New families
What to expect at Pack 79
Joining a Cub Scout pack should feel exciting, not confusing. Here's exactly how it works — from your first Thursday visit to your first campout.
Joining in three steps
- 1
Come visit a Thursday
The easiest first step is simply showing up. We meet Thursdays at 7:00 PM at Carmel Presbyterian Church, and visitors are always welcome — no uniform, no signup, no pressure.
- 2
Tell us about your family
Send a quick inquiry and a Pack 79 volunteer will reach out with answers, next steps, and registration details for your Scout's grade.
- 3
Register and join One Pack
Once you're registered, you'll get access to One Pack — our private parent portal with the full calendar, announcements, signups, and den resources.
Your first visit
A typical first Thursday
- Arrive a few minutes before 7:00 PM and any leader will point you to the right den room.
- Your Scout jumps into games and activities with kids their own grade — no experience needed.
- Parents get a relaxed overview of the year, costs, and how to help, with plenty of time for questions.
- Siblings are welcome. Pack 79 is a family affair.
Come see us at our next meeting
Thursdays at 7:00 PM at Carmel Presbyterian Church. Games and fun for the Scouts, a no-pressure info session for parents — the easiest way to check us out.
RSVP / Ask a QuestionParent participation
What parents actually do
Cub Scouts is a family program, not a drop-off activity — but it's built for busy Charlotte families. Here's the honest picture:
Cheer & chauffeur
Get your Scout to Thursday meetings and the occasional weekend event. That's the core commitment.
Lend a hand at events
Campouts, Pinewood Derby, and pack nights run on parent power. Sign up for a shift when you can — every family pitching in a little keeps it fun for everyone.
Adventure alongside (K-1)
Lion and Tiger Scouts (kindergarten and 1st grade) team up with a parent partner for every adventure.
Lead if you'd like
Den leaders and helpers are trained parent volunteers. If you're curious, we'll help you get started — no Scouting background required.
Questions every new family asks
What does Cub Scouts cost?
Pack 79 annual dues are $150 per Scout, plus Scouting America national registration ($85/year) and a uniform if you choose to buy one. Our Costs & Uniforms page breaks everything down — and no one should skip Scouting because of cost; talk to us confidentially. See the full cost breakdown.
Does my child need a uniform to start?
No. Come to your first meetings in comfortable clothes. Most families pick up the uniform once they decide to join — we'll tell you exactly what you need (and what you don't).
When and where do you meet?
Thursdays at 7:00 PM at Carmel Presbyterian Church, 2048 Carmel Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226. Most weeks are grade-level den nights; once a month the whole Pack meets together.
Can we join mid-year?
Yes — new families are welcome all year. Your Scout will fit right into their grade's den, and leaders will help them catch up on anything they missed.
Do we need camping experience (or gear) for campouts?
Neither. Pack campouts are designed for first-timers: experienced families help with setup, and our packing checklist covers exactly what to bring — most of it is already in your house. See the camping checklist.
Are leaders trained and screened?
Yes. Pack 79 adult leaders are registered with Scouting America, background-checked, and trained in youth protection. Two-deep leadership is required at every meeting and event.
Is it just for boys?
Cub Scouts is for all kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Dens are organized by grade, and every family is welcome at Pack 79.
Safety is the foundation
Pack 79 follows Scouting America's youth protection standards: registered, background-checked, youth-protection-trained leaders; two-deep leadership at every activity; and family privacy built in — detailed schedules and family information stay inside the private One Pack portal.