Scouting 101

 Scouting helps forge bonds between the parent and child that can last a lifetime. Values such as integrity, leadership, and honesty are taught through the activities and events that the scout is immersed in. It doesn't matter what your ethnic background is, demographic area is or what your economic situation is, because scouting is the great equalizer. We are all the same in scouting and our message is strengthened by more than 100 years of continued success. 

Cub Scouts are organized into Dens according to age. Each Den has about 6 to 8 boys. The Dens make up the Pack. Packs are chartered by an organization such as churches, schools, city groups and even PTA's.

There are (6) ranks: Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos I and Webelos II. Click the links below to find out more about each rank. 

Bobcat Trail | Tiger Trail | Wolf Trail | Bear Trail
Webelos I Trail | Webelos II Trail

Tiger Dens are ran by an Akela and the parent partner. Wolf to Webelos Dens are run by two "Akelas".  An Akelas means Leader.  A Leader can be the Den Leader, the Cub Master, a teacher, the parents or any one the Cub Scout turns to for guidance.  Akela stands for a symbol of wisdom in the Cub Scout program.

The pack in general is ran by a Pack Committee. the pack committee consist of at lease the Committee Chair, Cubmaster and Treasure. These are know as the "Key 3". Ideally a pack committee will have the above three mentioned positions and the following: Pack Secretary, Pack Trainer, Outdoor Chair, Advancement Chair, Membership Chair and a Pack Chaplin. 

These are all volunteer positions and a pack depends on parents to step up and fill these positions to help the pack run smoothly.  

Cub Scouts is not a drop off baby sitting service. It is all about family involvement. 

When you join the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting is like an extension of your family: It follows your values, it sees to the overall care and well-being of your child, and it’s always there for you. It’s not an either/or choice you have to make for your child. It works with you to let you manage your time and other activities and will always be there when you return.

• Maturity. Youth experience dramatic physical and emotional growth during their Cub Scout years. Scouting offers them opportunities to channel much of that change into productive endeavors. Through service projects and Good Turns, Scouts can discover their place in the community. Many Scouting activities allow youth to associate with others from different backgrounds. The religious emblems program offers pathways for Scouts to more deeply understand their duty to God. The unit provides each Scout with an opportunity to explore, to try out new ideas, and to embark on adventures that sometimes have no design other than to have a good time with good people.

• Flexibility. The Scouting programs are flexible and accommodate the need to balance the work and life requirements of a busy family. It’s easy to plan for meetings and activities, and if something unexpected comes up, just let your leader know—it’s expected in the lives we live today.

• Adaptability. Your child can work on achievements at his or her own pace. For example, if your child is in a spring soccer league and has to miss several meetings and activities, he or she still can complete Scout activities to work toward the next level.

• Transferability. The skills and values your child learns through Scouting can be applied in any non-Scouting activity he or she participates in.  As your child builds character, this can be an especially valuable defense against the peer pressures all youths experience when growing up.

Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your son that you normally couldn't do. It provides a positive way for parent and son to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program's success.

Some specific things you can do to help your son in Cub Scouting are:

1. Work with your son on projects
2. Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail
3. Participate in monthly pack meetings
4. Attend parent-leader conferences (Pack committee meetings)
5. Go on family campouts with your son
6. Provide support for your son's den and pack

The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys, falling between the dependence of early childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As he grows, your son will gain the ability to do more things "on his own," but at this stage of his development, your help is critical.