How Cub Scout Groups Are Organized
A young man may enter scouting at any time during the year. The age requirement to join the Boy Scouts Of America (BSA) is from kindergarten through age 18. The BSA has four unique age specific programs for young men
- Lions
- Cub Scouts
- Webelos
- Boy Scouts
Cub Scout Pack 422 includes programming for Lions, Cub Scouts, and Webelos.
A young man enters his Scouting adventure with Lion Cubs . . . An introductory program of exciting indoor and outdoor activities designed just for our kindergarten boys and their adult partner. Lions is currently a prototype program that is being developed by the the Northern Star Council. Some Packs offer a Lions group, some do not. Our Pack started a Lions group in the fall of 2010. Lions gives kindergarten boys a taste of scouting in a safe and nurturing environment. Adults are there as a support and guide, and allow the new Scout to discover the activities of scouting under adult supervision. He will learn by doing these things himself. And as he learns and grows the relationship with his adult partner (parent) will grow as well.
Boys enter the Cub Scout program when they graduate from Lions, or as first graders in the fall. These scouts are called Tigers. At the end of first grade Tigers become Wolves. At the end of second grade the Wolf scouts become Bears. At the end of 3rd grade the Bears become Webelos. Webelos is a 2 year program. At the end of Webelos the boy may join a Boy Scout Troop. When a young man is 18 he is no longer a Boy Scout. To stay with the program he becomes an Adult Volunteer.
All boys who are new to Cub Scouting must first work to complete their Bobcat Badge. This is true for boys in grades 1-5. If a scout is in First grade he then starts working on his Tiger Badge. If the Scout is older he starts working on the badge appropriate for his age. The Scout typically receives his age appropriate badge at a ceremony in front of his friends and family.
All scouts advance in rank during our Graduation event in April. If a scout has completed his rank requirements before graduation, he will earn a patch with his rank insignia. After graduation he will start working on requirements for earning the patch insignia associated with his new rank.
What is a Pack? What is a Den?
The Lions program is just for kindergarten boys. It operates as an autonomous Den. It is a smaller group with activities scaled for our younger scouts.
A Den is a small groups of boys approximately 5 - 10 attended the same grade level at school. They are lead by a Den Leader who is a parent or close relative of one of the scouts in the Den. As a Den, scouts work on public service projects, and requirements needed to earn awards and advancements.
The term Pack refers to our entire group. Pack 422 currently has 1 Lions group, 3 Dens of Cub Scouts, and 2 Dens of Webelos.
2011-12 Lions: Coordinator is Eric Olson
Lions will usually meet as their own group and follow their own programming. They will be invited to join the Pack (older boys) for these events:
- December: Christmas visitation to a nursing Home
- January: Pinewood Derby
- February: Blue And Gold Dinner
- April-May: Graduation
At the end of the school year, the Lions will graduate to Tiger Cubs. Then with each following year advance through the Cub Scout program as a Wolves, then Bears, then finally as Webelo Scouts.
The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program for boys . . .
- To build character
- To foster citizenship
- To develop personal fitness
2011-12 Tigers: Den Leaders are TBD
This Den is for boys who are first graders in the fall. A parent or guardian must attend all meetings WITH the boy. Den meetings are a combination of theme based activities and visits as a Den (with 1:1 parent supervision ) to local points of interest such as a fire station, or a TV station. Requirements For Tiger
2011-12 Wolves: Den Leaders - Eric & Amy Olson
This Den is for boys who will be in second grade in the fall. A parent or guardian is requested to attend meetings with the boy. These scouts are older and are expected to be more self reliant. Requirements For Wolf
2011-12 Bears: Den Leaders Nate & Yolanda Hunter
This Den is for boys who will be in third grade in the fall. Parents are encouraged to attend and help plan Den meetings, providing some family expertise to subjects we study. For example it would great for the scouts to hear from a dad who is a pilot when studying transportation. Requirements For Bear
2010-11 J. Webelos: Den Leader is Mark Caulfield
Webelos is a two two program for fourth and fifth grade boys. Junior Webelos are scouts who are in fourth grade in the fall. These boys are ready to take on more difficult tasks. Awards are given out for activities and achievements. The uniform transitions from the classic blue Cub Scout shirt to the tan "Boy Scout" style shirt. Webelos are more active in camping. Requirements For Rank
2011-12 Senior Webelos: Den Leader is Dave Manion
For boys in 5th grade in the fall. These senior Cub Scouts spend their final year completing their Webelo activity book, and observing Boy Scout Troop activities. Completing the Webelo Handbook earns the scout his Webelo badge. Arrow Of Light is the final badge in Cub Scouts, and is give out to Senior Webelo Cub Scouts who elect to join a Boy Scout Troop. These badges are given out during the Blue And Gold dinner held in February. The Webelos cross-over to their new Boy Scout Troop during a special ceremony.
Webelo Badge and handbook
Arrow Of Light Badge ... the final badge in Cub Scouts