Guide to Cub Scouts: Everything You Need To Know
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Ready to start your next adventure with Cubs? Whether you’re thinking about joining or moving up, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is packed with everything you need to know to make the most of your journey. From what to expect to the badges you can earn, we’ve answered your most common questions so you can feel confident, prepared, and excited for what’s ahead.
What are Cub Scouts?
Cub Scouts, or Cubs, are the third section of the Scouting family after Squirrels and Beavers. Cubs is designed for young people aged 8 to 10 ½ years old and offers the opportunity to try new things, have fun, go on adventures, make new friends, and explore the world. Most Cub groups meet once per week on a weekday evening, with extra days out and weekend activities throughout the year, including camps.
Did you know? 8 to 10 year olds within the Scouts were historically known as ‘Wolf Cubs’
Why join Cubs?
Joining Cubs gives young people aged 8 to 10½ the opportunity to develop new skills, grow in confidence, and discover who they are in a fun and supportive environment. It's all about trying new things, making friends, and enjoying adventures beyond the classroom. From exciting outdoor activities to mastering practical skills, Cubs offers plenty of opportunities to learn, laugh, and explore - while having fun and learning skills for life.
What age are Cub Scouts?
Cubs is for young people aged from their 8th birthday up to 10½ years old. The earliest you can join is at 7½, and you can stay until the day before your 11th birthday
How many people are in a Cubs group?
There are up to 36 people in a Cubs group, which is often called a ‘pack’. At Scouts, we welcome everyone, so the group will be of mixed genders.
What activities can you do at Cubs?
Cubs are encouraged to participate in a range of activities designed to help young people grow, learn, and develop courage. These are flexible and youth-led, meaning the members can choose and organise activities which suit their own interests. Cubs activities include:
- Outdoor Adventures, like swimming, raft building, camping, hiking, and stargazing
- Learning practical skills like collaboration, cooking, how to give first aid, shelter building and navigation
- Making an impact in the local community by campaigning, litter picking, collecting food bank donations, planting trees and volunteering
Many of these activities have associated Activity Badges, which Cubs proudly wear on their sweatshirts to display their achievements.
What uniform do Cubs wear?
Cubs uniform consists of a green crew neck sweatshirt, a group scarf or ‘necker’ as we like to call them, and a pair of navy blue activity trousers or shorts. Cubs can also wear a polo shirt and joggers in more informal settings. You can buy Cubs uniform from us here at Scout Store - the official retailer of UK Scouting uniform and merchandise.
UNIFORM
Cubs Uniform SweatshirtUNIFORM
Cubs Polo ShirtUNIFORM
Cubs Polo Shirt - PersonalisedUNIFORM
Scouts Activity Trousers - KidsUNIFORM
Scouts Activity Shorts - KidsWhat badges and awards can Cubs earn?
Cubs can earn a wide range of badges and awards that recognise their achievements and encourage them to challenge themselves. They begin with the Membership Award, which is given after making their Cub Promise, and can then work towards the Chief Scout’s Silver Award, the highest honour for Cubs. To achieve this, they must complete all seven Challenge Awards and earn six Activity or Staged Activity Badges of their choice. There is also the Moving On Award, which prepares Cubs for their transition to Scouts. This is just a small selection of the Cubs badges and awards on offer.
> Explore the full range of Cub awards here
Where do badges go on Cub Scout uniform?
Cub Scout badges are worn on the arms, shoulders and the front of the cubs uniform – each badge having it’s own place. The Chief Scouts Silver Award is worn on the right breast, along with Challenge Awards, Union Flags, Personal Awards and Commendation Awards. On the left breast, the Moving On Award, Joining In Awards and the World Membership Badge are worn. On the left sleeve, you’ll find the Activity Badges and the Staged Activity badges, and on the right sleeve, the District, Country and Area badges are worn. There are many more badges available, which can be explored in the image below.
What is the highest award Cubs can earn?
The highest award a Cub can earn is the Chief Scout’s Silver Award. This award represents the pinnacle of achievement for Cubs and requires them to complete all seven Challenge Awards (Our World, Our Skills, Our Outdoors, Our Adventure, Teamwork, Team Leader, and Personal Challenge) along with six Activity or Staged Activity Badges of their choice. It’s designed to encourage Cubs to develop a wide range of skills, take on new challenges, and demonstrate commitment and perseverance throughout their time in the section. Because of the amount of time it takes to complete, Cubs who choose to complete it will usually earn the award just before they move on to Scouts.
What badges transfer from Beavers to Cubs?
When a Beaver joins a Cub Pack, they may continue to wear the Chief Scout’s Bronze Award. The award must be removed when the Cub gains their Chief Scout’s Silver Award. It is to be worn on the right breast.
What colour is the Cubs flag?
The Cubs Flag is a bright yellow colour, with the Fleur-de-Lis icon and the Cubs logo below in green.
What comes after Cub Scouts?
After Cubs, young people will move on to Scouts, where they will stay until the age of 14. Scouting offers the opportunity for young people to try new things and build confidence through activities and challenges, both at home and away.
When do Cubs move to Scouts?
Most Cubs transition to Scouts between the ages of 10 and 11. The transition will be planned and agreed upon between the young person, their Cub Leader, and their new Scout Leader to make it as smooth as possible. Before a Cub moves up to Scouts, they will prepare by completing their Moving On Award, which involves spending 3 weeks with their potential new group to get to know them. Doing so helps them make friends and get used to how things will work in their new section.
What badges transfer from Cubs to Scouts?
When a Cub moves onto Scouts, some of the badges they earned are allowed to be transferred to their new uniform. These include the Moving On Award, Joining In Awards, Staged Activity Badges (the highest level achieved only), and Chief Scout Awards. You can also transfer over the Membership Badge and any District or County Badges.
Do you have to pay for Cub Scouts?
Yes, there is a small fee to pay, which supports materials and running costs. The cost varies by region, so it’s best to check directly with your local group. We believe that nobody should be excluded from Scouts because of the cost, which is why there are also grants available to make Scouts accessible for everyone.
How do I join Cubs?
If you are already a Scout, your Scout leader will usually arrange an introductory visit to your new Explorers group so you can meet the unit and get a feel for the programme before you start. If you haven’t been part of scouting before, you can still join Cubs!