Cub Scouts is a fun, active, year-round program for all kids in grades K–5. From building and racing Pinewood Derby cars to launching rockets, exploring the outdoors, and helping their communities, Cub Scouts offers hands-on adventures that make growing up unforgettable.
Through these experiences, Scouts develop confidence, character, and lifelong skills. Our program builds physical, mental, and emotional fitness, developing healthy, problem-solving, resilient, and self-respecting kids. Families are encouraged to take part in the journey too, making Cub Scouting a true team effort.
Start your adventure today!
Cub Scout families have opportunities to go camping and to participate in outdoor adventures. Lessons learned in the out-of- doors help to develop a life-long respect for the environment.
Cub Scouts earn fun adventures that are specific to their grade. Completion of adventures is how the aims of character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness are developed.
Several packs may be invited to attend other special events such as a large community service project or Scout Show. These events are coordinated by a local council or district.
Cub Scouts design, build, and race their own Pinewood Derby cars—one of the most iconic traditions in Scouting. This hands-on activity encourages creativity, sportsmanship, and friendly competition as Scouts cheer each other on down the track.
Each fall, Cub Scouts take part in popcorn season, where they learn communication skills, set goals, and raise funds to support their adventures. It’s a fun, confidence-building experience that helps Scouts take pride in their efforts while giving back to their pack.
Blue and Gold Dinners are a February tradition celebrating the anniversary of Scouting America. Packs gather for a shared meal, recognize rank achievements, and may include Arrow of Light crossover ceremonies or special guests, making it a memorable moment in the Cub Scouting year.
There is an annual registration and insurance fee to join Scouting. Please contact your local unit for more information. There are also one-time uniform costs and nominal activity fees that may be charged by your local group. These costs may be offset by fundraising and financial support for those who qualify.
Cub Scouting encourages family fun while providing youth with a safe space to make friends and challenge themselves through age-appropriate activities. It is a program where children and parents feel like they belong to an organization that consistently reinforces worthwhile values like honesty, good conduct, and respect for others.
Scouting Builds Positive Character—Tufts University worked with Scouting over 3 years to measure character attributes of both Scouts and non-Scouts. In the beginning, there were no significant differences in character attributes. By the end, the differences were striking in several areas.
Children are organized into specific groups called dens and meet 2-3 times per month to do Cub Scouts’ age-appropriate adventure activities with others in their den. Dens are organized by grade level and gender. All of the dens (K-5th grade) make up the larger Pack. The Pack, including families, also participates in other special events throughout the year, including service projects, Pinewood Derby®, Cub Scouting’s birthday party, and camping.
To learn more about Scouting America's organizational overview, visit this website!
Cub Scouting is a family-centered program, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to be part of the adventure! Whether you’re cheering on your Scout, sharing a skill, helping at activities, or simply being present, your involvement makes the experience more meaningful. Every family has unique talents to offer, and there are many ways to jump in—big or small—to support your pack.
Parents can participate in three main ways: helping, volunteering, and leading. Helping means pitching in where you can, whether that's sharing hobbies, assisting at meetings, or working with leaders to see how you can contribute your strengths. Volunteering involves becoming a registered adult, completing Youth Protection Training, and supporting the pack in an official role, either directly with youth or behind the scenes. Leading is a deeper commitment, where trained adult volunteers take on key responsibilities to deliver a safe, fun, and high-quality program for every Scout.
On the advancement trail, a Cub Scout progresses towards a badge of rank based on their grade. They need not have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next. To earn each badge of rank a Cub Scout earns the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting. Each badge of rank is age-appropriate, so earning a rank below a Cub Scout’s current grade is not permitted.
See the Advancement Trail here!
