The Cub Scouts Webelos den is for children in the 4th grade (around 9–10 years old) who are preparing to move from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA (the next level of Scouting).
What Is the Webelos Den?
Grade Level: 4th Grade
Age Range: Typically 9–10 years old
Rank: Webelos — the fifth Cub Scout rank (after Bear)
Group: A Webelos den is a group of 4th graders working on advanced Cub Scout adventures with more independence and leadership.
Webelos stands for "WE'll BE LOyal Scouts."
What's Special About the Webelos Program?
Webelos is a transition year:
Kids start to learn Scouts BSA-style skills (like patrol structure, outdoor survival, first aid, and more).
They take more responsibility for their learning and behavior.
Activities are more challenging, hands-on, and outdoor-focused.
What Do Webelos Scouts Do?
To earn the Webelos badge, scouts must complete:
5 required adventures
2 elective adventures
A Scouting adventure or outdoor activity (like camping or hiking)
What Do Webelos Learn?
Webelos Scouts begin to:
Take on leadership roles in their den
Learn Scouting values at a deeper level
Develop outdoor survival and camping skills
Work more independently, with less help from parents
Den Meetings & Activities
Typically three times a month
Activities include:
Outdoor adventures
Skill-building projects
Preparation for camping
They also attend pack meetings and campouts
Family Involvement
Parents are still involved but less hands-on than in earlier ranks
Scouts are encouraged to be more self-directed
The Den Leader facilitates meetings and helps scouts stay on track
What They Earn
The Webelos badge (worn on the uniform)
Adventure pins for each completed adventure (instead of belt loops)
Recognition at pack events and ceremonies
What Comes After Webelos?
After Webelos, 5th graders move into the Arrow of Light den — the final Cub Scout rank before joining a Scouts BSA troop.
