Your time volunteering in Cub Scouting will be rewarding and fun, and the information here will help you get off to the right start.
This brochure is designed to help new families understand the basics of Cub Scouting when they first join.
The Cub Scout Leader Book provides details on how to organize and deliver the Cub Scout program. Updated in 2024. Click here for the free PDF version.
Guide to Safe Scouting
All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting, applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, the policy statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.
Use this to help the Pack Committee and Chartered Organization use a proven technique to identify and recruit leaders for your Pack.
Digital Tools
Scoutbook
Once you are a registered as a Pack Committee Chair Scoutbook is your online resource to assist you with managing the Pack. Calendars, tracking and reporting awards, and communication with parents.
Scoutbook is free for everyone registered in Scouting. Once you are registered, you or another leader can set up who is in your den and off you go!
Scouting App
The Scouting App provides parents the ability to see how their child is progressing, get notifications about meetings, and inform Den Leaders when a Cub Scout has completed a requirement at home.
Make sure all your parents download the Scouting App for free onto their mobile device.
Scouting Magazine App
The digital magazine Scouting is provided free to all registered adult leaders, parents and any other interested adults. It contains articles not only about Scouting but also about youth development and parenting.
Download on the App Store or Google Play.
Cub Chat Live!
Cub Chat Live is a Facebook Live event that happens every Friday at 2 p.m. Central. Hosted by Scouting Magazine this weekly show features the National Director of Cub Scouting and/or the National Chair of Cub Scouting addressing Cub Scout program questions.
All episodes are recorded and can be watched on the Scouting Magazine Facebook page. Cub Chat Live!
More Resources
Free On-line Resources
Family Talent Survey – One of the first things to have parents in your den complete is this survey to help you identify parents who have resources.
Cub Scout Resources Sheet – At a glance page of resources to support Cub Scout leaders. Provides QR codes for quick access to resources.
Planning Your Annual Pack Budget – A quality program is well planned and well funded. This worksheet gives step by step instructions on how to properly plan your pack finances for the year.
Pack Budget Worksheet – This worksheet will get you started on developing an annual budget for your Pack. The excel sheet gives examples of sources of revenue and common expenses for the year.
Activity Consent Form – The recommended use of this form is for the consent and approval for Cub Scouts to participate in any activity that is not at your regular den meeting location.
Resources Available for Purchase
Den Code of Conduct Poster Set – This set includes a poster to create your Den Code of Conduct, and a posters of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Rank Pocket Certificates – Used to recognize Cub Scouts when they complete their badge of rank. Most packs provide this at Pack Meetings.
Webelos Rank Pocket Certificate
Arrow of Light Pocket Certificate Adventure Pocket Certificate – Used to recognize Cub Scouts when they complete an adventure, used for all ranks. Most packs provide this at Pack Meetings.
Health and Safety
Incident Reporting – Timely, clear, concise, and complete incident reports allow for an appropriate response and an opportunity for analysis while promoting continuous improvement of our programs. You can report incidents, near misses, and youth protection / membership infraction incidents to your local council.
Meeting Place Inspection Sheet – If not already done for your den meeting location, complete this inspection sheet.
Annual Health and Medical Record – Each Cub Scout and adult leader participating in an activity that is not at your regular den meeting location is to complete this medical record. A copy of the record is to be with the leader of the activity or a designee.
Age Appropriate Guidelines – This chart indicates what activities your Cub Scouts are allowed to participate in.
Cub Scout Special Recognition
Learn about other recognition that Cub Scouts can earn as they participate in special events or activities.
Adult Leader Awards
Recognizing adult leaders in your Pack retains leaders. Making adult leaders award of awards they can earn helps bring the excitement and fun of Cub Scouting to everyone.
