Joining Cub Scouting

What are the ages for Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades (about 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? 
There are many roles to be filled in each pack, and adult help is always appreciated. Ask your pack leaders about where they could use a hand. All adult volunteers must fill out an application  and go through a criminal background check.

The Cub Scout Program

Are Cub Scouts the same as Boy Scouts? 
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are both programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America. However, they are entirely different programs geared for different ages. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed specifically to address the needs of younger boys. 

How often do Cub Scouts meet? 
Cub Scouts generally meet in their dens several times monthly, and a pack meeting is held for all Cub Scouts and their families once a month. Groups may hold a special activity, such as a service project or visit to a local museum, in place of one of or in addition to the weekly meeting. Special events such as award banquets or holiday observances may sometimes be substituted for monthly pack meetings. 

May parents attend den meetings? 
Cub Scouting is a family-based program, and we encourage parents to be involved in all aspects of their boy's participation. Parents must be present for all Tiger Cub meetings (first grade boys) because so many of the activities require parental support. Cub Scout activities such as camp-outs and field trips require parental attendance.

Uniforms and Supplies 

What supplies and equipment are needed to participate in Cub Scouting?  
Each boy in Cub Scouting will need a uniform and a handbook. His handbook, cap and neckerchief will change each year as he goes through the program, but other uniform parts remain the same for at least the first three years. When a boy enters a Webelos den, he may need to obtain a new uniform if the parents in the den opt for the khaki-and-olive uniform.  Additional supplies and equipment may be needed for certain activities such as camping trips or field days. What equipment is needed, as well as whether it will be provided by the unit, will vary from pack to pack. Den and pack leaders should provide parents with information about any supplies that will be required at the beginning of each program year. 

Learn more about Cub Scout uniforms at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Uniform/Parents.aspx .

Where can I purchase BSA literature, uniforms and other program materials? 
Our uniforms, literature, and other Scouting merchandise is available at the Tuscarora Council Scout Shop at 316 E. Walnut Street in Goldsboro, NC. You can phone in orders by calling (919) 734-1714.

How can I save money on the cost of uniforms and equipment? 
The Cub Scout pack may provide assistance to families. Some packs operate a uniform bank, or they may provide boys the program books that are needed. Parents should ask what the pack provides before purchasing the items themselves. 

Advancements and Awards

What is advancement?
Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to badge, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a boy in a natural way. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As a boy advances through the ranks, requirements are progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of a boy as he grows older.

Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve Scouting's aims—character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does to advance is designed to achieve these aims and aid in his personal growth. These badges are a means to an end—not an end in themselves.

Can Cub Scouts earn Boy Scout badges such as the 50-Miler Award or Mile Swim, BSA? 
Cub Scouts are not eligible to earn these awards, which are part of the Boy Scout program. All of the awards that Cub Scouts may earn are listed in their handbooks.

How does a Cub Scout move up to Boy Scouts?
Boy Scouting is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light and are at least 10-years-old, so a Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light is eligible to join a troop immediately (usually when he completes the fifth grade). 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 rather than having each boy leave the pack as soon as he is eligible. These transitions are celebrated with a special Crossing Over ceremony that is normally held during our spring Cub Scout Weekend at Camp Tuscarora.