While Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA are similar there are several key differences that Scouts and their families should be aware of as a Scout transitions between the two programs. There are several obvious differences (e.g., the ages of the program’s members, the ranks to be earned), but let’s focus on the most significant differences members experience during their transition into the Troop:
Cub Scouts
Scouts BSA
Unit Structure
Cub Scouts
- Cub Scouts are a member of a Den made up of girls or boys working toward the same rank.
- All the Dens in a unit make up a Pack.
- A Pack can be all-boy, all-girl, or a mix of all-boy and all-girl Dens.
- Dens meet one to two times a month, typically separate from a Pack meeting.
- Packs meet at least once a month.
Scouts BSA
- Scouts are organized into Patrols.
- All the Patrols in a unit make up the Troop.
- Troop 457 is an all-boy Troop. (We will explore forming an all-girl Troop if there is sufficient interest.)
- Our Patrols are typically made of Scouts who joined the Troop around the same time.
- We meet weekly and Patrols typically meet during this meeting.
Leadership
Cub Scouts
- Cub Scouts are led by their Adult Leaders who plan and conduct meetings and activities.
- Dens are led by one or more adult Den Leader.
- Packs are led by the Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster(s).
- Den and Pack event planning and administrative functions are handled by the Pack Committee.
Scouts BSA
- Scouts BSA patrols and troops are led by youth members.
- Scouts are responsible for planning and conducting meetings and activities.
- Adults step in when asked for help or to perform tasks that the Scouts themselves cannot (i.e. transportation to events, large/expensive purchases)
- Patrols are led by the youth Patrol Leader.
- The Troop is led by the Senior Patrol Leader.
- Events are planned by the youth Patrol Leaders Council.
- The youth leaders are guided and mentored by the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters.
- The Troop and Patrols’ administrative tasks are handled by the adult Troop Committee.
Chain of Command
Cub Scouts
When a Scout has a problem or a question, they go to their parent, Den Leader of Cubmaster.
Scouts BSA
When a Scout has a problem or question, they follow the Troop’s chain of command until it has been sufficiently addressed:
- Patrol Leader
- Senior Patrol Leader
- Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster
Health and safety issues are always communicated directly to an adult.
Advancement
Cub Scouts
- Cub Scouts complete Adventures to earn a Rank.
- Cub Scout Ranks and Adventures are based on the Scout’s age / grade.
- Ranks and adventures must be completed within the Scouting year (June 1 – May 31)
- A Scout can only work on the rank and adventures appropriate for their age (excluding the Bobcat requirement).
- A Cub Scout does not need to earn a prior year’s rank in order to earn the current year’s rank.
- Cub Scouts work together as a Den to complete the requirements for adventures and ranks.
- Requirements can be approved by a Den Leader, Cubmaster, or even a parent. When the Den has completed the requirement.
Scouts BSA
- Scouts work on Ranks and Merit Badges
- Unlink Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA ranks have specific requirements beyond completing Adventures/Merit Badges. Rank requirements focus on building core Scouting skills like first aid, camping, citizenship, and leadership.
- There are over 130 Merit Badges.
- Similar to Cub Scout adventures, Merit Badges are focused on specific topics area.
- Some Merit Badges are considered “required” and must be earned in order to become an Eagle Scout. Other optional merit badges can be chosen based on the Scout’s individual interest.
- A Scout may have to earn a specific number of Merit Badges as a requirement for their rank (e.g., A Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, including 13 required Merit Badges)
- Scouts work independently to complete rank requirements and merit badges.
- Parents can guide their Scout in advancement, but ultimately advancement is planned and assisted by patrol leaders and adults.
- Rank Requirements can be signed of by an adult leader or an authorized youth when the Scout has demonstrated completion of the requirement.
- Registered Merit Badge counselors can sign-off on requirements for the merit badges they support.
Learning Methods
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts learn new skills by being taught by leaders or, in some cases, Scouts BSA members.
Scouts BSA
Scouts learn by doing and ultimately by teaching new skills to others. This is accomplished through the EDGE Method:
- Explain how it is done
- Demonstrate the steps
- Guide learners as they practice
- Enable them to succeed on their own
Camping & Activities
Cub Scouts
- LImited to Scout and parent weekend or day trips
- May include camping in tents or cabins
- Summer Camp is limited to two or three nights.
- Campouts are typically very structured.
- Activities are limited by the Guide to Safe Scouting “age-appropriate” guidelines.
Scouts BSA
- Monthly camping trips as well as additional outdoor day activities.
- At least one week of camping each summer (at Summer Camp)
- Scouts and Adults are required to tent separately.
- Not every minute of of the campout is scheduled. Free time is important so Scouts can hang out with friends, walk in the woods, work on advancement, sleep, play sport, or do nothing at all.
- Older Scouts (13+) may also have the opportunity to attend one of the BSA’s four High Adventure bases for an extended, high intensity experience (i.e., 7-10 day backpacking trip, sailing in the Caribbean)
- Additional activities are are available based on the Guide to Safe Scouting “age-appropriate” guidelines.