Cub Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of young boys and girls (kindergarten through fifth grade) and their families. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Family involvement is an essential part of the program, and parents are encouraged to play an active role. Cub Scouting helps parents make the most of the time they have to impact the lives of their children.

Why Scouting?

• If you could give only one gift to the young people who are most important in your life, what would it be? No matter what your family situation is, it is within your power to help these children grow into people with a good feeling about themselves and a genuine concern for others. Cub Scouting can assist you in providing this greatest gift of all.

• 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 and who are of the same gender. 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.

The Dens

How Does Cub Scouts Work?

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.

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.

Service projects—Packs may participate in 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.

Make memories with your child that will last a lifetime!

How Can You Help?

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!