Communication

All pack, den, and parent committee announcements are sent by email. We use a system called Scoutbook to maintain the email lists. You must login to Scoutbook at least once before you can start receiving communications.

If you aren’t receiving pack email notifications:

• Login to Scoutbook and check your account profile to make sure the contact information is correct and that you have not opted-out communications

• Add Scoutbook.DoNotReply@scouting.org to your email address book so that the emails will not be discarded or sent to the spam folder

• Contact the pack advancement chair or pack leaders at info@pack421austin.org for assistance

ONLINE Tools

Scoutbook
Pack and den calendars, member rosters, and individual Cub Scout advancement is tracked in Scoutbook, an online website for managing Scout groups. Your den leader may ask for your help with signing off advancement in Scoutbook, especially for any requirements completed at home. If you need help using Scoutbook, reach out to your den leader or a Pack leader.

Pack 421 Online Store
Pay for camping and overnight trips, Pack annual dues, and more.

Youth Protection Resources

Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) - formerly called YPT
Every adult Cub Scout leader and every adult who participates in an overnight trip must complete this training which covers Scouting America policies related to youth protection. This training can be taken online and must be renewed annually. The initial training is 90 minutes the first year, and 15 minutes for the refresher course in following years.

Youth Protection: A Parent's Guide
As a requirement for the Bobcat adventure in each Cub Scout rank, the parent/guardian is asked to have a conversation with their Scout about five youth protection topics which can be found midway through the pamphlet linked above. A typical conversation for all five topics lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and can be calibrated to the age and maturity of your Scout. In the first year, we suggest you read through the topics on your own before beginning the conversation with your Scout.

Personal Safety Adventures
In every Cub Scout rank there is one mandatory adventure related to Personal Safety that includes age-appropriate activities to promote awareness and give the Scout skills and knowledge to help keep them safe.

Medical Form

BSA Medical Form (parts A, B1, B2)
A completed copy of the Scouting America Medical form parts A, B1, and B2, signed by a parent, must be given in hardcopy to the camp Medic when arriving at any campout, overnight trip, or Scout summer camp. This form is good for 12 months, so after you turn in your forms at the first overnight, the Pack will keep it on file for the rest of the year.

Click here for more information about Scouting America annual health and medical record requirements.

Pro Tip: The medical form PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader can be filled out electronically and the file saved to your local computer. This makes it easier to update the information and print new copies each year.

Financial Resources

The cost of scouting shouldn’t be a barrier for any family. If you have a child who wants to join our pack but finances are a problem, there are ways we can support you.

For example, we can loan tents, sleeping gear, and more for camping. And we can set up payment plans for dues or activity fees. We do ask that scouts who receive assistance be active in our fundraising efforts, as that is how our unit is able to help.

Our parent Council offers scholarships for registration, uniform, and camp fees. These financial help programs require applications and can be complicated to navigate because they go through old-fashioned, paper processes. But if you want to take advantage of these programs, we are willing to work through it with you.

Please reach out to our treasurer to ask about payment plans. Contact your den leader for help with loaner gear. Speak privately with our Cubmaster or Committee Chair to discuss other forms of assistance or for any general questions related to cost.

Council Properties

Frank Fickett Center & Scout Shop
This is the home of our Council and District offices, as well as the Steve Matthews Scout Shop where uniforms and handbooks can be purchased. The shop also offers sewing services. Many events are held at this facility.

Scout Shop hours and info

Lost Pines Scout Reservation
A beautiful Council-owned camp with nearly 400 acres on north shore of Lake Bastrop is home to summer camps and many training programs. Within the Lost Pines Scout Reservation, there is an area dedicated to Cub Scouts called Cub World or “Camp Tom Wooten”.

Smilin’ V Scout Reservation
Deep in the Hill Country on ranch land near Liberty Hill, the 91-acre Smilin’ V Scout Reservation offers excellent facilities for Cub Scout events and camping.