Cub Scout Basics

Advancement – The progression that moves the Cub Scouts from rank to rank.

Adventure – Adventures are “collections of themed, multidisciplinary activities representing approximately three den meetings’ worth of engaging content.” Tigers, Wolves, and Bears complete seven adventures to earn their rank badge. Webelos complete six adventures for their rank, and Arrows of Light complete five.

Akela – Anyone who is a leader to the Cub Scout. Akela can be a parent, teacher, den leader, Cubmaster, or any other adult who helps guide the Cub Scout.

Arrow of Light – The highest rank a Cub Scout can achieve. The Arrow of Light (AoL) badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform.

Buddy System – The buddy system is used to help Cub Scouts look out for each other. At Cub Scout events, especially outdoor activities, kids should find a partner. The buddies go everywhere together and know where each other is at all times. This helps ensure that the kids always have a partner to help him or her if they get lost or hurt.

Chartered Organization – Community or faith-based organizations that own and operate Cub Scout packs. They work under a “charter” from the Boy Scouts of America.

Class A Uniform – This is the official uniform of Cub Scouts. Lion Cub Scouts wear a t-shirt. Tigers, Wolves and Bears wear a blue shirt, while Webelos and AoLs wear the khaki Scouts BSA shirt. “Class A uniform” is not a BSA official term, but it is widely used by packs.

Class B Uniform – Class B uniforms are Scouting-related t-shirts. They can be pack t-shirts, day camp t-shirts, or any other Scouting t-shirt. They are officially called special purpose or activity uniforms.

Council – A council is a service center, chartered by the Boy Scouts of America, that is responsible for Scouting within its geographical area.

Crossover or Bridging – A Special ceremony where a Webelos Cub Scout “crosses over” or “bridges” from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA. It symbolizes the Scouts' induction into their Scouts BSA troop.

Cubmaster – A Cubmaster is the “face” of the pack. Cubmasters help plan and carry out the Cub Scout program in his or her pack. They support and motivate den leaders and parents. The Cubmaster serves as the emcee for pack meetings and other events. Cubmasters and pack committees work together to develop fun program ideas and activities.

Den – A den is a group of Scouts who are in the same grade. They work together to advance to the next level of Cub Scouts.

Denner – A Cub Scout who has been selected (by vote or appointment) to serve in a leadership role in their den. They have specific duties such as taking attendance, leading a flag ceremony, assisting with den activities and conducting a closing ceremony. Serving as a denner helps develop the Cub Scout's leadership skills.

Den Chief – An older Scout who is a member of Scouts BSA who has been selected to work with a Cub Scout den. They assist with den activities and serve as a role model (and often a friend) to the kids in the den. The den chief position is considered a leadership role by the Scouts BSA troop.

District – The geographic territory within a council is divided into districts. Districts vary in size. Some may span multiple counties, while others are one county. There may be multiple districts within one county, depending on its size.

District Executive – The District Executive (DE) is a paid employee of the local council. His or her role is to support Scouting in the district.

Pack – A Cub Scout pack is a collection of dens of all ranks. The pack organizes the dens, holds monthly meetings, and conducts larger events such as the Pinewood Derby or Blue & Gold banquet. Packs belong to a community organization, such as a church or a service club, which is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America to operate the Scouting program.

Rank – Cub Scouts are grouped by grade or age into specific ranks. Kindergarteners are Lions, first graders are Tigers, second graders are Wolves, third graders are Bears, fourth graders are Webelos, and fifth graders are Arrows of Light. Some people call fifth graders “Webelos,” but they're working on the Arrow of Light rank. The Scouts work toward their rank badge throughout the year. For example, the second grader is a Wolf, but they don't get their Wolf rank badge until they complete seven Wolf adventures.

Special Pack Events

Blue and Gold Banquet – Because February is the anniversary month of the Boy Scouts of America, many packs celebrate with a Blue and Gold banquet. The banquets are special events that can include games and entertainment. Cub Scouts often bring their whole families including grandparents. Some packs may choose to hold their Blue and Gold Banquet in another month.

Pinewood Derby – Cub Scout racing event. With help from their parents, Cub Scouts design and build a race car using a kit that contains a block of wood, plastic wheels, and axles made from nails.

Raingutter Regatta – Cub Scout racing event. For this race, Scouts build sailboats with balsa wood, a mast, a plastic sail, a plastic rudder and a metal keel.

Space Derby – Cub Scout racing event. Similar to the Pinewood Derby, Scouts build rockets that fly across a line using a rubber band-powered propeller.

Webelos – This rank's name has special meaning. It stands for WE'll BE LOyal Scouts. Always use the S even when referring to one Webelos. So, one Webelos, not one Webelo.

