Adventure Starts
Right Here.
Cub Scout Pack 5 helps kids in Wilmette build character, make lasting friendships, and discover the great outdoors — all while having the time of their lives.
About Pack 5
For over 80 years, Pack 5 has been a cornerstone of the Wilmette community — helping young people discover who they are and what they can achieve.
Our Story
Cub Scout Pack 5 meets in Wilmette, Illinois and is proud to be part of Scouting America's Northeast Illinois Council (NEIC). We welcome all youth in grades K–5 (ages 5–10) regardless of experience level.
Our dens are organized by grade level: Lions (K), Tigers (1st), Wolves (2nd), Bears (3rd), Webelos (4th), and Arrow of Light (5th). Each den meets regularly, working toward rank advancements, badges, and amazing shared experiences.
Throughout the year we camp, hike, build, create, compete in the Pinewood Derby, and serve our community — always guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Character
We guide Scouts to develop integrity, responsibility, and a strong moral compass through real experiences.
Citizenship
Scouts learn to give back to the Wilmette community through service projects and civic engagement.
Fitness
From a summer bike outing to Capture the Flag on campouts to the Fitness Adventure that is part of every rank, Scouts stay active and healthy.
Friendship
Dens of 6–8 kids from your neighborhood become lifelong friends through shared adventures.
Pack 5 in Action
From overnight camps and Pinewood Derby races to community service and Blue & Gold banquets — every year is packed with memories.
Meetings
Pack Meeting
Outdoors
Camping Trip
Service
Community Service
Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Outdoors
Hiking
Celebrations
Blue & Gold Banquet
Activities
Den Activities
Activities
Pack Events
Outdoors
Scouts in Nature
Achievements
Rank Advancement
Activities
Pinewood Derby
Activities
Family Fun
Pack Life
Pack 5 — The Whole Crew
Pack Life
Making Memories
Why Join Pack 5?
Cub Scouting is more than meetings — it's a year-round adventure that the whole family enjoys together.
What your Scout will experience:
Ready to Join?
We welcome youth in grades K–5. No prior experience needed. Families are encouraged to get involved — many of our best leaders started as parents just like you!
Or email us at pack5wilmette@gmail.com
Getting Started
Joining Pack 5 is straightforward. Follow these six steps and your Scout will be on their way to their first adventure.
Visit a Pack Meeting
Come to one of our free open Pack meetings (held monthly at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette). Meet the Cubmaster, den leaders, and current Scouts. No commitment required — just show up!
Register Online
Create an account at my.Scouting.org and register your Scout with Pack 5 (Northeast Illinois Council). There are two registration fees: a Scouting America fee and a separate Northeast Illinois Council (NEIC) fee. See the Costs page for a full breakdown.
Connect With Us
Email our Cubmaster at pack5wilmette@gmail.com to confirm your registration and get assigned to the right den for your Scout's grade level.
Get Your Uniform
Pick up the official Cub Scout uniform shirt, neckerchief, and rank badge at the local Scout Shop in Vernon Hills or online. Budget approximately $80–120 for the full kit.
Get Your Handbook
Each rank has its own handbook (~$15) packed with activities, adventure requirements, and badge information. Your Scout will use it every meeting.
Start Scouting!
Join your den for weekly or bi-weekly meetings, attend monthly Pack meetings, and dive into adventures. Welcome to Pack 5!
The Scout Oath
“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
Costs & Budget
We believe in full transparency. Here's a clear breakdown of what to budget for the year — and how Pack 5 uses its funds.
First-Year Cost Estimate
One-time uniform costs are included in year one.
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ Scouting America Registration National Scouting America fee. Includes accident insurance. | $85 | |
| 🗺️ Northeast Illinois Council Fee Separate local council (NEIC) registration fee, in addition to the national fee. | $85 | |
| 🎒 Pack 5 Dues Amount TBD — under review by Pack leadership. Covers den supplies, awards, and pack activities. | TBD | |
| 👕 Uniform Shirt Official Cub Scout uniform shirt ($45). Lions (K) and Tigers (1st) wear a rank-specific t-shirt instead ($14.99). | $45 | |
| 👖 Uniform Pants Official uniform pants (optional but recommended). | $30 | |
| 🪢 Neckerchief & Slide Rank-specific color changes each year as your Scout advances. | $20 | |
| 🧢 Hat / Cap Rank-specific cap changes each year as your Scout advances. Optional — many families skip the hat. | $20 | |
| 📰 Scout Life Magazine Optional but highly recommended magazine for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. $15/year subscription. | $15 | |
| 📘 Rank Handbook Grade-level handbook. New book each year as your Scout advances. | $15 | |
| 🏕️ Camp / Activities Estimate for day camps, overnight camps, and special events. Varies by participation. | $150 | |
| 🏎️ Pinewood Derby Car Kit Official kit required. Sold at Pack meetings. | $5 | |
| Estimated First-Year Total | $470 |
Renewal Years
Once the uniform is purchased, ongoing annual costs are significantly lower.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Scouting America Registration | $85 |
| Northeast Illinois Council Fee | $85 |
| Pack 5 Dues | TBD |
| Neckerchief (annual, rank-specific) | $20 |
| Rank Handbook | $15 |
| Hat / Cap (rank-specific) | $20 |
| Camp / Activities (estimate) | $150 |
| Pinewood Derby Car Kit | $5 |
| Annual Renewal Total | $380 |
Pack Budget Breakdown
How Pack 5 allocates dues and fundraising revenue each year.
Financial Assistance Available
No Scout should miss out on Scouting due to financial constraints. The Northeast Illinois Council offers scholarships (registration fee assistance) and camperships (summer camp and day camp assistance) for families in need. Pack 5 may also have limited scholarship funds available — please contact our Cubmaster confidentially at pack5wilmette@gmail.com to learn more.
Event Calendar
Stay up to date on Pack 5 meetings, campouts, and activities. This calendar updates automatically from our shared Google Sheet.
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Get In Touch
Have questions? Our Pack leaders are happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you quickly.
We Meet In
Wilmette, Illinois
Den and pack meeting locations shared with registered families
Northeast Illinois Council
neic.orgOur local NEIC council for events, camp registration, and scholarship resources
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
The best time to join Pack 5 is right now. Come to our next Pack meeting and see what Scouting is all about.