Lion Cubs
A guide for parents
Welcome to Cub Scouting, and the Lion Cub program! We are happy to welcome you into the scouting
family as you begin your kindergarten adventures. This guide has been created by Anna-Marie Rieffer, the
Chief Black Dog District Lion Coordinator, as an additional reference to the Lion Cub packet you received
with your registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Lion Cubs?
*Lion Cubs are kindergarten boys who along with their adult partner (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle,
etc) form a den. At the end of kindergarten, Lion Cubs graduate to Tiger Cubs.
What is the difference between a den and a pack?
* A den is typically 6-8 boys, but some are smaller or larger, and all boys in the den are in the same grade.
Several dens make up a pack. The pack is the group of Cub Scouts ranging in age from kindergarten
through fifth grade.
What is the Lion Cub uniform?
*Lion Cubs have a special t-shirt that is available at the local Scout Shops. These shirts are gray with the
Lion Cub logo on them, and come in both youth and adult sizes. Some packs choose to have their Lions
wear the pack t-shirt or the blue Cub Scout uniform shirt.
What do Lion Cubs do?
*Lion Cubs Explore the world around them using the Lion Cub Adventure Guide. They meet twice a
month, once for a den meeting and once for a Grand Adventure Outing. Lion Cubs can attend pack
meetings, pack activities, and participate in fundraising. Lions participate within their comfort level. Lion
Cubs can also attend council day camps!
What awards do Lions earn?
*Lion Cubs earn beads for monthly activities. Lion’s receive a brown bead for each Grand Adventure
activity, a white bead for each family activity, and a yellow bead for each den activity. At the end of the
year, Lion Cubs receive their Lion badge which is worn on the uniform in place of the Bobcat badge. Lions
may also earn academic and sport belt loops during pack meetings or activities.
Do Lions have a handbook?
*Yes. Each family will receive a packet with their son’s handbook and an adult guide as part of the
registration process. You should receive this packet early in the fall.
Who is our den leader?
*Lion Cubs are led by the shared leadership of the parents in the den. Parents take turns leading the
monthly meeting and organizing the Grand Adventure outings. The pack has a Lion Cub Coordinator who
acts as a guide and will help you get started as well as answer any questions you may have. Taking turns
leading activities is a great way for parents to get to know the boys, and give the boys a chance to learn
from different adults.
I have no idea how to plan a meeting, or how scouting works! How can I lead a meeting?
*Your pack’s Lion Cub Coordinator and Cubmaster are there to help you. They know parents of new
scouts are still learning about the program. The Cub Scout Motto applies to us all, not just the boys. All
we ask is that you “do your best.” The parent guide has activity suggestions for each month’s meeting and
gives a list of Grand Adventure ideas. There is also a list of Grand Adventure ideas both from the parent
guide and other pack leaders included in this packet.
It’s my turn to lead a meeting and organize a Grand Adventure, but I’m feeling overwhelmed!
*Ask for help. Call your Cubmaster, or another den leader. No question is too small. Remember that all of
the pack leaders were “new” at one time. We may not have all the answers, but we’ll do our best to get
you what you need! Don’t forget to ask other parents in the den if they could lend a hand.
There are so many activities listed in the adult guide. Which ones do we do at a meeting?
*The adult guide lists many activities for each month’s den meeting. You simply choose the activities that
you are comfortable leading. Keep in mind that the activities list an expected duration, but the boys will
often finish early or take longer. It’s best to have extra activities planned than to run out of things to do.
Lion Cub Monthly Themes
OCT
I am special, we are special
NOV
My family is special
DEC
My neighborhood is special
JAN
How does it work?
FEB
I’ll use my words
MAR
Let’s figure it out
APR
Health and fitness
MAY
Let’s go outside
Lion Cub Grand Adventure Ideas
OCT I am special, we are special
-Visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard
NOV My family is special
-volunteer with an animal shelter or rescue organization
-hold a potluck dinner where families bring a dish that reflects their heritage
DEC
My neighborhood is special
-Take a walk around the neighborhood looking at holiday decorations
-Take an “I Spy” walk; make spyglasses with paper towel rolls and go on a shape hunt
outside
-Have a “taste of home” gathering where each family shares a special game, dance, or
outfits that reflect their culture
JAN How does it work?
-MN Children’s Museum (the 3rd Sunday of each month is free admission)
-visit a construction site
-visit the Science Museum
-tour the fire station, and learn about how fire trucks work
FEB
I’ll use my words
-visit the Science Museum where everything is “true”
-visit a library or post office
MAR
Let’s figure it out
-attend a children’s theater performance, community band or orchestra performance,
- Attend an athletic event (many JV high school games are free)
APR
Health and fitness
-Go grocery shopping; plan a snack or meal and shop for the ingredients
-Visit a food coop (Valley Natural Foods offers free tours to groups)
MAY Let’s go outside
-Visit the zoo
-“Pick Your Spot”; each child and adult picks a spot as their own and then enjoys what
they see/hear/smell/touch
-Go on a nature hike at a local park
-Try geocaching (Lebanon Hills Visitor Center has GPS units available to check out at
no cost)
-Visit the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center to learn about local animals