The primary purpose of Pack 490 is to teach our kids (boys and girls) good values, to see that they have fun, and to prepare them to enter Scouts BSA. We want each of our Cubs to become an Eagle Scout one day. As you may be aware, Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouts and is widely recognized as a significant achievement.
In addition to Pack Meetings and Den Meetings, we will have several campouts (Fall & Spring), a conservation project to enhance our community, a Pinewood Derby, a service project to collect food for local pantries (Scouting For Food), and our Blue and Gold awards/recognition Banquet. During the campouts at Belk Scout Camp near Mint Hill, scouts will be able to paddle in rowboats or canoes, do archery and BB guns, climb a rock wall, ride BMX and much more.
We also plan to hold activities during the summer months. Previously we visited Andrew Jackson for fishing, McDowell Park for a hike, etc. Summer camps at Belk Scout Camp for cub scouts (day camp) and Webelos (sleepover camp) are also offered.
Pack 490 periodically distributes a newsletter via email that lists upcoming events and the latest Pack news. Alternately, parents may contact the Cubmaster, Matthew Baker via email cubmaster@stnpack490.org or the Pack Committee Chairperson, John Lowen chair@stnpack490.org or call John at (704) 299-6192.
The Pack (all Cub Scouts) meets once a month from September through May. Pack meetings are usually held on the first Sunday of the month at 3:30pm (same as Den meetings) with possible exceptions due to holidays and/or special events.
Each Den usually meets two or three times a month from September through May. Den meetings are on Sunday at 3:30pm (same as Pack meetings) with possible exceptions due to holidays and/or special events. The Den Leader schedules den meetings.
Pack and Den Meetings are held at St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, in the lower level of the Spiritual Life Center. The church address is 5108 Kuykendall Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270. Kuykendall runs between Providence Rd. and McKee Rd in southeast Charlotte near I-485.
Lions
Wear a Lion T-Shirt
Tigers, Wolves and Bears (First, Second, and Third Graders)
Wear the familiar blue uniform, consisting of shirt, pants, neckerchief, slide, belt, and socks.
Webelos (Fourth and Fifth Graders)
Wear a Boy Scout (khaki) shirt and (green) pants with blue shoulder epaulettes, the blue Cub Scout belt or green Scout belt, and the Webelos neckerchief and slide. They wear green Boy Scout socks.
HATS ARE NOT PART OF THE OFFICIAL PACK 490 UNIFORM, however, can be worn if the scout chooses.
Cub scouts should dress in full uniform (shirt, pants, neckerchief/slide, belt, & socks) which is also known as “Class A” uniform for all Den and Pack meetings. Note: The Lions uniform is different, it is a special T-shirt. New uniforms (including Lions shirts) can be purchased at the Scout Store. The Pack has some used uniform pieces available; please ask your child’s den leader or the Cubmaster for assistance. Generally, a complete new scout uniform costs approximately $100.
The two most common methods to attach patches/badges to the uniform are sewing with needle and thread or a product called Badge Magic which is a non-iron adhesive. Badge Magic can be purchased from the Scout Store. The Scout Store also offers a sewing service, for a charge (please contact store for current charge.)
Yes, each scout will need the Scouting handbook appropriate for his/her rank:
Kindergarten- Lions
First grade-Tigers
Second grade- Wolves
Third grade- Bears
Fourth & Fifth grade- Webelos/Arrow of Light is same for both grades).
It’s okay to use a secondhand book as long as you and your child are able to read and record
his/her achievements.
You can buy uniforms, handbooks, patches/badges, and other stuff at the Scout Store located at the Council Office. The Council Office is 1410 E. 7th Street near the corner of 7th street and Charlottetown Ave/Independence Blvd. (Flyer in parent packet.) Buying from the Council store supports Mecklenburg County Council of which Pack 490 is a part.
There is another Scout Store (not affiliated with the Council) in south Charlotte at the intersection of Westinghouse Blvd. and Highway 49 (Tryon St.) which also sells uniforms, books, etc.
Only Lion and Tiger Scout (kindergarten and first grade) parents are required to attend den meetings with their scouts. After Lions and Tigers, a parent need not attend, but attendance is encouraged.
Yes. Scouts are recognized for their achievements at Pack meeting so you need to be there to cheer for your child. We expect you to be engaged in your child’s Scouting experience.
Yes. Most pack events are for the entire family. They are also welcome on the family campouts (spring & fall) the Blue & Gold Banquet, and so forth. But you must be there too! We do ask that you help keep younger children under control, especially during the “formal ceremonies” that are held for advancements during Pack meetings.
Absolutely! We encourage parental involvement whether it’s a little or a lot. Everyone has skills and talents they can provide. If everyone contributes, no one gets overloaded. We have lots of different jobs to be done and can accommodate most interests and schedules. Please tell your child’s den leader or Cubmaster how you’d like to help
The annual Pack registration fee for each boy is $140.00. In addition, there is a one-time $25 joining fee for new scouts. The registration fee includes national BSA dues, an annual subscription to Scout Life magazine, an activity T-shirt, Pinewood Derby car kit, and all achievements (rank, belt-loops., pins, etc.) earned by your son.
The registration fee does NOT cover a uniform, handbook, or other associated costs of scouting (tent, sleeping bag, pocketknife for older scouts).
The Pack Committee performs the administrative functions of the Pack. The committee meets weekly via a virtual meeting. You are more than welcome to attend. At 490, the Pack Committee includes the Committee Chair, a secretary/treasurer, the Cubmaster and Committee Members at large. The Committee approves expenditures and supports all Pack activities. Please come by and tell us how we can make things better!
Currently, because we are a small Pack, various other committee positions e.g., membership, advancement, recruitment, fundraising, etc. are vacant. We welcome your support and encourage you to find a role, big or little, that suits your talents and interests.
St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church graciously gives us a place to meet, but we do not receive any money from the church. Therefore, we need fundraisers. Previously we have sold Cub Scout popcorn. We have an annual BBQ sale that helps fund some of our activities. If possible, we borrow/share equipment from other Packs (e.g., Pinewood Derby track). We need to hold at least one fundraiser during the year whether it be popcorn or something else. If you are interested in coordinating a fundraiser, please let us know.
Most of our money is spent on advancement awards and supplies necessary to make a Pack successful, e.g., flags, craft kits, etc.
Because we are a relatively new Pack, we do not have a large budget. As mentioned above, we welcome your support and ideas about fundraising. When the budget allows it, the Pack will fund a “super trip” in which scouts and leaders visit a famous/historic location. Parents and siblings may attend by paying their own way.
St Nektarios also sponsors Troop 490. Our Pack Arrow of Light scouts can enter Troop 490 when they crossover into Boy Scouts. Several former Pack 490 Cub Scouts (and parents) are now part of Troop 490. The result is that there is close cooperation between Pack 490 and Troop 490.