Gateway Area Council Scouting Programs
Camp Decorah, 2600 Quarry Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601
About
Gateway Area Council Scouting Programs include activities such as hikes, camping, fishing, crafts, picnics, community service, archery, nature skills, STEM projects, games, field trips, parades, derbies, songs and skits, and conservation projects. Cub Scouting is described as the foundation of the organization and is designed for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program is year-round, is described as affirmative and fun focused, and is designed to be hands-on, with parents encouraged to play an active role and to pitch in, plan, and deliver activities.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: Packs typically meet once a month for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, with dens meeting once a month or weekly for about an hour, and younger dens possibly meeting for a shorter time; packs also try to have at least one or more activities per month, ranging from a half-hour game to overnight camping.
• Price: The yearly membership and insurance is $145. Handbook $25 (first handbook free for all new Scouts). Uniform and accessories (new) $40–$80.
Pack meetings typically occur in larger group spaces such as a school gym, cafeteria, or community center, while den meetings can occur in a classroom, community room, or the den leader's home. Large group events are hosted for all area Cub Scouts. Each den or grade level has a handbook for each year, and the beginning of every scout handbook includes a pull-out pamphlet for parents and scouts to review. New uniforms can be purchased from the local scout shop or the official online store, Scoutstuff.org, and some packs have a hand-me-down program for uniforms.
A Cub Scout uniform typically consists of the official blue uniform shirt and can be accessorized with a cap, blue uniform shorts or slacks, belt, socks, neckerchief, and slide, and girls can choose a blue uniform skort. Older Cub Scouts in the Arrow of Light rank may wear the tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt with Webelos cap, green uniform shorts or slacks, belt, socks, neckerchief, and slide. Adult uniforms consist of the tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt with cap, green uniform shorts or slacks, belt, socks, neckerchief, and slide. Many Cub Scout packs adopt a t-shirt to wear as an alternative during activities.
Every registered leader receives a background check and is required to take and renew Youth Protection Training. Youth with physical disabilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges are welcome in the Boy Scouts of America, and various accommodations exist to facilitate advancement for youth with disabilities. Youth do not need to join a special unit oriented to serving members with disabilities, although such units exist.
Cub Scout packs are chartered by schools, civic organizations, and religious organizations. The Eagle Scout Project Map is described as showing the impact Eagle Scouts have made in the community, and the council notes proud supporting sponsors of Gateway Area Scouting Programs and a proud partner agency. The mission statement describes Scouting as outdoor adventure, family fun, character, leadership, and hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today and for life. The materials reference Copyright © 2009–2026 Scouting America Gateway Area Council.
Last updated July 26, 2026.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: Packs typically meet once a month for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, with dens meeting once a month or weekly for about an hour, and younger dens possibly meeting for a shorter time; packs also try to have at least one or more activities per month, ranging from a half-hour game to overnight camping.
• Price: The yearly membership and insurance is $145. Handbook $25 (first handbook free for all new Scouts). Uniform and accessories (new) $40–$80.
Pack meetings typically occur in larger group spaces such as a school gym, cafeteria, or community center, while den meetings can occur in a classroom, community room, or the den leader's home. Large group events are hosted for all area Cub Scouts. Each den or grade level has a handbook for each year, and the beginning of every scout handbook includes a pull-out pamphlet for parents and scouts to review. New uniforms can be purchased from the local scout shop or the official online store, Scoutstuff.org, and some packs have a hand-me-down program for uniforms.
A Cub Scout uniform typically consists of the official blue uniform shirt and can be accessorized with a cap, blue uniform shorts or slacks, belt, socks, neckerchief, and slide, and girls can choose a blue uniform skort. Older Cub Scouts in the Arrow of Light rank may wear the tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt with Webelos cap, green uniform shorts or slacks, belt, socks, neckerchief, and slide. Adult uniforms consist of the tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt with cap, green uniform shorts or slacks, belt, socks, neckerchief, and slide. Many Cub Scout packs adopt a t-shirt to wear as an alternative during activities.
Every registered leader receives a background check and is required to take and renew Youth Protection Training. Youth with physical disabilities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challenges are welcome in the Boy Scouts of America, and various accommodations exist to facilitate advancement for youth with disabilities. Youth do not need to join a special unit oriented to serving members with disabilities, although such units exist.
Cub Scout packs are chartered by schools, civic organizations, and religious organizations. The Eagle Scout Project Map is described as showing the impact Eagle Scouts have made in the community, and the council notes proud supporting sponsors of Gateway Area Scouting Programs and a proud partner agency. The mission statement describes Scouting as outdoor adventure, family fun, character, leadership, and hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today and for life. The materials reference Copyright © 2009–2026 Scouting America Gateway Area Council.
Last updated July 26, 2026.
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