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SCOUTING 101

Understanding Scout Adventures

Cub Scout Adventures

Throughout the year, Scouts work towards earning the badge associated with their rank. Each badge of rank is earned by completing six required and two elective adventures. Throughout the year Scouts work on these adventures, primarily in monthly den meetings, but supported by pack meetings. Every time a Scout completes an adventure, they receive a belt loop or pin showing their accomplishment, typically during the den meeting.

At the end of the year, Scouts are presented with their badges of rank, during the May "Crossing Over" ceremony.

Grades K-3

Adventure Belt Loops

(During year)

Badges of Rank

(Year end)

Grades 4-5

Adventure Pins

(During year)

Badges of Rank

(Year end)

Required Adventures

There are six required adventures for each rank. The specific requirements vary by grade, so that the youngest Scouts do simpler activities while older Scouts do more advanced. For example, Lions and Tigers only do a 20-minute walk outside observing nature, while Webelos Scouts need to do a 2-mile hike. In this way the program builds on itself year by year. Most adventures have ~5 requirements.

While the specific requirements vary, the themes of the 6 required adventures is the same for all ranks. They are: Character & Leadership, Outdoor Fun, Citizenship & Service, Health and Personal Fitness, Safety & Preparedness, and Family, Faith & Inclusivity. These are the focus areas of Cub Scouts.

Bobcat: Character & Leadership

Outdoor Fun: Hiking & Camping

Citizenship & Service

Health & Personal Fitness

Safety & Preparedness

Family, Faith, & Inclusivity

Sample Adventures

The following adventures are from the same theme of Health & Personal Fitness, but demonstrate how the requirements change each year. To see a list of all adventures and their requirements, see this page: Cub Scout Adventures.

Lion (K)

Fun on the Run

Identify the 5 different food groups.
Practice hand washing. Point out when you should wash your hands.
Be active for 20 minutes.
Practice methods that help you rest.

Wolf (2nd)

Running with the Pack

Sample 3 different foods that are naturally 3 different colors. The food must be a protein, vegetable or fruit.
Demonstrate the proper way to brush your teeth.
Be active for 30 minutes with your den or at least 1 other person that includes both stretching and moving.
Be active for 10 minutes doing personal exercises.
Do a relaxing activity for 10 minutes.

AOL (5th)

Personal Fitness

Plan a balanced meal that you would eat when camping. Prepare that meal using the gear you would use on a campout.
Examine what it is to be physically fit and how you incorporate this in your life. Track the number of times you are active for 30 minutes or longer over a 14-day period. Share with your patrol or family what you enjoyed and if you feel you are living up to the Scout Oath of being physically fit.
Be active for 30 minutes with your patrol, a younger den, or at least 1 other person, that includes both stretching and moving.
Review your BSA Annual Health and Medical record with your parent or guardian. Discuss your ability to participate in pack and den activities.

Elective Adventures

To earn a rank each Scout must complete at least two elective adventures. Dens decide as a group what electives they'd like to earn, based on the interests of the particular Scouts. Each rank has over 16 electives in various subjects, tailored to the level of the Scout. While some electives are unique to a particular rank, electives in these topics are available to all Scouts:

Fishing
Cycling
Swimming
Camping
Conservation

Pinewood Derby
Science or Technology
Summertime Activities
Archery, slingshots, and BB-guns (District events only)

Up next in your Scouting 101 tour: Bobcat: Character & Leadership

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