Pack 3054Cub Scouts · Rotterdam, NY

Cub Scouting

How Cub Scouts works

Cub Scouts is Scouting America's program for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Kids learn by doing, in a small den of friends their own age, and families are part of it from the very first meeting.

Find your Scout's den How to join

The basics

Dens, adventures and ranks

A den for each grade

Your Scout joins a den, a small group of kids in the same grade with a den leader. Each school year they move up to the next rank with their den.

Adventures

Ranks are earned by finishing adventures, sets of hands-on activities like hiking, building or first aid. Each rank has six required adventures, plus any two electives.

Built for families

Lions and Tigers do every adventure with an adult partner. As Scouts get older they do more on their own, and parents are always welcome to pitch in.

Lion to Arrow of Light

The six dens

Every grade has its own rank and its own handbook. Kids can join in any grade, and it's never too late to start.

K
Lion
Kindergarten

The very first step

Lions is built for 5 and 6 year olds, with a grown-up right by their side the whole way. Lions explore outside, build things, play games and get a little messy, and they make new friends while they're at it. No experience needed and no pressure.

Lions come to the den meetings marked “Lions & Tigers” on the calendar, with their adult partner.

Required adventures

  • Bobcat
  • Fun on the Run
  • King of the Jungle
  • Lion's Pride
  • Lion's Roar
  • Mountain Lion
1st
Tiger
1st grade

They do it all with you

Here's what makes Tigers special: every adventure, a Tiger and their grown-up go together. Expect games and crafts, first hikes, getting outside and maybe exploring the night sky. Tigers learn to be a good friend and part of a team, without it feeling like a lesson.

Tigers come to the den meetings marked “Lions & Tigers” on the calendar, with their adult partner.

Required adventures

  • Bobcat
  • Team Tiger
  • Tiger Bites
  • Tiger Circles
  • Tiger's Roar
  • Tigers in the Wild
2nd
Wolf
2nd grade

The adventures get bigger

Wolves are old enough to really dig in. They hit the trails, build things and figure out how stuff works, with plenty of games along the way to burn off that 7-year-old energy. It's still all about fun and friends, just with more doing.

Required adventures

  • Bobcat
  • Council Fire
  • Footsteps
  • Paws on the Path
  • Running with the Pack
  • Safety in Numbers
3rd
Bear
3rd grade

It starts to feel like real Scouting

Bears take on bigger responsibilities and try things they'll brag about for weeks. In the Whittling adventure they can learn to use a pocketknife safely, and on campouts they help cook over the fire. Expect a lot more “I did it myself.”

Required adventures

  • Bobcat
  • Bear Habitat
  • Bear Strong
  • Fellowship
  • Paws for Action
  • Standing Tall
4th
Webelos
4th grade

Spreading their wings

Webelos stands for “We'll Be Loyal Scouts,” and it's where Cubs start doing more on their own, with the den right beside them. Campouts get bigger and the skills get real. If your 4th grader has never done Scouting, this is a perfect place to jump in.

Required adventures

  • Bobcat
  • My Community
  • My Family
  • My Safety
  • Stronger, Faster, Higher
  • Webelos Walkabout
5th
Arrow of Light
5th grade

The bridge to Scouts BSA

Arrow of Light is the highest rank in Cub Scouts, and it's the one Cub Scout badge Scouts keep wearing on their Scouts BSA uniform. Fifth graders get ready for a troop with real campouts and serious skills like first aid. In the spring, they cross over into Scouts BSA.

A 5th grader who's never done Scouting can still join in the fall and earn Arrow of Light alongside new friends. What comes next

Required adventures

  • Bobcat
  • Citizenship
  • Duty to God
  • First Aid
  • Outdoor Adventurer
  • Personal Fitness

Every adventure, required and elective, on Scouting America's site

How the year works

Monday nights, plus some weekends

Den meetings and pack meetings are Monday nights from 6:15 to 8 PM in the Jefferson Elementary cafeteria. Campouts and outings happen on some weekends.

Den meetings

Your Scout meets with their den and den leader to work on the adventures toward their rank. This is where most of the learning happens.

Pack meetings

About once a month the whole pack gets together to celebrate what Scouts have earned. The whole family is welcome.

Outings

Campouts, hikes and special days like the Pinewood Derby and the Blue & Gold Banquet, spread through the year.

Lions and Tigers come only to the den meetings marked “Lions & Tigers” on the calendar. Every other den meets on all the regular den meeting nights. See the calendar

For parents

Where you come in

Cub Scouts works best when families are in on it. Here's what that looks like.

  • Adult partner for Lions and TigersYou're right there with your kindergartner or 1st grader at every meeting and outing.
  • A little at homeSome adventure work happens with family. Bobcat, the first adventure at every rank, includes a parent's guide on keeping kids safe that you go through together.
  • Lend a hand if you canDen leaders are volunteers, and the pack runs on parents pitching in. No Scouting experience needed, and training is free and online. Ways to help

Ready when you are

Come see a den meeting

It's the best way to see what Cub Scouts is all about. Bring your kid on a Monday night, no sign-up or uniform needed.

How to join See the calendar