YOUR MINI-GUIDE TO CUB SCOUTING!
Below are quick “explainers” to help you and your family understand key terms, how the program works, and what to expect as your child begins their Scouting journey.

DENS vs. PACK
Dens are small groups (about 5–12 Scouts) of the same age and same gender, led by one or more parent Den Leaders. Dens usually meet 1–2 times per month to work on activities that help Scouts advance in rank.

The Pack is the larger group that includes all the Dens, across all ages and ranks. The Pack typically meets once per month for gatherings and events.

CUB SCOUT RANKS
Lion: Kindergarten
Tiger: 1st Grade
Wolf: 2nd Grade
Bear: 3rd Grade
Webelos (“WEEB-lows” / short for We’ll Be Loyal Scouts): 4th Grade
Arrow of Light (“AOL”): 5th Grade

ADVANCEMENT: BELT LOOPS & BADGES
Scouts participate in fun activities called Adventures. Completing an Adventure earns them a belt loop for their Scout belt.

Collecting belt loops leads to completing the requirements for their rank badge (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos). Think of belt loops like stepping stones — each one brings a Scout closer to earning their badge.

Most Scouts take the full school year to earn their badge, but some finish sooner.

Kids can join Cub Scouts at any time in elementary school — they don’t need to “catch up” on earlier ranks. The only badge every Scout must earn is the Bobcat badge, which teaches basics like the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

PURPOSE & VALUES
Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program that builds character, develops skills, and instills strong values, including citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility.  

The Cub Scouting program is built around 10 purposes aligned with the mission of Scouting America – to build character, learn citizenship, and develop personal fitness.

  1. Character Development

  2. Spiritual Growth

  3. Good Citizenship

  4. Sportsmanship and Fitness

  5. Family Understanding

  6. Respectful Relationships

  7. Personal Achievement

  8. Friendly Service

  9. Fun and Adventure

  10. Preparation for Boy Scouts

A wealth of detailed information on Cub Scouting is available on the Scouting America website.