Cubs are young people, aged 8 to 10½ , who have fun and go on adventures, make friends and are curious about the world around them.

Every week, they gather in groups called Cub Packs to take part in lots of interesting and challenging activities – achieving anything they set their minds to, and having lots of fun along the way.

Being a Cub is all about growing and learning in small but mighty ways. Here are some of the things you’ll get up to with your new friends.

Exploring the great outdoors

Race down a river. Tell stories by torchlight. Fall asleep beneath the stars. Alongside your Pack, you’ll spend plenty of time in the great outdoors.

Try new skills and activities

Cubs learn by doing. Some of the skills you develop will be practical, like knowing how to cook a delicious meal or give someone first aid.

Help others in the community

Whether it’s changing the whole world or helping a friend to try something new we always lend a hand.

Cubs is open to all, and we usually tweak things to make sure everyone can join in the fun. If you have any questions about accessibility, chat with us as soon as possible. More information on specific adjustments can be found here. 

Questions? We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.

Who runs Cubs?

Each Pack is made up of young people aged 8 to 10, led by an adult Cub leader traditionally nicknamed Akela after the wise leader of the wolf pack in Rudyard Kipling’s novel, The Jungle Book.

As well as the Cub leader, other adults are on hand to supervise activities, share their skills and keep everyone safe. Other young people aged 14 to 18 might help out, too. These are Explorer Scouts taking part in the Explorer Scout Young Leader programme. Within their Pack, Cubs are also part of a Six. A Six is a smaller group of Cubs, headed up by a Sixer and a Seconder. Sixers and Seconders are Cub Scouts who are chosen to take on leadership responsibilities, such as welcoming new people to the Pack, being extra helpful on camp, or taking charge of a particular game or activity.

How much does it cost?

The cost of going to Cubs will vary depending on how your local Pack does things. Usually, a basic fee covering the cost of the hire and upkeep of the Cub meeting place will be collected weekly, monthly, termly or annually – depending on local arrangements. Trips, camps and activities that take place away from the usual meeting place are usually charged separately.

Cubs is designed to be an accessible and affordable way for young people to learn lots of new skills through a single membership. Nobody should feel excluded from Cub activities because of money worries. If they’re concerned about costs, adults should speak to their local leader in confidence, to see what they can do to help. In most cases, support is available to make sure nobody misses out.

Is there a waiting list?

Lots of young people want to join Cubs and sometimes you might have to wait for a space to become available before you can start your journey. If your local Pack has a waiting list, parents and other adults might want to think about what they could do to help out. Regardless of skillset or availability, there’s an opportunity for everyone to contribute.

Is there a uniform?

On your first night at Cubs, you’ll be taking part in lots of activities, and should just wear something you feel comfortable in.

Eventually, you’ll get your own Cub uniform to wear to meetings and camps. Wearing a uniform is comfy and practical. It means no one feels uncomfortable or left out and helps everyone to feel a part of the Pack. It also gives you a place to show off all the badges you earn.

For Cubs, the uniform consists of a green sweatshirt with your badges sewn on and a coloured scarf or ‘necker’ to represent your local group. There are lots of other optional accessories you can wear such as hats, hoodies, navy blue trousers or shorts. Uniform can either be bought from our online shop – Scout Store – or from a local supplier. If you’re not sure where to start, adult volunteers can give you more information about what to buy and where to buy it.

Badges and Uniform

Completing badges challenges you to do more, learn more and be more. See what’s on offer and start your journey to the top.

Cub volunteers

All of our leaders are trained volunteers, working to make sure Scouting is safe, inclusive and accessible. Some lead the Pack week in and week out. Others visit occasionally to help run a session or drop in to share their skills.

Moving to Scouts

Eventually, it’ll be time to say farewell to Cubs and embrace your next big adventure.