Archery and BB gun shooting are often favorites for Cub Scouts! These sports help develop hand-eye coordination and are just plain fun, especially for boys that don't otherwise have much opportunity to shoot.  However, Cubs may only use shooting devices at BSA-approved facilities and under the close supervision of adult leaders who have been specifically trained for shooting sports.

Before a Scout loads a weapon, whether a pump-action air gun, a bow, or a sling-shot (wrist rocket), he receives instruction on safety equipment and safety practices. Safety procedures are strictly enforced by adult leaders. Range instructors provide hands-on help so the Scout can learn and improve his shooting skills. 

Cub Scouts can camp overnight with the Pack provided at least one adult leader has BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training.  Cubs can also participate in District and Council-sponsored Family Camps and Cub Adventure or Webelos resident camps in the summer. 

Inidividual Cub Scout dens (Tigers, Wolves, Bears) are not permitted to camp overnight. Webelos dens can camp out overnight provided at least one adult leader has completed Outdoor Leader Skills training.

Pack 989 usually hosts at least one Pack camp out each year.  The Pack typically offers camperships for boys to participate in Family Camp and Resident Camp programs in the summer.

Cub Scouting is designed to be as affordable as possible so every boy can experience Scouting.  Each Pack has its own financing policies and dues structures.  Pack 989 has annual dues of $45/Scout (with reduced rates for families with more than one Scout).  These dues cover the national registration fee, a subscription to Boy's Life magazine, derby kits, rank advancement badges, and academic and sports beltloops and pins.  Families are responsible for purchasing the boy's uniform (shirt, belt, neckerchief and badges) and the boy's rank handbook.  Uniforms cost approximately $45 (depending on age & size). Handbooks are $7 for Tigers and $9 for other ranks. 

Obviously, $45 only begins to cover all the costs of the Pack.  The Pack also participates in the annual Boy Scouts popcorn sale in November.  This is our primary source of funds.  All families are strongly encouraged to participate in this important fundraiser. The Pack also supports the Friends of Scouting (FOS) drive to help support the Great Rivers Council.  Popcorn sales and FOS are significant funding sources to help pay for maintaining and operating Council camps and provide District and Council programming (such as Day Camp, Family Camp, resident camps and other activities).

Cub Scouts is organized by grade/age level: Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos.  Each grade level has its own rank level, with achievement requirements appropriate to the boy's growing skills and expanding knowledge base as he gets older. Boys work on their achievements throughout the school year to earn their rank badge. The program is designed to help a Cub and his family grow mentally, physically and spiritually, in an age-appropriate manner that is consistent with his family's religious faith. Cub Scouts is about helping boys become better citizens and developing closer families. The program is also designed to prepare young boys to become Boy Scouts.

The first rank every Cub earns, regardless of age, is Bobcat. This badge signifies that the Cub has learned the very basics of Cub Scouts, including the Cub Scout sign, salute, handshake, Oath and Law of the Pack.

First graders are Tiger Cubs. Tigers are special, in that everything in the Tiger program is designed for the boy to do with an adult partner, whether that's a parent, grand parent, or close family friend.  The Tiger and his adult partner share the scouting experience, building that relationship as well as working toward the Tiger badge.

Second graders are Wolf Cubs. Adult partners are no longer required to attend all activities, but are certainly encouraged to do so and to help the Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader.

Third graders are Bear Cubs. Like Wolves, Bears operate as a Den.  Achievements get more advanced and more complicated, but continue to focus on spiritual growth, family, and citizenship.

Fourth and Fith graders are Webelos, which stands for "We'll Be Loyals Scouts." Webelos are well on their way to becoming Boy Scouts. The advancement program is much more involved, thus most boys work on their advancement for almost 18 months. Webelos are the only Cub Scouts that are permitted to go camping as a Den, if their Den Leader is appropriately trained. Webelos often interact with Boy Scout Troops, especially in Fifth grade as the boys begin to plan for crossing over into Boy Scouts.

The Arrow of Light is the highest rank and award in Cub Scouts. Webelos who have successfully completed a well-rounded set of advancements and learned the basics of Boy Scouts, including the sign, salute, Law and Oath, may be awarded the Arrow of Light before crossing over the Boy Scouts. The Arrow of Light is the only rank award from Cub Scouts that is worn on the Boy Scout or Adult Scouter uniform.

Pack are organized into groups called Dens.  A Den is made up of 5-6 boys who are all in the same grade (rank) level, so a Pack will typically have at least four or five Dens.  Dens meeting regularly throughout the month; ideally weekly for about an hour, but on a schedule that is convenient for most of the Den's members.  Dens work on achievement activities, learn new skills, explore new experiences, make crafts and/or play games. 

All the Dens come together once a month to meet as a Pack.  Dens have an opportunity to show off their work from the previous month. This is also a time to recognize boys' achievements from all the different ranks and Dens. 

Every Pack has a Charter Organization, a Pack Committee, and a Cubmaster  Each of these groups or individuals has different roles in leading the Pack. 

Pack 989 is chartered by the Mill Creek Parents for Scouting. The Charter Organization Representative is the executive officer of the Pack and is responsible for ensuring the Pack is properly registered--or rechartered--with Boy Scouts of America (BSA) each year. This rechartering not only makes the Pack official, but it also ensures the Pack is properly insured through its relationship with BSA.

The Pack Committee is comprised of the adult leaders, which are any Cub's parents who wants to participate.  The Pack  Committee, led by the Pack Committee Chair, runs the Pack by planning and approving Pack activities, and ensuring the resources and training are available for the Pack to function effectively.

The Cubmaster is primarily responsible for planning and leading Pack Meeting. The goal is to recognize the Cubs' achievements in a manner that is fun and engaging for the boys.