Cub Scouts: Fun with a Purpose
Would you like to give your kids a chance to make new friends, bond with family, and have fun with a variety of activities? Cub Scouting is a fun, easy, and affordable program that is fun for any age or skill level.
Cub Scouts welcomes girls and boys in grades kindergarten to 5th grade and their families. Kids participate alongside their adult family members in activities that support learning, friendship, and values.
The Scouting organization has emerged from the challenges of the last few years by focusing on its core mission: preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. Our commitment to safety for all youth and adult members is fundamental to everything we do.
Find a Unit Near You!
We are excited that you are interested in joining Scouting America! Using the button below you can search by postal code for a Unit(s) near you. From there you can request more information or even apply online to join!
Why Cub Scouting?
For Values Development
The Mission of Scouting is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. The Scout Oath and Scout Law encourage service, kindness, accountability, and duty. In Cub Scouts, activities teach and reinforce these values in a simple, fun, and easy way. The Cub Scouts does not exclude any youth or adult member based on personal identity, circumstances, or abilities.
For Family Development
Unlike other kid’s activities, Cub Scouting includes adult family members in all aspects of the program. Families learn together, support each other, and develop deep bonds with other families that help them build resilience and cherished memories.
For Community Development
Cub Scouts learn to live their ideals in service to others and the community at large. Through projects such as Scouting for Food, Cub Scouts directly impact those in need. Whether they continue in Scouting or not, Cub Scouts learn they can make a difference in people’s lives.
How does Cub Scouting work?
Cub Scout Packs
A Pack is a unit of Cub Scouts that includes girls and boys. Each Pack is made of Dens who are in the same grade level. Packs meet monthly for larger activities and recognition, and Dens meet weekly for age-appropriate activities and outings. Pack and Den activities are planned and led by adult volunteers or Scouts and are designed to be fun for the Cub Scouts, their families, and the activity leaders.
Adult Leaders
Each Pack and Den has two or more adult leaders (21 or older) who are trained in Cub Scout programs, requirements, and principles. For coed Packs and Dens, at least one female adult leader is required to participate at all times. All adults involved with Scouting in any capacity must pass a background check and take Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse Training every year. Cub Scouting practices Two-Deep Leadership which ensures that two adult leaders are required for any engagement – in-person or electronic – with a Cub Scout or group of Cub Scouts.
Adventures
Adventures are the activities that Cub Scouts do during Den and Pack meetings and are how Cub Scouting delivers “fun with a purpose.” Each grade level has age-level Adventures that let Cub Scouts explore fitness and outdoor skills, teamwork, friendship, helping others, and learning Cub Scout values. Once an adventure is completed, Cub Scouts are given belt loops or pins to wear on their uniforms. There are 5 or 6 required Adventures for each grade level and many elective Adventures that allow Cub Scouts to follow their interests and try new things.
Advancement
Advancement in Cub Scouts is by grade level. All Cub Scouts who complete the required Adventures for their grade level advance to the next rank on June 1. Kids can join Cub Scouts at any time during the year, or at any grade level, and have plenty of opportunities to complete their required Adventures in time for Advancement. Arrow of Light (AOL) is the highest Cub Scout rank, for 5th grade boys and girls. AOL Cub Scouts begin their journey of transition to Scouts BSA by meeting Troops, participating in special transition activities, and finally joining a Scouts BSA Troop.
Uniforms
Cub Scout uniforms are designed to create a sense of unity, equality, identification, and personal commitment. The iconic Cub Scouts uniform represents the ideals of Scouting and enables Scouts and leaders to display accomplishments and demonstrate dedication. Uniforms must be well-maintained and worn neatly and are greatly encouraged to be worn for all Cub Scouting activities. Pack leadership can decide when uniforms must be worn, such as during a Court of Honor or community function.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor adventures build character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership. Scouts learn to have fun safely outdoors, whether on the water, on foot, on vehicles, or at a campsite. Scouts are taught outdoor ethics via the Leave No Trace program, ensuring Cub Scouts can enjoy outdoor adventures with minimal impact on the environment, wildlife, and other visitors. Packs plan camping trips to other locations such as parks, campgrounds, and even ski areas.
Camping
The Great Falls Council owns and operates Camp Gorton, Camp Sam Wood and Camp Scouthaven which provides Scouts with outdoor adventure opportunities each summer and throughout the year. Cub Scouts are highly encouraged to attend Cub Scout Adventure Camp, which offers unique Adventures, unmatched waterfront and shooting skills facilities, and fellowship with other Packs. We also run Cub Scout Day Camps in a variety of local locations. Get the fun of Adventure Camp, without staying overnight.
Costs
Compared with many other youth activities, Scouting is affordable for families! Financial assistance for membership dues is directly from Great Falls Council. Troops also hold fundraisers to defray costs associated with activities and trips.
Annual dues for Youth Members are $135. Membership begins the month that fees are paid and continues for 12 calendar months. Other costs may include uniforms, event fees, and personal camping equipment. Many Troops offer uniform swaps, have a stockpile of equipment, and cover fees through fundraising.
We also have a Family Rebate Program! When three or more members of a family register with the Great Falls Council, all registrants beyond the first two (the 3rd, 4th, 5th , etc.) will receive a $25.00 rebate (which is 50% of the local Council fee). Get your rebate by filling out the Family Rebate Form.
Money should never be a barrier to joining Scouting. If ever you find yourself in need, please contact the Unit you are interested in joining. There are several avenues of support. Many Units and their Chartering Organization have assistance plans in place. There are additional aid opportunities available from our Council. These, too, are accessed through the Unit Leaders. All support requests are treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. Welcome to the Scouting family. We are here to help!
You can contact Great Falls Council directly for more information about making Scouting affordable for your family scouting@gfcscouting.org.
