On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As you advance through the ranks, the requirements get more challenging, to match the new skills and abilities you learn as you get older.
Cub Scouts has a plan for advancement in order to recognize a scout’s efforts and achievements. It provides fun for the scouts and opportunities for them to learn new things. It teaches them to do their best and helps strengthen understanding as family members work with their scouts on advancement requirements. Badges are earned to recognize advancement and are worn with pride. The real benefit, however, comes from the worthwhile things they learn about the world and themselves while earning the badges, as self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-esteem grow.
Lion Cubs - This is a fun introduction to the Scouting program for kindergarten-age youth eager to get going! Lions do adventures with their adult partners and other Lions every month. This program introduces youth and their families to Scouting and the outdoors as it builds a foundation of character.
Bobcat rank - The Cub Scout Bobcat rank is the first rank earned by every scout who joins Cub Scouts. The Bobcat badge teaches new scouts the Law of the Pack, Cub Scout Promise, Cub Scout Handshake, and much more that prepares them to be Cub Scouts. No matter at what age a scout joins, they must earn their Bobcat rank before proceeding to the next rank.
Tiger Cubs - This is a simple and fun program for first-graders and their families. The Tiger Cub program introduces scouts and their adult partners to the excitement of Cub Scouting as they "Search, Discover, and Share" together.
Wolf Cubs - This is a program for scouts who have completed first grade. To earn the Wolf badge, they must complete 7 adventures involving simple physical and mental skills.
Bear Cubs - This is for scouts who have completed second grade. The Cub Scout must complete 7 adventures to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.
Webelos - This program is for scouts who have completed third grade. A number of adventures are completed to earn the Webelos badge. This is the first step in the transition from the Webelos den to the Scouts BSA troop. As the scout completes the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, they will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults and become familiar with the Scouts BSA requirements - all leading to the Arrow of Light Award, the highest award in Cub Scouting.
As a scout begins the Scouting Trail, they join other scouts their own age. They can start the scouting program from 5 (starting kindergarten) to 17 years old. The Cub Scout age program is for kindergartners through 3rd graders - Lion cubs, Tiger cubs, Wolf scouts, and Bear scouts. After completing Bear scout requirements, scouts begin their Webelos program.
Uniforms - Learn about the proper uniforms for each rank here.
Family Involvement
Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting. A scout's family consists of the people with whom they live and are cared for. Cub Scouting cannot function without the involvement, cooperation, participation, and assistance of the families of the scouts in the pack. Families can become involved at many levels of commitment. Attending pack meetings, working with your child on their advancement requirements, becoming a den leader or pack committee member, providing refreshments or decorations, teaching crafts or skills, leading songs or games, coordinating pack or den outings, attending family camping trips, and helping with pack communications all are examples of volunteer roles for you to consider. Don’t worry that you are new to Scouting. We are ready to help you and will answer any questions you may have to ensure that you and your child have an incredible scouting experience!
Some of the roles you might consider filling to support our Cub Scout pack:
Cubmaster - The Cubmaster's most visible duty is to emcee the monthly pack meeting. Behind the scenes, the Cubmaster works with the pack committee to plan and carry out the pack program and helps coordinate the efforts of the den leaders. A Cubmaster may be assisted by one or more assistant Cubmasters.
Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader - The den leader conducts weekly meetings for a smaller group of scouts and helps coordinate the den's contribution to the monthly pack meeting. A den leader is typically assisted by at least one assistant den leader.
Pack 959 Committee - The pack committee works with the Cubmaster to plan and carry out the pack program. The committee also coordinates major events and secures support for the pack. The committee consists of a chairperson and other members who may have particular functions, such as finance, marketing, advancement, recruiting, or outdoor program.
Function Committees - Some pack events have special-purpose committees. Holding a Scouting for Food drive, pinewood derby, blue and gold banquet, pack graduation, or field day requires more planning and coordination than a typical pack meeting.
Parent Helpers - Some events need extra adults to help the pack leaders. A parent can pitch in by driving a vehicle for a field trip, helping prepare lunch at a day camp, supervising an event at a field day, or supporting unit leaders on an as-needed basis.