What is Cub Scouts? What do Cub Scouts do? And what’s the mission of the program?
The answer is actually pretty simple.
Cub Scouts is a program within the Boy Scouts of America that serves youth from from 6 to 11 years old (with some locations piloting a program for 5-year-olds called the Lion Pilot Program). The Cub Scouts program aims to prepare youth to grow into self-reliant and dependable adults.
Cub Scouts achieve this with a lineup of hands-on activities and adventures focused on:
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouts
Program Overview:
Lion –
As a Lion, your kindergartner will make friends, laugh loud, gain confidence, discover nature, and most of all…have fun! They will experience the Scouting concepts of character development, leadership, citizenship, and personal fitness through engaging and exciting adventures!! Your kindergartener will have a blast exploring the world around him/her in ways that fuel imagination and creativity. Together, you’ll take the first steps down the path to success
Bobcat –
This is the first “rank”. That a scout must earn regardless of age (except lions). This “rank” introduces scouts to the program and teaches the fundamentals. To earn this each shout must be able to day the Scout Oath & Law. They must also demonstrate and explain the meaning of the Cub Scout Sign, Handshake, Salute, and Motto.
Tiger –
The Tiger rank is for Scouts who are in first grade or are age 7. To earn the Tiger badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures with the den or family and one elective adventure of the den or family’s choosing. As the Scout completes each adventure, he or she will receive the adventure loop for that adventure, which they can wear on the belt. When the Scout has completed the seven required adventures, he or she can receive the Tiger badge. The Tiger badge is given to the Scout’s adult parent or guardian at a pack meeting. Then, during a ceremony, the adult gives the badge to the scout.
After earning the Tiger badge, a Tiger Scout can work on the remaining 12 Tiger electives until finishing the first grade (or turning 8 years old). The Tiger Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When an elective adventure is completed, an additional adventure loop to be worn on the belt is awarded.
Wolf –
The Wolf rank is for Scouts who have finished first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. The Scout’s parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing the Scout’s book, and the Scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure. Once all requirements are met, the Wolf badge is presented to the parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the Scout.
After earning the Wolf badge, a Wolf Scout can work on the remaining 12 Wolf electives until finished with the second grade (or turning 9 years old). The Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When an elective adventure is completed, an additional adventure loop to be worn on the belt is awarded.
Bear-
The Bear rank is for Scouts who have finished second grade (or who are 9 years old). To earn the Bear badge, a Scout must complete six required adventures and one elective adventure. The Scout’s parent or guardian and den leader approves each requirement by signing the Scout’s book, and the Scout receives an adventure loop for each adventure. When the Scout has met all requirements, the Bear badge is presented to the parent or guardian at the next pack meeting. During an impressive ceremony, the parent or guardian then presents the badge to the Scout.
After earning the Bear badge, a Bear Scout can work on the remaining 12 Bear electives until finished with the third grade (or turning 10 years old). The Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When an elective adventure is completed, an additional adventure loop to be worn on the belt is awarded.
Webelos –
Webelos dens are for Scouts who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). Webelos Scouts get to work on the five required Webelos adventures and choose two of the 18 elective adventures that are shared by the Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks.
When a Scout has done the requirements for an adventure, the Webelos den leader, rather than a parent, approves most of the adventures. For each adventure a Scout completes, a pin to be worn on the Webelos colors or on hat is awarded. After completing seven adventures, including five required adventures and two elective adventures, a Scout can receive the Webelos badge.
After earning the Webelos badge, a Webelos Scout can work on the remaining 18 shared Webelos and Arrow of Light electives until finished with the fourth grade (or turning 11 years old). The Scout can choose elective adventures and discover new hobbies or learn skills that will be useful during the Scouting adventure. When completing an elective adventure, an additional adventure pin to be worn on the Webelos colors or on the hat is awarded.
Arrow of Light –
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Boy Scout. Scouts must complete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a Scout completes, a pin to be worn on the Webelos colors is awarded.
The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform when a cub scout graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light rank when they were young may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult uniform.
Useful Links
Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) – The governing body for the Greater Houston Area
Orion District – The scouting district that covered all units in the Tomball/Magnolia area
Uniform Guideline (Field Uniform / Class A) – A guide to help with patch placement
Online Scout Store – Official Retail site of the BSA
Youth Protection Training (YPT) – Safety training must be completed by all registered leaders and by all adults who wish to attend a pack overnighter.
Boys Life Magazine – The monthly BSA publication for Boys
Houston Museum of Natural Science Scouting Programs – HMNS puts on programs for scouts of all ages throughout the year.
Community scout events – A list of upcoming activities and discounts for Scouts.
Scout News – The official place for press releases and all news related to the BSA.