Lion
KindergartenA gentle first taste of Scouting. Lions meet with a grown-up partner at every activity and learn through play, stories, and short outings.
- Adult partner attends with each Lion
- Fun, 45-minute den meetings
- Simple outdoor discovery
The program
What Cub Scouting actually is
Cub Scouting is the kindergarten-through-5th-grade program of Scouting America. Kids learn by doing — outdoors, in small groups, with their family involved. Everything is built around four aims: character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness.
Dens, packs, and how a month works
The den
A handful of Scouts in the same grade who meet a couple of times a month with a den leader to work on adventures.
The pack
All the dens together. Pack 132 meets monthly to hand out awards, run big activities, and celebrate as families.
The outing
Campouts, hikes, service projects, and field trips — the part kids talk about all week at school.
Ranks by grade
Scouts start with the Bobcat requirements — learning the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and the basics of being a Cub Scout — then work through the rank for their grade by completing required and elective adventures.
Tiger
1st GradeTigers explore their neighborhood, try new games and crafts, and start earning adventure loops alongside a caring adult partner.
- Adult partner still joins in
- First pack campout
- Team games and service
Wolf
2nd GradeWolves grow more independent — hiking, learning outdoor safety, and building their first Pinewood Derby car with a parent.
- Hiking and nature study
- Pinewood Derby build
- Beginner knots and first aid
Bear
3rd GradeBears take on bigger challenges: tools, cooking over a fire, fishing, sports, and leading parts of den meetings themselves.
- Camp cooking basics
- Whittling with the Whittling Chip
- Leading den activities
Webelos
4th GradeWebelos means "We'll Be Loyal Scouts." Scouts learn skills that bridge toward Scouts BSA — backpacking, orienteering, STEM, and leadership.
- Overnight tent camping
- Map, compass, and STEM adventures
- Visits with a Scouts BSA troop
Arrow of Light
5th GradeThe highest rank in Cub Scouting and the only Cub award that can be worn on a Scouts BSA uniform. Scouts prepare to cross over to a troop.
- Crossover ceremony in spring
- Scout Oath and Law in depth
- Youth-led planning
The values we teach
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
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Cub Scout motto
"Do Your Best." Not be the best — do your best. That difference is the heart of the program for this age group.
Youth safety
Every registered leader completes Youth Protection Training and background screening. We use two-deep leadership and never allow one-on-one adult contact with a Scout.
Uniforms and gear
Lions wear a Lion T-shirt. Tigers through Arrow of Light wear the blue Cub Scout shirt with their den's neckerchief and slide, plus the handbook for their rank. That's it to start — the pack loans tents and camping gear so no family needs to buy equipment to attend a campout.