Cub Scout Program Updates

Cub Scout program updates are effective as of June 1, 2024.

We are excited to announce enhancements to the Cub Scout program that will make it more engaging for youth and simpler and more accessible for leaders! These updates are based on feedback from over 23,000 parents and Cub Scout leaders through various surveys and data.

These changes are focused on making the Cub Scout program more FUN for Cub Scouts, leaders, and parents. EASY to deliver the program at each rank, and SIMPLE to understand, explain, and support!

FOUR AREAS OF FOCUS

Bobcat is no longer a standalone joining "rank" and is recommended to be the first adventure a Cub Scout will earn at each rank from Lion to Arrow of Light. The requirements have been updated to make them age-appropriate for each rank and ensure that Scouting's fundamental values are reinforced annually.

For example, a Lion's Bobcat requirements focus on simple tasks like understanding what it means to be “friendly” and getting to know den members. As Cub Scouts get older, the requirements become more challenging.

Each rank will now feature six required adventures and two elective adventures to advance. The six required adventures will focus on Character/Leadership, Outdoors, Personal Fitness, Citizenship, Personal Safety, and Family/Reverence. There are at least sixteen elective adventures to choose from at each rank! Common electives across ranks include Fishing, Swimming, Cycling, and STEM.

This update now makes it possible for leaders to easily deliver the Cub Scout program to multi-rank dens or in a pack setting. It also makes the most popular activities available to all ranks through the electives.

Webelos and Arrow of Light are two separate ranks and to make that clear to all, each rank now has its own handbook and elective Adventures. Arrow of Light is now designed to prepare Cubs for Scouts BSA and join a troop between January and March.

*ATTENTION*
Current 4th grade Webelos should NOT begin work on Arrow of Light. Current 4th grade Webelos should work on elective adventures that will not be available next year as Arrow of Light electives. These include Aquanaut, Art Explosion, Aware and Care, Build It, and Earth Rocks!

Most Cub Scout awards have been reimagined as Cub Scout Adventures, which are elective topics that can be used to earn a badge of rank. These adventures include topics such as STEM, camping, and target sports.

This change comes as a result of minimal engagement with the prior Cub Scout Awards. As elective adventures, these activities will gain more popularity and give Cubs even more adventures to explore!

DELIVERING THE PROGRAM

Den leader resources are now entirely online at Scouting.org. There you can also find all Cub Scout Adventures for each rank with descriptions, supply lists, and ideas for activities that you can include in your meeting plans! Find links for Den Leader resources and Cub Scout Adventures below.