III.

Scouting Programs

The Scouting movement in the United States is open to boys and youths beginning in the first grade or between 7 and 20 years of age. The movement has three main divisions: Cub Scouting (including Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos), Boy Scouting, and Venturing, each designed for a different age level.

A.

Cub Scouting

Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades. The programs offer boys participation in family-centered activities, community service, and camping. Boys belong to a den, usually a group of six to eight boys. The dens form a pack that meets monthly.

Tiger Cubs is a Cub Scouting program for boys in the first grade (or who are age seven). Each boy has an adult partner. The Tiger Cub, working with the adult, completes a series of 15 indoor and outdoor activities to earn a Tiger Cub badge. Tiger Cubs wear a blue uniform with a blue-and-orange cap and neckerchief.

After the first grade, boys in the Cub Scouts advance through the ranks of Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear. The programs emphasize activities in and around the boys' homes, with an increasing emphasis on outdoor activities as the boys grow older. The uniform for Bobcats and Wolves is blue with a yellow cap and neckerchief. Bears wear the same uniform with a blue cap and neckerchief.

Webelos (short for “We’ll Be Loyal Scouts”) are boys who are in the fourth or fifth grade. Webelos may wear either the blue Cub Scout uniform or the tan-and-olive Boy Scout uniform with an olive-and-plaid cap. After achieving Webelos rank, boys can earn the Arrow of Light Award, the highest rank in Cub Scouting.

B.

Boy Scouting

Boy Scouting is available to boys who have finished the fifth grade, or who are at least 10 years old, until they reach the age of 17. Boy Scouts are grouped into troops, and each troop is divided into patrols of six to eight boys. Troops are led by Scoutmasters, who can be male or female and must be at least 21 years old. A boy who lives in an area without a Boy Scout troop can become a Lone Cub Scout or Lone Boy Scout and coordinate his activity with larger scout units by mail. A Boy Scout starts as a Scout and can move through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout by completing increasingly challenging requirements. The Boy Scout uniform consists of a tan shirt and olive pants.

C.

Venturing

The Venturing program is for young men and women aged 14 through 20. Venturing crews are organized by businesses and various community groups. Each crew provides Scouts with learning experiences and leadership skills in a career, hobby, sport, or outdoor program. Participants, called Venturers, usually wear forest green uniforms.