What is Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouts is a program within the Scouting America organization (formerly Scouts BSA) designed for boys and girls in the elementary school age range, typically from kindergarten through fifth grade. The aims of Cub Scouts align with the broader aims of the Boy Scouts of America organization, which focus on the development of character, citizenship, and fitness in young people. Specifically, the aims of Cub Scouts are:
Character Development: Cub Scouts aims to instill positive values such as honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility in its members. Through activities, discussions, and interactions with peers and adult leaders, Cub Scouts learn to make ethical and moral choices and to take pride in their accomplishments.
Citizenship Training: Cub Scouts promotes good citizenship by teaching young people about their roles and responsibilities within their communities, their country, and the world. They learn about the rights and duties of citizenship, the importance of participating in democratic processes, and the value of serving others through community service projects and acts of kindness.
Personal Fitness: Cub Scouts encourages physical fitness and healthy living habits through outdoor activities, sports, games, and other physical challenges. By engaging in physical activities and learning about nutrition and wellness, Cub Scouts develop lifelong habits that contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life.
These aims are woven into the fabric of the Cub Scouts program and are reflected in its activities, advancement requirements, and values. By striving to achieve these aims, Cub Scouts aims to prepare young people to become responsible, productive, and engaged citizens who make positive contributions to society.
A little more info…
A great way to make new friends
Cub Scouts offers a wonderful opportunity for your son or daughter to make friends with both boys and girls from the school and neighborhood. Here’s more information about the different ways Scouting can benefit your child socially.
A great way to grow into a healthy adult
Scouting provides the kind of positive childhood experiences (PCE’s) that Johns Hopkins University found to be necessary for kids to grow into resilient, mentally healthy adults. Learn more on this page.
Yes, girls can join Cub Scouts!
Boys and girls in Kindergarten through Grade 5 (and their families) can join Cub Scouts. Most Cub Scout Packs are a mixture of boys and girls, but there are some that may be boy-only or girl-only. When you join online at BeAScout.org, each pack’s listing will indicate its membership.
What’s a pack? A den?
A pack is the group of families in your community belonging to the same Cub Scout group. This is the group with which you’ll do most, if not all, of your Cub Scout activities. A pack organizes its members into dens, smaller groups by grade level. Another way to think about it: your child goes to an elementary school (pack) but is placed into a teacher’s class (den).
“I don’t know anything about camping”
Cub Scouts don’t do any rigorous, outdoor survival-type camping and the camp out doesn’t last longer than a weekend. Other parents in your pack can help teach you the basics. The most important part of our outdoor program is that you’re outside with your child, enjoying a fun experience together.
What does Cub Scouts offer that isn’t available in other activities?
Scouts participate in both indoor and outdoor adventures, as well as group and individual activites that promote growth and learning unique to other experainces.
Uniforms
The Cub Scout uniform displays all of your child’s accomplishments in Scouting. But maybe more importantly, it gives them a sense of belonging to a group. You can see all of the Cub Scout uniforms, by grade level, on this page of the Boy Scouts of America website. All of these items may be purchased locally from our Scout Shop, either in person or online (though we’d suggest coming in so our staff can help you with getting the right fit). You can learn more about our Shop on this page.