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Welcome to our Cub Scout FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about Cub Scouting, from how to join and what activities we offer to uniforms, costs, and advancement. Whether you're a new family exploring Cub Scouting for the first time or a current member looking for more details, this page is designed to provide all the information you need. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly!
Our FAQs have been organized into sections. Expand a section to view its related questions and answers.
General Information
General Information
What is Cub Scouting?
What is Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting is a year-round program designed to teach boys and girls in grades K–5 (ages 5–11) leadership, community service, and outdoor skills through fun activities and adventures.
Who can join Cub Scouts?
Who can join Cub Scouts?
Cub Scouting is open to all boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade.
What are the age groups and ranks in Cub Scouts?
What are the age groups and ranks in Cub Scouts?
Lion (Kindergarten)
Tiger (1st Grade)
Wolf (2nd Grade)
Bear (3rd Grade)
Webelos (4th Grade)
Arrow of Light (5th Grade)
Do we need to have prior experience to join Cub Scouts?
Do we need to have prior experience to join Cub Scouts?
No prior experience is needed—Cub Scouting is open to everyone, regardless of background.
Joining and Participation
Joining and Participation
How do we join a Cub Scout pack?
How do we join a Cub Scout pack?
Check out our Step-by-Step Registration Guide page under the Start Scouting menu.
What is the difference between a pack and a den?
What is the difference between a pack and a den?
A pack is the larger group of scouts, and it is divided into smaller grade-level groups called dens. Each den works on age-appropriate adventures.
Can parents participate in activities?
Can parents participate in activities?
Absolutely! Cub Scouting is family-oriented, and parents are encouraged to participate in meetings, outings, and events.
Do families need to attend every meeting?
Do families need to attend every meeting?
Attendance is encouraged, but the schedule is flexible, and families can work on some activities at home if needed.
Activities and Adventures
Activities and Adventures
What kind of activities do Cub Scouts do?
What kind of activities do Cub Scouts do?
Activities include outdoor adventures, camping, STEM projects, community service, and learning practical life skills.
What is an adventure in Cub Scouting?
What is an adventure in Cub Scouting?
Adventures are themed activities that scouts complete to earn badges and rank advancements.
Are there overnight camping trips?
Are there overnight camping trips?
Yes, Cub Scouts often have family-friendly camping trips, usually at the pack or council level.
What is the Pinewood Derby?
What is the Pinewood Derby?
The Pinewood Derby is a Cub Scouting tradition where scouts build and race their own wooden cars on a track.
Do Cub Scouts do service projects?
Do Cub Scouts do service projects?
Yes, community service is a core part of the program, teaching scouts the importance of giving back.
Uniforms and Costs
Uniforms and Costs
What uniform do Cub Scouts wear?
What uniform do Cub Scouts wear?
Each rank has its own uniform requirements. Generally, scouts wear a uniform shirt, neckerchief, slide, and belt.
Where can I buy the Cub Scout uniform?
Where can I buy the Cub Scout uniform?
Uniforms and patches can be purchased from the Scout Shop or online at www.scoutshop.org
What are the costs of joining Cub Scouts?
What are the costs of joining Cub Scouts?
Costs include national registration fees, pack dues, uniforms, and activity supplies. Refer to our step-by-step registration guide for more info.
Advancement and Recognition
Advancement and Recognition
How do Cub Scouts advance through ranks?
How do Cub Scouts advance through ranks?
Scouts advance by completing age-appropriate adventures and earning their badge of rank each year.
Can scouts work at their own pace?
Can scouts work at their own pace?
Yes, while there is a group structure, families can work on requirements at their own pace.
What awards can Cub Scouts earn besides rank advancements?
What awards can Cub Scouts earn besides rank advancements?
Scouts can earn a variety of awards, including STEM Nova Awards, the World Conservation Award, and religious emblems.
Leadership and Volunteering
Leadership and Volunteering
Who leads Cub Scout meetings?
Who leads Cub Scout meetings?
Volunteer den leaders lead den meetings, while the Cubmaster leads pack meetings with support from the pack committee.
Can parents become leaders?
Can parents become leaders?
Yes, parents are encouraged to volunteer as leaders or assist with pack activities.
What training is required for leaders?
What training is required for leaders?
All leaders must complete Youth Protection Training and position-specific training.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Do Cub Scouts have to participate in fundraising?
Do Cub Scouts have to participate in fundraising?
Fundraising helps support pack activities, and participation is encouraged, but it is not mandatory.
What is Friends of Scouting (FOS)
What is Friends of Scouting (FOS)
Friends of Scouting is a fundraising campaign that supports the council’s operations and programs.
Do Cub Scouts have to join Scouts BSA after Arrow of Light?
Do Cub Scouts have to join Scouts BSA after Arrow of Light?
No, but many Cub Scouts continue into Scouts BSA, which offers more advanced adventures for youth ages 11–17.
How does Scouting handle safety?
How does Scouting handle safety?
Scouting follows strict safety guidelines, including two-deep leadership and the Guide to Safe Scouting.
What if my child has special needs?
What if my child has special needs?
Scouting is an inclusive program, and accommodations can be made to ensure all children can participate fully.
How can I learn more about Cub Scouting?
How can I learn more about Cub Scouting?
Come to a weekly meeting, check out the rest of our website, or go to the national site at www.scouting.org.
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