Info For Parents

How Does Cub Scouting Work?

One unique thing about Cub Scouting is that you, as his family, join in on the program with your son, and you will help him along the way. Cub Scouting exists to support your family and help enrich your family time together. Boys have a different handbook at each grade level, with adventures that are age-appropriate for their developmental level. As your boy advances through these books by working on adventures with you, he will earn badges and other recognition that he can wear on his uniform. Your son’s success in Cub Scouting depends on you!

The Cub Scouting program takes place at two levels. Your son will be a part of a den, a small group of boys in the same grade level who usually meet weekly. All dens, from grades 1 through 5, make up a pack. Once a month, the dens, with their families, are together at the pack meeting, where boys show off the new skills they have learned during the month and are recognized for the badges they have earned. All boys, when they join, earn the Bobcat badge first. Your den leader will show you how.


Pack Meetings

The Cub Scout pack is made up of all the dens, which meet monthly at the pack meeting, led by the Cubmaster. This is the climax of the weekly den meetings and activities. There are games, skits, songs, ceremonies, and presentations of badges that boys earned during that month. This is where families—not just parents, but siblings, too—can see the achievements of their Cub Scout. The pack, including families, also participates in other special events throughout the year, including:

  • Pinewood Derby®—You can build and race a model car with your son.

  • Blue and Gold Banquet—Cub Scouting’s birthday party—for all pack members and their families— takes place in February.

  • Camping—Overnight and day camp opportunities introduce your family to the camping experience.

  • Service projects—Packs may participate in food drives, conservation projects, or other community activities.

  • Field Trips and Special Outings—Den outings are a great way to learn more about the people and places in your community.


How Can You Help?

The most important help that you, as a parent, can give your boy is to work with him on his Cub Scouting adventures and help him achieve his badge of rank. His handbook is full of age-appropriate activities that you will enjoy doing together at home. When he completes a project, it is your responsibility to sign his book to verify that he has done his best. This will help the den leader know that he or she can sign off on that part of your son’s rank requirements and arrange for recognition for his efforts. And then it is all important for you to attend the monthly pack meeting with him, so you can celebrate his achievement. Your role as a parent is the secret to a successful Cub Scouting program!

The Den and the Pack also rely on parent participation to run a successful program. Cub Scouting operates through volunteer leadership. Consider volunteering as a member of the pack leadership team. Volunteer leaders are an example of Scouting’s principle of service to others. By volunteering in Scouting, you are also giving your son the gift of your time. What could be more valuable? You will have an opportunity to be a positive influence in his life and in the lives of his friends. Here are some of the ways you could volunteer:

  • Den leader - Leads the den at monthly den meetings. Attends the monthly pack committee meeting.

  • Cubmaster -Helps plan and carry out the pack program with the help of the pack committee. Emcees the monthly pack meeting and attends the pack committee meeting.


Pack Committee

Every Cub Scout parent or guardian is invited to become a member of the pack committee. Pack committee members perform administrative functions of the pack. The committee meets monthly and includes the responsibilities below.

  • Committee Chairman - Presides at all pack committee meetings. Helps recruit adult leaders and attends the monthly pack meeting and pack committee meeting.

  • Advancement Chairman - Maintains advancement records for the pack. Orders and obtains all badges and insignia. Attends the monthly pack meeting and pack committee meeting.

  • Membership Chairman - Manages the transition of new Scouts into the pack and coordinates orientation for new Scouting families. Responsible for the marketing and recruiting initiatives of the pack, as well as the growth and retention of the unit.

  • Secretary/Treasurer - Keeps all records for the pack, including pack bank account, financial records, etc. Attends the monthly pack meeting and pack committee meeting.

  • Pack Trainer - Coordinates training for adults. Promotes leader training and roundtable meeting attendance. Attends the monthly pack meeting and pack committee meeting. Every Cub Scout parent or guardian is invited to become a member of the pack committee. Pack committee members perform administrative functions of the pack. The committee meets monthly.

  • Chartered Organization Representative - This person appoints the Pack Committee Chair and approves all adult leaders. They provide resources from the chartered organization.