How Cub Scouting Works

Cub Scouting is a national program for boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade, built around hands-on adventures, time outdoors, and the values in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Whether your family has done this before or it’s all brand new, here’s what a year in Pack 214 looks like.

Ranks and dens

Every Scout belongs to a den: a small group of Scouts in the same school grade who meet with a den leader. Each grade has its own rank:

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

Each summer, Scouts move up to the den for their new grade. During the year, they earn that rank by completing adventures (see below).

After Arrow of Light, Scouts can “cross over” to a Scouts BSA troop, Scouting America’s program for older youth. See Crossing Over to Scouts BSA for how that works in Pack 214.

Den meetings, pack meetings, and committee meetings

Den meetings

Den meetings are Tuesday evenings at Matthews United Methodist Church. This is where your Scout works on hands-on activities with their den.

Pack meetings

Pack meetings are about once a month in the Eagle’s Nest. The whole Pack comes together for ceremonies, awards, and bigger group activities.

Committee meetings

Committee meetings are a separate, adults-only meeting where Pack leaders handle planning, budget, and logistics. You’re always welcome to attend.

Adventures and advancement

Scouts earn their rank by completing adventures: hands-on activities for their age group, like building things, learning outdoor skills, or exploring science and nature. Completed adventures are tracked online in Scoutbook and earn awards your Scout wears on their uniform. Everyone moves at their own pace, so there’s no falling behind.

Parents are part of it

Cub Scouting is a family program. Lion and Tiger parents take part in every meeting with their Scout as their adult partner; see what adult partners do. As Scouts get older they do more on their own, but Cub Scouting is built to be something your whole family does together.

A typical year

Beyond den and pack meetings, here’s what a Pack 214 year usually includes. The Pack calendar has this year’s dates.

When	Event	What it is
Late summer	Scouting Kickoff	An open house to start the year and meet the Pack.
Fall	Popcorn sale	The Pack’s main fundraiser, which helps pay for activities and awards.
Fall	Cub O’Ree	Our family camping weekend, with other packs from our district.
February	Blue and Gold	A special pack meeting celebrating Scouting’s birthday.
February	Scout Sunday	An optional worship service at Matthews United Methodist Church, our chartered organization, that honors Scouting.
Late winter	Pinewood Derby	Scouts build and race small wooden cars.
Spring	Super Trip	The Pack’s big spring outing.
Spring	Crossover	Arrow of Light Scouts cross over to a Scouts BSA troop.
May and June	Year-end picnic and campout
All year	Service projects	Like greenway clean-ups.

Scouting beyond Pack 214

Pack 214 is part of a larger Scouting structure. We’re one of several packs in the Etowah District of the Mecklenburg County Council, part of Scouting America. The council also runs optional programs many of our families attend, like Webelos Adventure Camp, Cub Scout Day Camp, and Trailblazer Day, a great low-commitment way for a new or prospective family to try Scouting. Dates are on the Pack calendar and in Cubby Notes.

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.

Ready to join? Join Pack 214 walks you through every step, and Program Costs explains what it costs. Questions? Email [email protected].

How to Join Pack 214

Get Cubby Notes, Our Family Email

How Cub Scouting Works