Yes. We encourage families to visit a meeting or activity before registering. This is the best way to see how Scouting works and decide if it’s a good fit for your child.

Just complete the “Join Us” form and we’ll help connect you with the right unit and upcoming meeting times.

Cub Scouts is a family-centered program for youth in kindergarten through 5th grade that focuses on fun, outdoor activities, learning new skills, service, and character development.

In Monticello, there are two local Cub Scout packs:

• Pack 272 (Pinewood Elementary)
• Pack 274 (Little Mountain Elementary)

Most families choose a pack based on their child’s school or convenience. Both packs offer a welcoming, active Scouting experience.

If you’re unsure which pack is the best fit, you can select “Not Sure Yet” on the Join Us form and we’ll help guide you.

Troop 270 is the collective reference for Monticello’s Scouts BSA program for youth ages 11-17 and includes two linked troops:

• Troop 3270 (boys)
• Troop 5270 (girls)

Scouts participate in camping, leadership development, service projects, advancement opportunities, and outdoor adventure experiences throughout the year.

The troops are linked, meaning they operate as separate youth-led troops with their own leadership and identity, but they often coordinate activities, share resources, and work together on certain events.

This structure allows each troop to maintain its own program while benefiting from a larger Scouting community and shared support.

Crew 3270 is Monticello’s Venturing program for young men and women ages 14-20. Venturing is a co-ed Scouting program focused on adventure, leadership, service, and personal growth for older youth.

As a developing crew established in 2025, Crew 3270 is led by its members and continues to shape its identity based on the interests and ideas of the youth involved. The crew is built on a foundation of experienced Scouts BSA youth from Troop 3270, including Eagle Scouts and Scouts working toward Eagle.

Crew members participate in a variety of activities, including day trips, outdoor adventures, service projects, and travel experiences such as a recent spring break trip to Chicago. Activities are planned and led by youth, with adult volunteers providing guidance and support.

This structure allows Crew 3270 to offer flexibility, independence, and real leadership opportunities while building a program that grows with its members.

Scouts in Monticello register through Northern Star Scouting Council on an annual basis. Once you complete the Join Us form, we will guide you through the registration process.

Council offers financial assistance for families who need support.

In addition to annual registration fees, there may be additional costs for specific activities, trips, and optional fundraising opportunities that help support unit programs.

Scouts may also be dual-registered in more than one unit in certain cases (such as Scouts BSA and Venturing). When a Cub Scout ages up into Scouts BSA, their registration transfers into the troop program.

Scouting is a year-round program, and participation varies by unit:

• Cub Scouts: Typically includes monthly pack meetings and den meetings during the school year and a few summer activities. Specific schedules are set by each pack.
• Troop 270 (Scouts BSA): Meets weekly year round on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM, with additional activities throughout the year. The Troop spends a week at Many Point Scout Camp in July, plans 3-5 weekend campouts a year, and occasional High Adventure trips. 
• Crew 3270 (Venturing): Sets its own schedule based on member availability and planned activities.

Scouting is designed to be flexible, and many youth participate alongside sports, school activities, and other commitments.

Yes – and many families find it to be one of the most rewarding parts of Scouting.

Scouting is led by volunteers, and there are many ways for parents to be involved, from helping with occasional activities to taking on leadership roles within a unit. No Scouting experience is needed – just a willingness to support youth and be part of the experience.

If you’re interested in getting involved in any way, you can indicate that on the Join Us form and we’ll share opportunities that fit your time and interests.

Youth can join Scouting at any time during the year – there is no required start date or enrollment season. Once you complete the Join Us form, we will help connect your family with the appropriate unit and upcoming activities.

While families are welcome to join at any time:

• Cub Scouts: The main program year runs during the school year, starting in September or October. New families can still join at any point during the year.
• Transition from Cub Scouts to Troop 270: 5th grade Cub Scouts typically bridge into the troop in March, helping them prepare for the move into Scouts BSA.
• Scouts BSA (Troop 270): New Scouts can join throughout the year and begin participating in weekly meetings and activities right away.
• Venturing (Crew 3270): Youth may join at any time, with activities scheduled based on member availability and planned outings.

Scouting is designed to be flexible, and youth can begin participating whenever it works best for your family.