Webelos Colors – The Webelos Colors consist of a blue metal bar with the word “Webelos” on it. Below the bar are three woven streamers–one each of gold, red and green. The Scouts can display their adventure pins on the streamers. The Webelos Colors are worn on the right sleeve of the Webelos uniform.

Whittling Chip – The Whittling Chip is an award a Cub Scout can earn that gives them the privilege of carrying a pocketknife to specifically designated events. To earn the Whittling Chip, Cub Scouts have to know how to safely use and care for a pocketknife, make a carving, and promise to abide by the knife safety guidelines and the pocketknife pledge.

Woggle - A handmade paracord slide to be used in place of a metal slide.

Cub Scout curious? Or just signed up and are a brand new Scout family? We're so glad you found us!! 

Welcome to the wonderful world of Cub Scouting...

If you've not yet done so, come check out a Tuesday night den meeting and meet your leaders.

Our pack is made up of a diverse group of families with many unique skills and passions. We ask all new Scout parents to please complete this quick Family Survey , which allows us to plan and better utilize the amazing talents of all our Pack families!

Not sure where to get a Class A uniform? Or where to put patches? Our pack requires Class A for all den and pack meetings, unless otherwise stated. Class A for our pack is: uniform shirt, neckerchief, slide or woggle and pack hat. Uniform pants are optional (most kids just wear jeans). Uniform items can be purchased at the Nor'West Scout Shop in downtown Portland.  We do have a small stockpile of donated uniform shirts, and those in need are welcome to see if we have one in your child's size.

You'll also need a Cub Scout Handbook for your child's current grade. These can be purchased at the Scout Shop, or local Scouting retailer (Oregon City Sporting Goods). Cub Scout handbooks are grade specific, so make sure you purchase your child's current grade.  If you're joining in the Spring, ask the New Member Coordinator about borrowing a used handbook until the summer. 

We now take new scout applications online! However we encourage you to come check out one of our den meetings and talk to us before you apply. This allows us to go over the current dues for joining our pack, family involvement expectations, and answer any questions you might have about our optional fundraising to help families pay for the costs of scouting. 

The first rank your new scout will achieve is Bobcat. Click to find out how to get started on earning your first rank!

Any other questions or concerns? Feel free to email or talk to the New Member Coordinator at a Tuesday night meeting.

Happy Scouting!

All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and 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.

In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Scout motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.

Perhaps this quote by Sir Robert Baden-Powell from his 1914 book Quick Training for War is appropriate to include here: “… The books lay down definite principles and examples which serve to guide the leaders when applying their common sense to the situation before them. No two situations are ever precisely the same, and it is therefore impossible to lay down exact rules that should guide in every case, but a man who carries precedents and principles in his head has no difficulty in applying their teaching in supreme moments of sudden emergency …”

SWIMMING SKILLS, TEST, AND LOCATION GUIDELINES

*Note: Enter page number at the top of the pdf ___ / 328 

Swim Test Pg. 47-51 (Chapter 5)

Swim Locations Pg. 65-84  (Chapter 7)

Swim Skills Pg. 85-98  (Chapter 8)

Always bring:

• A first-aid kit. This can be a lifesaver. Literally. Check out how you can build your own first-aid kit.

• Water. It can prevent you from facing dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

• A flashlight. You need this to find your way in the dark (and make sure it has fresh batteries).

• Trail food. You’ll be glad you have fuel to maintain your energy.

• Sun protection. This might include sunblock, sunglasses, lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat. Applying your sun protection properly is also key.

• A whistle. Use it to call for help if you’re lost. Don’t use a whistle for fun!

For longer adventures in the outdoors, add these to your gear list:

• Extra clothing. Pack for the weather. Multiple layers are better than single, massive jacket. That way you can stay more adaptable to changing conditions.

• Rain gear. Being wet from rain mat result in hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition.

• A pocketknife or multitool can be handy in a wide variety of situations. Don’t forget to first earn your Whittling Chip (for older Cub Scouts) or Totin’ Chip (for older Scouts).

• A map and compass are probably the most important tools you can carry if you get lost!

(Scout Life)

True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, territory, area, council, district, and unit levels. Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers.

Pack 501 requires all adults attending any overnight camp to be Youth Protection Trained. Use your Scoutbook login (you should receive an email invite to setup your account shortly after submitting your youths application).

Click here to access BSA's Youth Protection Training

We welcome help from ALL PARENTS, AUNT, UNCLES, and more!

Our program is only as good as we can make it with our individual backgrounds, experience, careers, knowledge, etc.  If you can help in any way, please let us know!

How you ask?

Event Decorations, Signage, Input at Committee Meetings, Connections in our community, Activity Outing Ideas....just to name a few.