What is Cub Scouts?
In Cub Scouting, you and your family join in on the program with your child, and you will help them along the way. Cub Scouts have a different handbook at each grade level, with adventures that are age-appropriate for their developmental level. As your child advances through these books by working on adventures, they will earn badges and other recognition that they wear on their uniform. As your child grows in Cub Scouting, your role will change with them, from hands-on involvement to guiding and coaching. Your child’s success in Cub Scouting depends on you! The Cub Scouting program takes place at two levels. Your child will be a part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level and who are of the same gender. A den typically meets twice a month, although some may meet more often. All dens, from kindergarten through fifth grade, make up a pack. Once a month, the dens, with their families, come together at the pack meeting and Cub Scouts are recognized for the adventures and badges they have earned.
Where should my child start?
The Cub Scout program is broken up by age groups into “Cub Scout Dens” all the dens combined makes the “Cub Scout Pack”
Dens The Lion (Kindergarten) and Tiger (First Grade) Dens Cub Scouts
who join in kindergarten or first grade join with an adult partner, usually the parent or guardian. A Lion or Tiger den should be no more than eight Cub Scouts and their adult partners. 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 dens (kindergarten) meet once a month or more often if the den leader and families choose to. Tiger dens (first grade) meet typically twice a month or more often if the den leader and families choose to. At den meetings, Lions and Tigers work on adventures that are found in their handbooks.
The Wolf (Second Grade) and Bear (Third Grade) Dens
Children this age are becoming more independent, and activities are designed to meet their developmental needs. A Wolf (second grade) or Bear (third grade) den is ideally no more than eight Cub Scouts of the same gender, a den leader, an assistant den leader (usually parents of some of the den members), and often a den chief (an older Scout who helps the den leader). They typically meet twice a month at a regularly scheduled time and place, and they also attend the pack meeting with their families.
The Webelos Scout Den (Fourth and Fifth Grades)
The Webelos den is much like the Wolf and Bear dens, but there is more emphasis on learning to take leadership roles and preparing to join a Scout troop. Pack Meetings The Cub Scout pack is made up of all the dens, which meet monthly at the pack meeting, led by the Cubmaster. There are games, skits, songs, ceremonies, and presentations of achievements and badges that Cub Scouts earned during that month. This is where families can see the achievements of their Cub Scout. The pack, including families, also participates in other special events throughout the year, including: Pinewood Derby®—You can build and race a model car with your child. Blue and gold banquet—Cub Scouting’s birthday party—for all pack members and their families— takes place in February. Camping—Overnight and day camp opportunities introduce your family to the camping experience.
