Getting Started
Uniforms
As a new cub scout, there are a few items your child will need.
First is a uniform. Why a uniform? Wearing uniforms has been a method of scouting right from the beginning in 1910. Decades of experience show that wearing a uniform carries many benefits including fostering a sense of equality in the pack, identification, achievement recognition and commitment to the ideals of scouting including duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.
Cub Scout Uniform Checklist
- Blue Uniform Shirt or t-shirt for Lions (Kindergarten age den)
- Crossroads of the West Council patch and Pack numbers for uniform shirt, with optional World Scout patch
- Blue pants, shorts or skorts
- Belt – essential for holding earned belt loops
- Hat – optional but highly recommended for outdoor activities
- Neckerchief – each den (grade level) has a unique animal and color
- Neckerchief slide – official BSA slide or handmade slide
- Blue socks with color for den (not required for Pack 1)
Webelos Uniforms
Webelos scouts (4th and 5th grade) have the option to wear the tan BSA Scout uniform and green pants/shorts instead of the blue uniform. Instead of belt loops, Webelos display adventure pins on their right sleeve using “Webelos Colors” or on their uniform hat.
“The uniform is an important part of delivering the complete Scouting experience to your child.”
Uniforms are available from the official BSA Scout Shop. You may also purchase everything you need from the Crossroads of the West Council Utah Valley Scout Shop, which sells new uniforms pre-sewn with most of the basic patches your scout will need.
You can often save money by purchasing used uniforms from online shops like eBay or from local thrift stores like Deseret Industries and Goodwill.
Den Handbook
Each cub scout will need the Cub Scout Handbook for their den (grade level). Handbooks have all the required and elective adventures for each rank. Handbooks also help you keep a record of your scout’s progress on the various adventures. For that reason, we recommend NOT getting a digital (ebook) version of the handbook. If you purchase a used handbook, make sure it is the 2018 edition (usually comes spiral bound). Earlier editions have outdated rank advancement requirements and adventures.
Cub Scout Unit Organization
A den is a group of scouts with the same gender and grade that meet together twice per month. Lion and Tiger scouts attend with their parent or guardian.
Dens
Aligned by Grade Level, led by Den Leaders
The pack is made up of several dens. Each pack is identified by a number. We’re number 1! Packs are led by the Cubmaster and meet together monthly.
Pack
All Dens within Pack 1, led by a Cubmaster
Volunteer LEaders
The cub scouting program would not be possible without the ongoing and active support of volunteer leaders and parents. Perhaps the most recognizable leader is the Cubmaster. Cubmasters lead monthly pack meetings, help plan the yearly activity calendar and support the various Den Leaders however they can. Cubmasters can’t do it alone. Here are some of the other capacities in which our volunteers serve, and how you can help!
Den Leaders
Dens are led by trained volunteers called Den Leaders. With parental assistance, Den Leaders help plan and carry out activities related to adventures in the Cub Scout Handbook. Den Leaders are usually the parent or guardian of one of the scouts within the den.
Pack Committee
All parents of scouts in Pack 1 are encouraged to join the pack committee. Led by our Pack Committee Chair, this group helps plan activities, organize fundraisers, handle pack finances, coordinate rank advancement logistics and otherwise support the pack.
Chartering Org
Every unit in scouting must be sponsored by a chartering organization. The Chartering Org Representative (COR) serves on the Pack committee, approves new leaders for the pack, and coordinates with the chartering org when needed. Our chartering org is CLAS Ropes Course.
Rank Advancements and Achievements
Cub scouts do not earn merit badges like older scouts do. Instead, they complete Adventures. Adventures are activities designed to help the scout have fun while developing new skills and knowledge. Since all Adventures are cub scouts are not allowed to earn prior grade-level ranks (it would be too easy for them). An older cub scout just joining scouting would earn their Bobcat badge and then immediately begin the den rank appropriate for their grade. Rank requirements get more challenging as scouts get older to match with the new skills and abilities they have learned.
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Bobcat Badge
Beginning with first graders (Tiger Scouts) all new cub scouts start by earning their Bobcat Badge. This is the badge that teaches scouts about the fundamentals of cub scouting, including helping them learn about the Scout Law, Oath, Motto, Sign and Handshake.
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Adventures
Adventures are activities designed to help the scout have fun while developing new skills and knowledge. Most adventures can be completed in two den meetings and a den outing. Cub scouts receive adventure loops or pins (Webelos) for every adventure they complete.
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Den Rank Badge
A scout must complete all required adventures (4-6 per rank) as well as one elective adventure for their den rank. In addition, there’s a safety activity or two each scout must complete in order to earn the rank badge for their grade level. In all, there are seven rank badges – Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bobcat, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.
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Additional Awards
Scouting offers a vast array of additional badges and recognitions that cub scouts may earn. All of these are optional. Many may be earned simply by participating in pack activities such as the annual Popcorn fundraiser, completing educational activities at the zoo or attending cub scout day camp.
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