• How old (or young) can a boy be to join Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades, or 7 to 10 years of age. Boys who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, can no longer join Cub Scouting, but they may be eligible to join the Boy Scouting or Venturing program.

• How can I become an adult volunteer in Cub Scouting?

Express your interest to the pack leaders: the Cubmaster, Den Leaders or committee members. They can help you understand the process and guide you on areas where the pack needs support. All packs welcome parent help.

• Must I be a U.S. citizen to join Cub Scouting?

Citizenship is not required of youth or adult to become members of the Boy Scouts of America.

•  Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts?

Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America—so in that sense, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are both members of the same organization. However, they are entirely different programs: Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys.

•  How often do Cub Scouts meet?

Cub Scouts meet in their dens once each week, 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 in place of one of the weekly meetings or in addition to the weekly meetings. Likewise, a pack may conduct a special event such as a camp out as an additional event, or as a substitute for its monthly pack meeting.

•  May parents attend den meetings?

Cub Scouting is open to parents at all times. Den meetings are intended to be an activity for the individual boys and your den leader will be working hard to keep the Cub Scouts focused. If you would like to be present at a den meeting,ask the den leader in advance so that the leader can plan a way for you to observe or participate. Tigers are required to have a parent/guardian present at all Cub Scout functions.

•  What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Cub Scouting?

At minimum, each boy in Cub Scouting will need a uniform and a handbook. Each year, he will need a new handbook, cap and neckerchief, but other uniform parts remain the same for at least the first three years. When a boy enters a Webelos den, he will need to obtain a new khaki-and-olive uniform. Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days.

•  Where can I purchase BSA literature, uniforms, and other program materials?

Our uniforms, literature, and other Scouting merchandise are available at your local council, Scout Shops, and other licensed distributors (Ramsey’s Sports).

•  How can I save money on the cost of uniforms and equipment?

Pack 88 has a small cache of uniform supplies. The Pack usually provides the Scouts neckerchiefs each year. Parents should inquire as to what the pack provides before purchasing the items themselves.

•  If a boy joins a Bear den, may he go back and earn the Tiger and Wolf badges?

No.In the Cub Scout program, all boys in a den work toward the same badge. If a boy joins Cub Scouting as a 9-year-old, he must earn the Bobcat badge (all boys in Cub Scouting earn this badge), and then he will begin working on the Bear badge with his fellow Cub Scouts. He is not required to have earned the Tiger or Wolf badges. Since those badges are for younger boys (7- and 8-year-olds),the requirements for those badges are not consistent with a 9-year-old's current level of ability, so "going back" to pick up those badges is not permitted.

• If a boy completes the Wolf badge early, may he begin working on the Bear badge?

No.In the Cub Scout program, all boys in a den work toward a badge that is geared toward their level of development. If the Wolf badge is completed before the end of the program year, a boy may work on elective adventures, but he may not begin working on the requirements for the Bear badge. His work on the Bear badge will begin the next program year, when he graduates into a Bear den.

•  When a Cub Scout earns the Arrow of Light, may he immediately join a Boy Scout troop?

Boy Scouting is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light and are at least ten years old—so a Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light is eligible to join a troop immediately (provided he is at least ten years old).

However,many packs coordinate with a local Boy Scout troop to facilitate the transition from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting. In these instances, it is better for the boy, his family, and both units if all Webelos Scouts make the transition together, in a coordinated fashion, rather than having each boy leave the pack as soon as he is eligible.