Youth Ages 5 - 10
Why choose Cub Scouts?
For the adventure! Cub Scouts is an engaging program that offers opportunities for youth to experience adventure! With the help of an adult guide, Cub Scouts is designed to engage youth ages 5-10 and family members in planned activities that cultivate friendship, learning and exploration. Youth in this program form a “Den” with members similar in age led by a couple of adult volunteers. Dens use the Cub Scout Handbook which includes quick and easy activity cards, supply lists and games so scouts can start having fun! Together, all the Dens come together, once a month, and form a Pack which is also led by adult volunteers. Packs plan even larger scale events like pinewood derby races, sailboat races, rocket launching, camping and more. Together, Dens and Packs provide a safe, convenient place for youth to socialize, explore and learn through organized play.
Does Cub Scouts offer flexible scheduling?
Absolutely! Scouting is for families, so all adults and youth are invited. Members of the Den select meeting days and times that work for the group while Packs typically meet only one night per month. From overnight pack campouts and fun events to more local adventures with your Den, there’s truly something for everyone to do and enjoy in Cub Scouts no matter how much time you can commit to the program.
- Adult volunteers work together to establish the den schedule and program choosing to do both Cub Scout Advancement and fun activities.
- Cub Scouts works around sports schedules and you participate as your time allows.
Does Cub Scouts work?
Yes! Cub Scouts is the leading youth leadership program which cultivates an interest in learning, better citizenship, new friends and a sense of adventure. Cub Scouts do better in school and learn leadership skills that last a lifetime.
What adventures can my family expect?
Cub Scouts opens the door to creative and engaging youth programming for the whole family. Choose one adventure or choose them all!
- STEAM activities
- Boating and swimming
- Competitions
- Explore nature and learn outdoor skills
- Build campfires and sleep outdoors
- Fishing
- Crafting
Do kids really build character and leadership skills?
Yes! Cub Scouts is organized to teach youth through games. Youth develop a sense of self-worth as well as an appreciation for their community and environment. Through these activities, youth also learn to work together, plan and develop into leaders. Scouting emphasizes the importance of developing tomorrow’s leaders today and instilling in our leaders the importance of the Scout Law. A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Is Cub Scouts safe?
The health and safety of our Scouts is our top priority. We require volunteers to undergo a background check and complete training so they can interact with youth in a safe manner. Volunteers are also equipped with resources and training to offer fun, guided learning opportunities in a safe, accessible, and age-appropriate manner.
More Frequently Asked Questions
How is Cub Scouting Organized?
Cub Scouts is for all youth ages 5-10. Groups of approximately 6-10 youth, similar in age, form a Den. Dens are the foundation of the program and plan local, fun activities like a police station tour, a simple science experiment, service project, or a local hike. Dens come together once a month to form a Pack. Packs are run by adult volunteers who plan larger scale activities like scouting olympics, pinewood derby, bike relays or camping on a baseball field for all to participate. Packs can be made up of boys, girls or a mixture of both called “family” Packs.
What is Scouting’s commitment to safety?
The safety of our youth is the top priority.
The BSA has developed comprehensive youth protection training in consultation with industry experts which exceeds industry standards. Extensive background checks are completed on every adult volunteer and the youth protection training must be renewed every two years. Adult leaders are mandatory reporters and strategies like two-deep leadership require at least two adults to be present whenever there are youth.
Is there a Cub Scout Den located near me?
Yes! Cub Scout Packs are associated with schools, churches, community partners like police or fire departments and veterans’ organizations so they are within close proximity to families . To locate a Pack close to you, visit www.BeAScout.org, enter your zip code, select “Cub Scouts” and a list of Packs near you, along with contact information, will be at your fingertips. Or give us a call at (815) 942-4450. Additionally, you can fill out our Contact Us Form with some quick information and we’ll contact you!
Who will lead my Den and Pack?
Cub Scouts is a family activity! All Dens and Packs are led by volunteers from families just like yours! You will have the opportunity to take a role in developing your child into a future leader through lots of fun activities that work with your schedule. Growing together and experiencing scouting as a family is very rewarding and memorable, and we hope you will consider applying to help develop our young people into the citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
Every volunteer leader is required to go through a criminal background check and Youth Protection Training process that ensures your child will be in a safe and fun program. Rainbow Council provides many training opportunities for our leaders to enhance the program they deliver and increase the skills they can pass onto our Scouts.
What about other activities like sports?
Many children take part in Scouting along with a variety of other activities like sports, music, academic interests and more. These programs all work together with Scouting to provide your child with a balance of adult role models and experiences! Together, the parents of each Den and Pack will work together to find a schedule that fits everyone’s needs. And, if you happen to miss a meeting, many of the activities can be done at home as a family.
How can my child become a Cub Scout?
Joining Cub Scouts is easy and available year-round. To find a Pack near you, you can visit www.BeAScout.org, enter your zip code, select “Cub Scouts” and get immediate information about Packs near you. You can also call us at (815) 942-4450. Additionally, you can fill out our Contact Us Form with some easy information, and we’ll contact you!