 Bear
Blue shirt, blue neckerchief & hat
4th Grade
⚜️ Webelos
Blue or tan shirt, plaid neckerchief & hat
5th Grade
🏹 Arrow of Light
Tan shirt, plaid neckerchief & hat
6th Grade+
⭐ BSA Troop
Graduates to a local troop

Pack 888 coordinates with local Scouting America troops to facilitate the transition from Cub Scouting. Scouts who earn the Arrow of Light and are at least 10 years old are eligible to join a troop.

Uniform Guide
What does each rank need?

At minimum: uniform shirt, hat, belt, neckerchief, and neckerchief slide. Pack 888 provides rank-specific handbooks.

Rank Shirt Hat & Neckerchief Notes
🦁 LionLion shirtLion hat & neckerchiefNeckerchief slide included
🐯 TigerBlue shirtTiger hat & orange neckerchiefDen patch, belt
🐺 WolfBlue shirtWolf hat & red neckerchiefDen patch, belt
🐻 BearBlue shirtBear hat & blue neckerchiefDen patch, belt
⚜️ WebelosBlue or tan shirtWebelos hat & plaid neckerchiefNew uniform at Webelos
🏹 Arrow of LightTan shirtWebelos hat & plaid neckerchiefDen patch, belt

💡 Tip: The blue shirt and belt are the same for Tigers, Wolves, and Bears — buy a size up so it lasts all three years!

FAQ
Common questions
No. In Cub Scouts, all scouts in a den work toward the same rank award for their grade level. Lion through Bear scouts earn belt loops, while Webelos and Arrow of Light scouts earn pins. A scout joining as a 3rd grader starts working on the Bear rank — they cannot go back for Tiger or Wolf awards, as those requirements are below their current ability level.
No. Scouts work on elective adventures and belt loops (or pins for Webelos/AOL) if they complete their rank award early, but they cannot advance to the next rank until the following program year when they graduate to the next den.
A scout who has earned the Arrow of Light and is at least 10 years old is eligible to join a BSA Troop immediately. Pack 888 coordinates with local troops to make this transition smooth.
Yes! Pack 888 may provide assistance to families who need it, and also supplies rank-specific handbooks to all scouts. Reach out to our Membership Chair to discuss your situation confidentially.
Starting June 1, 2026, Scouting America will waive the $85 national registration fee for new and renewing youth in active-duty, Guard, and Reserve military families throughout 2026. If you are joining on or after that date, contact our Membership Chair at [email protected] to confirm eligibility and apply the waiver.
Northern Virginia Scout Shop — 5234 Port Royal Rd, Springfield, VA 22151 · (703) 321-4836
Robcyns Store — 3660 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302 · (703) 379-7800 (limited inventory)
You can also order everything online at scoutshop.org.

Ready to join? Questions? We'd love to hear from you.

Reach our Membership Chair directly — we're happy to walk you through the process.

✉ Email Us Apply Now