My son was involved with Cub Scouts for a few years. I will say that the "pack" ("troops" are Girl Scouts) was VERY organized and planned many wonderful activities. Without Cub Scouts, we probably would have never stayed overnight at the Shedd Aquarium, shot off rockets and held boa constrictors, raced Pinewood Derby cars, visited a recyclable plant, etc... I watched my son face stage fright and speak into a microphone in front of 200 people. There were so many opportunities that were given to us, like camping, fishing, archery, staying overnight on a submarine, visiting a TV station, etc... The positive is that Cub Scouts has a lot to offer. You just have to find that right "pack" for your son.
Unlike Mary J.'s post, we had a regularly scheduled, den meeting, every other week (each pack has what are called "dens" , which are groups of kids divided by age.) My son's biggest complaint is that it became too much like school, meaning, he would come home, then have to work on his handbook lesson on a meeting night. (there are chapters to complete in the handbook). His Den leader didn't really hold the children's attention. His den meetings just weren't that exciting to him but the big Pack meetings (all dens came together) were fun, and they met once a month.
The point that Mary J. did make was about Pinewood Derby - Ours was VERY organized and time- conscientious (the race lasted for 1 1/2 hour - I've heard nightmare stories about this!). My son and his dad (and even his Uncle) really enjoyed working to make the fastest car and my son's car ALWAYS looked like it was completed by a kid. I knew he would never get a trophy for it because it wasn't the "coolest looking, fastest, most creative car, but it was his and his Dad & Uncle's project. Yes, those "aerodynamic designs" that those 7-year-olds allegedly created??? GIMMEE A BREAK!
So, my best advise to you - if your community has a "Boy Scouts Round-up Day" in September, go and attend. They will bring all the packs together and offer information on all the Packs in your community. Our community has about 6 different Packs, all run a little differently and all meeting different days. All Packs have their own "sponsor" (i.e. a church, VFW, etc... ) and the sponsor may offer a meeting place, monetary support, etc... depending on sponsor. Go and talk to the Packs and see which one you like and what activities they offer. Also, ask if there are any background checks for adults who work with young children (i.e. den leaders, etc..) Talk to other parents and see if there is one Pack that does more activities, which ones are organized or too militant. Cub scouts are the younger kids so if you meet any "Boy Scouts" (over 10-11 years old), ask THEM about Cub scouting and what Pack they used to be in and if they liked it.
It really is all about the people who run the Pack that truly determines the success. Cub Scouts can't run without volunteers - and a Pack is only as good as the volunteers who participate.