How Cub Scouts Works
Cub Scouts is a wonderful family activity that allows children to develop important skills and character traits while they are having fun!
But when you start Cub Scouts for the first time, there can be a lot of new information and terminology to get used to.
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. A den typically meets twice a month, although some may meet more often. There is a den for boys and a den for girls.
- 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.
What Den Will My Child Be In?
Dens are organized by grade level, so that all scouts in the same grade can be working on activities geared for their age group and developmental level. Each year, scouts advance to work on more challenging activities and can take pride in their growth and growing skill sets.
Most of the activities and the work of Cub Scouts happens at the Den level.
Cub Scouts who join in kindergarten join with an adult partner (usually their parent or guardian).
A Lion den usually has up to 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. At den meetings, Lions work on adventures that are found in their handbooks.
Cub Scouts in the first grade continue to meet with an adult partner (usually their parent or guardian).
Each adult partner continues to take a turn assisting or hosting meetings or activities with the den leader.
Tiger dens generally meet twice a month or more often if the den leader and families choose to. At den meetings, Tigers work on adventures that are found in their handbooks.
Children this age are becoming more independent, and activities are designed to meet their developmental needs.
A Wolf (second 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 sometimes 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
A Bear den builds off the skills that the children have developed and continues to build their independence.
The Bear den is still lead by a den leader and an assistant den leader, and sometimes a den chief.
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 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 Scouts BSA troop.
The scouts in the Webelos dens are still Cub Scouts, but they are starting to transition to the next phases of Scouting. They start to wear different uniforms and participate in activities with older Scouts BSA troop members.
In 4th grade, scouts work toward the oval Webelos patch, and in 5th grade they work towards the Arrow of Light rank.
What Happens at Pack Meetings?
The Cub Scout pack is made up of all the dens, which meet monthly at the pack meeting, led by the Cubmaster. Pack meetings are usually the 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. when school is in session.
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 meetings offer older scouts and opportunity to teach and mentor the younger scouts. The younger scouts can also see what the future holds as they continue with Scouting.
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 Dinner—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.
Service projects—The Pack participate in a variety of service projects in order to give back to our community. Service projects might include: food drives, conservation projects, or other community activities.
Field trips and special outings—Den outings are a great way to learn more about the people and places in your community.
