How Cub Scouting Works

New to Scouting? Here’s How It Works

Cub Scouting is a national program for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade, built around hands-on adventures, outdoor experiences, and a set of values scouts live by — the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Whether your family has done this before or this is all brand new, here’s the shape of a year in Pack 214.

Ranks & Dens

Every scout is grouped by grade into a den — a small group of same-age scouts who meet weekly with a den leader. As scouts move up a grade each June, they earn a new rank:

• Kindergarten → Lion
• 1st Grade → Tiger
• 2nd Grade → Wolf
• 3rd Grade → Bear
• 4th Grade → Webelos
• 5th Grade → Arrow of Light (AOL)

After AOL, scouts “cross over” to a Scouts BSA troop to continue their journey — see Crossing Over to Scouts BSA for how that works in Pack 214.

Den Meetings vs. Pack Meetings

• Den meetings happen weekly (Tuesdays at MUMC) — this is where your scout works on hands-on activities with their den.
• Pack meetings happen once a month (Eagle’s Nest) — the whole pack comes together for ceremonies, awards, and bigger group activities.
• Committee meetings are a separate, adult-only meeting where pack leadership handles logistics, budget, and planning. You’re always welcome to attend, but it’s not scout-facing.

Adventures & Advancement

Scouts earn their rank by completing “adventures” — hands-on activities tied to their age group, like building things, learning outdoor skills, or exploring science and nature. Completed adventures are tracked in Scoutbook and lead to badges, belt loops, and pins your scout wears with pride. Everyone moves at their own pace — there’s no falling behind.

Parents Are Part of It

Cub Scouting is a family program, especially for our youngest scouts — Lion and Tiger parents are expected to stay and participate in den meetings alongside their scout. As scouts get older, they’ll do more on their own, but Cub Scouting is built to be something your whole family experiences together.

A Typical Year

Beyond weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings, Pack 214’s year includes a Scouting Kickoff, Cub O’Ree (our fall family camping weekend), the Pinewood Derby, service projects, and a springtime Crossover Ceremony for our oldest scouts. See our full calendar for what’s coming up.

Scouting Beyond Pack 214

Pack 214 is part of a larger Scouting structure. We’re one of several packs in the Etowah District, which is part of the Mecklenburg County Council, part of Scouting America nationally. Council also runs optional summer programs many of our families attend, like Webelos Adventure Camp and Cub Scout Day Camp — details are shared each spring via Cubby Notes and on the Mecklenburg County Council website.

Looking for a pack near a different address, or comparing options before you commit to Pack 214? BeAScout is Scouting America’s official unit finder.