If you could give only one gift to the young people who are most important in your life, what would it be? No matter what your family situation is, it is within your power to help these children grow into people with a good feeling about themselves and a genuine concern for others. Cub Scouting can assist you in providing this greatest gift of all. Cub Scout-age children benefit developmentally from belonging to a small group of peers. Your child will be a part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level. Through this sense belonging, children build self-esteem and learn to get along with others. For new members the scouting program can be a little overwhelming. The important thing to remember is scouting is flexible. We offer many opportunities to participate, but it is up to you and your family to decide how much to participate.

How Does Cub Scouting Work?

In Cub Scouting, you and your family join in on the program with your child, and you will help them along the way. Cub Scouts have a different handbook at each grade level, with adventures that are age-appropriate for their developmental level. As your child advances through these books by working on adventures, they will earn badges and other recognition that they wear on their uniform. As your child grows in Cub Scouting, your role will change with them, from hands-on involvement to guiding and coaching. Your child’s success in Cub Scouting depends on you!

The Cub Scouting program takes place at two levels. Your child will be a part of a den, a small group of Cub Scouts in the same grade level. A den typically meets twice a month, although some may meet more often. All dens, from kindergarten through fifth grade, make up a pack. Once a month, the dens, with their families, come together at the pack meeting and Cub Scouts are recognized for the adventures and badges they have earned. The parents in each den decide the day of the week and time for den meetings. Many of our dens currently meet on Sunday afternoons. Pack Meetings are typically the last Monday of every month unless there is a holiday.

Dens

The Lion (Kindergarten) and Tiger (First Grade) Dens

Cub Scouts who join in kindergarten or first grade join with an adult partner, usually the parent or guardian.
An adult is selected to serve as the Den Leader (usually one of the parents) and coordinates the meetings. Each adult partner takes a turn assisting or hosting meetings or activities with the den leader. This shared leadership model is a great way to ensure the Den Leader has the help needed to deliver a quality program. Lion dens (kindergarten) meet once a month or more often if the Den Leader and families choose to. Tiger dens (first grade) meet typically twice a month or more often if the Den Leader and families choose to.

The Wolf (Second Grade) and Bear (Third Grade) Dens

Children this age are becoming more independent, and activities are designed to meet their developmental needs. A Wolf (second grade) or Bear (third grade) den is typically 8-12 scouts of the same age, a den leader, an assistant den leader (usually parents of some of the den members), and often a den chief (an older Scout who helps the den leader). They typically meet twice a month at a regularly scheduled time and place, and they also attend the pack meeting with their families

WEBELOS (Fourth Grade) and Arrow of Light (Fifth Grade)

The WEBELOS and Arrow of Light (AOL) program is designed to transition Cub Scouts to joining a Troop in Scouts BSA (Grades 6-12). WEBELOS and AOLs learn how to cook, setup their own tent, be accountable for their gear, and go on camp outs as a den. They will be introduced to the Patrol Method and transition to adult leaders be advisors while the scouts lead age appropriate aspects of the program. Our hope is that every scout will transition to a Scouts BSA Troop when they “crossover” in March of their AOL year.

Pack Events and Camping

We have some type of pack event every month. Most months, this will be a camp out. We try to mix camping locations with options close to home and some with more adventure that may require some travel. There are only so many camp sites in Baldwin County, so going to the same spots every year can be boring. We publish a calendar at the start of every school year with all pack events with locations. Parents can review the camp out locations and decide which camp outs to attend. Camp out registration usually starts about a month before an event. The Pack does not furnish camping equipment, so families will need to bring their own tent, sleeping bags, and food. We encourage dens to coordinate on food preparation so that dens eat together. IE, taco night and each family brings a few ingredients. When it comes to gear, every year we have a New Parent Orientation where we go over what type of gear you will need. You can find a sample packing list here.

Other pack events we have are service projects (Coastal Cleanup, Scouting for Food), Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta, and the Blue and Gold Banquet. Pinewood Derby is a race using cars built by the scouts. The Raingutter Regatta is a race using boats built by the scouts. The Blue and Gold Banquet is the anniversary of scouting.

Uniform

In scouting we have two types of uniforms. The Class A uniform, or “field” uniform, is the iconic blue or khaki uniform. The Class A uniform consists of the official BSA shirt, blue or green shorts/pants, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, and hat. The Class B uniform, or “activity” uniform, is a Pack T-Shirt included with your Pack Dues or any t-shirt associated with scouting. Class A is typically worn for Pack and Den meetings. The Class B uniform is used for activities where the Class A may be dirty or damaged. Each meeting your leader will designate a uniform. If a uniform is not specified, assume it is Class A.

The Class A uniform can be purchased at the Scout Shop in Mobile or online at scoutshop.org. The Scout Shop is located at 2587 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL and can be reached at 251-479-9267. If you call ahead they can assemble everything you need and have it ready for pickup. For an additional fee they can even sew on all of your patches! If you choose to buy online, use the Uniform Builder tool to build everything you will need.

Here is a list of the official Class A uniform pieces by rank.

Safety

In scouting we want to put our scouts in a position where they can learn and grow safely. To make sure this happens, the BSA has rigorous policy and training. In order for us to have a meeting, we must have at least two registered adult leaders present. If we have female scouts present, at least one of the registered adults must be female. Registered adult leaders must complete an application, pass a background check, and complete the BSA Youth Protection Training. Youth Protection Training educates adult leaders to recognize and prevent abuse and unsafe situations. Additionally, adults complete hazardous weather training and position specific training. At the center of this training is the Guide to Safe Scouting. The GSS defines the appropriate activities a unit can participate in at scouting events.

Scouting is What You Make It

The scouting program provides a wide range of opportunities for youth. Many associate scouting with camping, which is a big component of scouting, but it’s not the only aspect of the program. We also include STEM, citizenship, conservation, and sports. The more you participate the more fun your scout will have!

We Need Your Help!

Scouting is run by volunteers. All the way from den leaders up to the National Chief Scout, parents and guardians give their time to operate the scouting program. We cannot deliver a great experience without plenty of help from parents. Please consider volunteering as a Den Leader or Assistant Den Leader to help deliver the program. We also need volunteers to help with planning events or serving on the Pack Committee. Please talk to your Den Leader or the Cubmaster or Committee Chair. You will need to complete an adult application and Youth Protection Training.