WHAT TO EXPECT
Scouting is a whole new world for many families, and we hope you will enjoy your adventure with us. We know that kids do not join Cub Scouting for character building. Kids join because it is fun. Your child will learn great lessons, but they will be far too busy having fun to notice!
Why Join Cub 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 grown 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 (K-5) 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. 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 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.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to, but a Scout always tries.
A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
How Scouting Works
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 advance through these books by working on adventures, they will earn badges and other recognition 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 part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level. 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.
Kindergarten
Lions is a fun introduction to the Scouting program for kindergarten-age youth eager to get going! Lions do adventures with their adult partners and other Lions every month. This program introduces youth and their families to Scouting and the outdoors as it builds a foundation of character.
The Lion program provides fun, hands-on activities for Scouts to learn and grow while having a good time with their friends and family.
An energetic, experience, and caring Lion Guide plans the program of activities for the year and makes that plan available to all the Adult Partners. However, the Lion Guide does not organize and run every den meeting and outing. Instead the running of the program is done through shared leadership with the Adult Partners.
A Lion Den relies on the support and enthusiasm of its families! This shared leadership helps ensure participation by all, provides a sense of ownership to all, and gives each Scout family a chance to lead the den.
Bobcat
The Bobcat badge is the first badge that is earned by all Cub and Webelos Scouts (excluding Lions). This badge is required for all Scouts because it involves learning the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and other fundamental aspects of Cub Scouting. Completion of this badge gives the Scot the right to wear the Bobcat patch on their uniform and to proceed to their next rank.
1st Grade
This is an exciting Scouting program for first grade youth who are ready to be active! Tigers do stuff - lots of stuff - and all with their Adult Partners (a parent or guardian). This program is intended to open up the world to inquisitive minds along with the caring guidance of adults. The first steps along the Scouting Trail are laid here and every rank advancement through the Scouting program builds on the basic activities done as Tigers.
An energetic, well-trained, and caring Den Leader plans the program of activities for the year and makes that plan available to all the adults. The Den Leader has assistance from the Adult Partners in running the program for our Scouts.
2nd Grade
If a Cub Scout has completed the first grade (or is 8 years old) and has earned the Bobcat Badge, the Scout may start earning the Wolf rank.
This program is designed for second grade youth to help build character, introduce leadership skills, develop personal fitness, and learn about citizenship.
Wolf Scouts will participate in hiking, tie basic knots, learn about their community, and participate in physical activities.
2 registered and trained leaders are required to be at each den meeting for the safety of our youth.
3rd Grade
If a Cub Scout has completed the second grade (or is 9 years old) and has earned the Bobcat Badge, the Scout may start earning the Bear rank.
This program is designed for third grade youth to help build character, introduce leadership skills, develop personal fitness, and learn about citizenship.
Bear Scouts will build things, learn pocket knife safety, develop camping skills, and learn about nature and their community.
2 registered and trained leaders are required to be at each den meeting for the safety of our youth.
4th Grade
If a Cub Scout has completed the third grade (or is 10 years old) and has earned the Bobcat Badge, the Scout may start earning the Webelos rank. Webelos is an acronym that stands for We'll be loyal Scouts.
This program is designed for fourth grade youth and will start introducing key aspects of Scouts BSA (formerly known as Boy Scouts). This program helps build character, introduce leadership skills, develop personal fitness, and learn about citizenship.
Webelos will learn additional camping skills, more knots, cooking, first aid, and will plan a 3-mile hike.
2 registered and trained leaders are required to be at each den meeting for the safety of our youth.
5th Grade
If a Cub Scout has completed the fourth grade (or is 10 years old) and has earned the Bobcat Badge, the Scout may start earning the Arrow of Light rank. This is the second year of the Webelos program. Webelos is an acronym that stands for We'll be loyal Scouts.
This program is designed for fifth grade youth and will introduce more key components of Scouts BSA (formerly known as Boy Scouts). This program helps build character, introduce leadership skills, develop personal fitness, and learn about citizenship.
These Scouts will learn how they can help make their community stronger, work to help others, develop more outdoor and leadership skills.
2 registered and trained leaders are required to be at each den meeting for the safety of our youth.