About the Dens
Cub Scout Packs are organized into smaller groups called Dens, with each den representing a single grade level, from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.
Dens typically meet once a month to work on adventures focused on character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness. Each den is guided by a Den Leader, a trained adult volunteer who leads the meetings and helps each Scout track their progress toward earning their rank.
Throughout the year, each grade level works on a combination of required and elective adventures. For every adventure a Cub Scout completes, they earn a special award. They will earn a belt loop (or a pin for older Scouts) which is awarded at the next pack meeting. Once they complete the right combination of adventures, they’ll receive a rank patch at the end of the year.
While Den Leaders choose the elective adventures for the group, Scouts are always encouraged to work with their families on any additional adventures they’d like to complete.
Learn more about each den below!
LIONS (Kindergarten)
Lions are the youngest Cub Scouts. Their den meetings focus on fun activities and helping them learn about their families, friends, and community.
All Cub Scouts work towards earning a badge of rank based on their grade. To earn their Lion badge, cub scouts must complete the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting, while Elective Adventures cover a wider variety of age-appropriate fun learning activities.
Lion parents or guardians are expected to be active participants on all of their Lion Cub Scout adventures!
TIGERS (1st Grade)
Tigers are an exciting scouting program for first-graders. They do lots of stuff with their adult partners, exploring the world and building a foundation for future advancement.
All cub scouts work towards earning a badge of rank based on their grade. To earn their Tiger badge, scouts must complete the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting, while Elective Adventures cover a wider variety of age-appropriate fun learning activities.
Cub Scouts don’t need to have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next, and since all adventures are designed to be age-appropriate, earning a rank or adventure below the scout’s current rank is not permitted.
As with the Lion rank, Tiger parents or guardians are expected to be active participants on all of their Tiger Cub Scout adventures!
WOLVES (2nd Grade)
Wolves learn about family, animals, and the natural world. They start working on their first rank, Wolf, which includes completing a series of activities and earning badges.
All cub scouts work towards earning a badge of rank based on their grade. To earn their Wolf badge, scouts must complete the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting, while Elective Adventures cover a wider variety of age-appropriate fun learning activities.
Cub Scouts don’t need to have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next, and since all adventures are designed to be age-appropriate, earning a rank or adventure below the scout’s current rank is not permitted.
BEARS (3rd Grade)
Bears delve deeper into personal interests and the world around them. They learn about citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness while engaging in artistic pursuits, exploring different cultures, and participating in STEM activities.
All cub scouts work towards earning a badge of rank based on their grade. To earn their Bear badge, scouts must complete the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting, while Elective Adventures cover a wider variety of age-appropriate fun learning activities.
Cub Scouts don’t need to have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next, and since all adventures are designed to be age-appropriate, earning a rank or adventure below the scout’s current rank is not permitted.
WEBELOS (4th Grade)
Webelos is the first of two transition ranks designed to prepare the Cub Scouts for Scouts BSA by focusing on outdoor skills, leadership, and career exploration. During the year, scouts work on their Webelos rank and start preparing for the Arrow of Light award in 5th grade.
All cub scouts work towards earning a badge of rank based on their grade. To earn their Webelos badge, scouts must complete the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting, while Elective Adventures cover a wider variety of age-appropriate fun learning activities.
Cub Scouts don’t need to have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next, and since all adventures are designed to be age-appropriate, earning a rank or adventure below the scout’s current rank is not permitted.
ARROW OF LIGHT (5th Grade)
As the highest rank in Cub Scouts, Arrow of Light prepares Scouts for the transition to Scouts BSA. They focus on advanced outdoor skills, service projects, and personal growth.
All cub scouts work towards earning a badge of rank based on their grade. To earn their Arrow of Light badge, cub scouts must complete the six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures. Required Adventures are based on the aims and areas of importance in Scouting, while Elective Adventures cover a wider variety of age-appropriate fun learning activities.
Cub Scouts don’t need to have earned the previous rank in order to earn the next, and since all adventures are designed to be age-appropriate, earning a rank or adventure below the cub scout’s current rank is not permitted.
The Arrow of Light rank is designed to last only half of the school year, with children crossing over to a BSA troop of their choice typically in January or early February. This is also the only badge earned as a Cub Scout that may be worn with on the Scout BSA uniform.
The crossover ceremony for Arrow of Light is a very special one, where they receive their badge of rank, the Arrow of Light award, and are welcomed by the Scouts of their chosen troop.
While all Arrow of Light scouts are encouraged to visit different troops and select one that aligns with their preferences, many of ours cross over to Troop 846.