Cub Scout

Cub Scout-age children benefit developmentally from belonging to a small group of peers. They will be a part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level. Through this sense of belonging, they build self-esteem and learn to get along with others.

Den Information

Lion

Kindergarten

Tiger

First Grade

Cub Scouts who join in kindergarten or first grade join with an adult partner, usually the parent or guardian. An adult is selected to serve as the den leader (usually one of the parents) and coordinates the meetings. Each adult partner takes a turn assisting or hosting meetings or activities with the den leader. This shared leadership model is a great way to ensure the den leader has the help needed to deliver a quality program.

Lion and Tiger dens meet with the entire Pack, weekly on Fridays
At den meetings, Lions and Tigers work on adventures that are found in their handbooks and/or the program scheduled by the Den Leader

Wolf

Second Grade

Bear

Third Grade

Children at this age are becoming more independent, and activities are designed to meet their developmental needs.

Wolf (Second Grade) or Bear (Third Grade) Dens meet with the entire Pack, weekly on Fridays
At den meetings, Wolves and Bears work on adventures that are found in their handbooks and/or the program scheduled by the Den Leader

Webelos

Fourth Grade

Arrow of Light

Fifth Grade

Scouts at this age are becoming more independent, and activities are designed to add more emphasis on their leadership roles and preparation to join a Scouting Troop.

Webelos (Fourth Grade) and Arrow of Light (Fifth Grade) Dens meet with the entire Pack, weekly on Fridays
At den meetings, Webelos and AOL work on adventures that are found in their handbooks and/or the program scheduled by the Den Leader
Arrow of Light Scouts are expected to assume the responsibilities equivalent to a Troop’s Senior Patrol Leader

Message to Cub Parents

Cub Scout-age children benefit developmentally from belonging to a small group of peers. Your child will be a part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level. Through this sense of belonging, children build self-esteem and learn to get along with others.

As a parent, you want to be assured that the groups that your child joins will teach values consistent with good citizenship, character development, personal fitness, and leadership. The values we seek to instill are found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Family Involvement: Family involvement is an essential part of Cub scouting. Your engagement through their process will give them guidance and motivation while helping them feel more connected to their family and community.
Activities: In Cub scouting, Scouts participate in a wide variety of den and pack activities such as games, projects, skits, songs, outdoor activities, and trips.
The Outcome: In Cub Scouts, “Do your best” means showing effort, regardless of the outcome. It’s about the experience, not meeting a set standard. Like our kids, as parents and leaders, we’re also encouraged to do our best, which varies daily. Our activities are about exploration, not expertise, laying the groundwork for future growth and learning. What matters is the attempt, not perfection, as each effort builds towards future successes.
The Uniform: The Cub scout uniform helps build pride, loyalty, and self-respect. Wearing the uniform to all den and pack meetings and activities also encourages a neat appearance, a sense of belonging, and good behavior.

The uniform and its cost vary by program for both youth and adults. Uniforms may also be purchased at your local Scout shop. Additionally, our organization conducts a uniform exchange/gear swap to help mitigate the costs of purchasing these items. Please reach out to a leader for additional information on the next uniform exchange/gear swap, or if you have questions concerning the uniform policy.

Volunteer/Assistance Information

The most important help that you, as a parent, can give your child is to work with them on their Cub Scouting adventures as they work toward their badge of rank. The Cub Scout handbook is full of age-appropriate activities; some of them you do together at home. Den meetings are designed for Cub Scouts to complete adventures that are required for them to earn their badge of rank. When you have completed a requirement at home, make sure your den leader is informed so that they can properly record it and your child can be recognized for their achievements.

Your role as a parent is the secret to a successful Cub Scouting program!

The den and the pack rely on parent participation to run a successful program. Cub Scouting operates through volunteer leadership. Volunteer leaders are an example of Scouting’s principle of service to others. By volunteering in Scouting, you are also giving your child and family the gift of your time. What could be more valuable? You will have an opportunity to be a positive influence in their life and in the lives of their friends. Here are some of the ways you could volunteer:

Den leader. Uses the Den Leader Guide and den meeting plans to lead the den at den meetings. Attends the monthly pack committee meeting.

Volunteer. Talk to your Pack leadership about opportunities. There’s always more that needs to be done helping with the various tasks that keep our pack held together and bringing our scouts new experiences.

Some of the positions we’re looking for:

Parent Committee
New Member Coordinator
Secretary
Pack Activity / Program Trainer
Photographer
Outreach / Social Media Manager
STEM Coordinator
Advancement / Scout Book Coordinator
Fundraising assistants

Training

Scouting America offers convenient training for parents who volunteer. As a new parent, you can learn all about Cub Scouting and how quality Scouting programs are built. Log on to my.Scouting.org and create an account to gain access to all available training content. For more information about training at all levels of the program, go to scouting.org/training or speak with your pack leaders.

Youth Protection

Child abuse is a serious problem in our society, and unfortunately, it can occur anywhere, even in Scouting. Youth safety is of paramount importance to Scouting. For that reason, the Scouting America continues to create barriers to abuse beyond what previously existed in Scouting.

The Scouting America organization place the greatest importance on providing the most secure environment possible for its youth members. To maintain such an environment, the organization has developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with multiple online and print resources for all Scouting programs.

All Adult Leaders are required to complete the Youth Protection Training!

All Parents are strongly encouraged to take the Youth Protection Training course.

All adults, including parents, must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee required position.