Cubs is where the adventure steps up a gear. For eight to ten-and-a-half year-olds, it's more independent, more outdoors and more challenging than Beavers — the point where a lot of young people really fall for Scouting.
Cubs go camping properly, hike further, and get their hands on activities that feel genuinely exciting: climbing, kayaking, archery, orienteering, cooking a whole meal over a fire. They learn the practical outdoor skills that make all of it possible — reading a map, pitching a tent, packing a rucksack, lighting a fire safely and putting it out.
Responsibility grows here too. Cubs work in small teams called sixes, each led by a senior Cub — a “sixer” — who helps organise the team, look after kit and welcome newer members. Cubs get a say in planning the programme, and take turns leading games and activities themselves.
There's a huge range of badges to chase at this age — dozens of activity badges covering everything from astronomy to skateboarding, staged badges for skills like hikes and nights away, and the Cubs' own top award, the Chief Scout's Silver Award. Working towards them gives Cubs their own goals to aim for.
Cubs also start looking outward: helping with community projects, learning about the wider world, meeting Cubs from other packs at district events and camps. It's still very much a place to belong — a pack with its own leaders, its own character and a group of friends who'll go on to Scouts together.
New Cubs are welcome to try a few sessions before joining, whether or not they've been in Beavers.
What a term looks like
- A weekend camp or a day of adventurous activities
- Outdoor skills — navigation, fire lighting, shelter building, cooking
- Adventurous activities such as climbing, kayaking or archery
- A community project or a visit that gives something back
- Working in sixes, with Cubs taking turns to lead
- Activity and staged badges, and the Chief Scout's Silver Award
Uniform: Green sweatshirt with the group necker.