How old (or young) can a youth be to join Scouting?
Cub Scouting is for youth in the kindergarten through fifth grades, or 6 to 10 years of age. Children who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, can no longer join Cub Scouting. Scouts BSA is for youth 11 to 17 years of age. Scouts also may join Scouts BSA if they have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old.
Are Cub Scouts the same as Scouts BSA members?
Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA are both programs of the Boy Scouts of America. However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys and girls. Scouts BSA is designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster.
Is Scouting Coed?
One common misunderstanding with many is that Scouting is now “coed.” While it’s true that Boys Scouts of America is currently serving both boys and girls, these changes don’t make the Dens and Troops coed.
In Cub Scout Pack 279, boys are in Dens with other boys, and girls are in Dens with other girls. They come together as a larger group for Pack Meetings and other Scouting adventures throughout the year.
In Scouts BSA, boys are in Troops with other boys, and girls in Troops with other girls.
How often do Cub Scouts meet?
Cub Scouts meet in their Dens once weekly, biweekly or monthly depending on age, and a Pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Beyond that, it depends on the Den and Pack: A den may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum. Likewise, a Pack may conduct a special event such as a blue and gold banquet as an additional event.
Can parents attend meetings?
Cub Scout Den meetings are intended to be an activity for the individual boys and girls. They are not a family activity, and the presence of parents can be a distraction. However, parental involvement is not forbidden, and all meetings are open to your participation. If you would like to be present at a Den meeting, ask the Den Leader in advance so that they can plan a way for you to observe or participate in an unobtrusive manner.
Lion and Tiger Dens are the exception to this. A parent or caring adult is always required to stay for these age groups.
What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Scouting?
At minimum, each Scout will need a uniform and a handbook. Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. Leaders and families work together to make sure each Scout has the necessary supplies and equipment no matter their financial situation.
How can I become an adult volunteer?
Express your interest to the Unit Leaders—the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Chartered Organization Representative, or members of the Unit Committee. While there’s no guarantee that a specific role or position will be available, and there may be a selection process, there is usually some way in which you can contribute.
If I don’t know much about camping and the outdoors, how could I be a good Scout Leader?
Being a good Scout Leader requires more than knowing how to camp. However, the Scouting program does provide outdoor training classes for leaders with beginning, intermediate, and advanced outdoor skills. There are a variety of other training opportunities also, specific to the leadership position you hold. For example, as a new Unit Leader, training is available immediately to enable you to run your first meeting successfully. More in-depth training is provided throughout the year, and monthly roundtable meetings enable you and other Leaders to share ideas on how to organize fun and exciting activities for youth.