frequently asked questions cub scouts
Cub Scouting – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does the Council rent out Pinewood Derby tracks?
A. No, but we do have a list of individuals that rent out Pinewood, Space Derby and Regatta tracks.
Q. One of our Cub Scouts lost an arrow point, how do we get a new one?
A. Go to any Scout Shop, explain the situation and you can purchase a new one.
Q. Where do I find program helps for my Webelos Den?
A. Webelos leaders use the Webelos Leader Guide. This publications does not change every year like the Cub Scout program helps.
Q. Can the religious knot earned as a Cub Scout be worn on the Boy Scout uniform?
A. Yes, and you may also purchase a Cub Scout device that can be worn in the center of the knot showing which program he earned the knot. After he earns his religious award as a Boy Scout there is a device for that program.
Q. My son earned the Cub Scout Activity Award as a Tiger Cub but did not receive it. He is now in the Wolf Den, can he still receive it?
A. Yes.
Q. I would like to have my son join a Tiger Cub den. How do I find a unit for him?
A. Call the Council Registration Department, they can help you locate a Pack that has a Tiger Cub Den.
Q. I have a boy who has just joined Cub Scouting and is Webelos Scout age. Can he still earn his Arrow of Light award?
A. Yes! He will need to earn his Bobcat award first and then he can go on to earn his Webelos Award and then his Arrow of Light.
Q. What is the correct way to refer to a single boy in a Webelos den?
A. A single boy is a Webelos.
Q. Our den is working on the Sports and Academics pin for Language and Culture. One of the requirements is to say five words in American Sign Language. Does teaching the boys how to sign their name and learn to sign four other words qualify or do they have to spell out four other words?
A. Requirement #7 says, “Say five words in American Sign Language. One of these words could be your first name.” They could spell their name and sign the other four words or they could learn the sign for all five words.
Q. I’m a new Webelos leader, do you have a training video that I could check out?
A. Yes, we do have videos that can be checked out. Fast Start training can be taken online or you may check out a Fast Start video. After that you should attend a basic training that would include New Leader Essential and Leader Specific training. Ask your District Executive or inquire at the Roundtable as to when the next training will be offered.
Q. Is it necessary to have two leaders at a den meeting? Does a den chief qualify?
A. Yes. Information on National’s website www.scouting.org says, “The den leader and assistant den leader (or another adult) attend all den meetings with the Cub Scouts. (At least two adults must be present at all meetings.) Tiger Cub den meetings are also attended by each Tiger Cub’s adult partner. Wolf, Bear, and Webelos den meetings are often attended by a den chief, a Boy Scout or Venturer who assists the adult leaders. An activity badge counselor who has been asked to help with a specific badge may also attend a Webelos den meeting. Sometimes a parent, guardian, or other family member might be asked to help at a specific meeting, but family members do not normally attend Wolf, Bear or Webelos den meetings.
Q. My son is in a Wolf den. The den leader knows that we are not LDS and suggested that we might not want to send my son to den meeting when they are working on the Faith in God requirements. The leader says my son must earn the Faith in God award or he Cannot progress past Wolves. Is this right?
A. NO! Earning the Faith in God award is not a requirement for any Cub Scout rank. The Wolf Handbook, achievement 11, Duty to God, does not have a requirement that says to earn a religious award. The Bear Handbook, under the “God” category, achievement 2 says to earn the religious emblem of your faith, however, a boy only needs to complete one of the two achievements. The Webelos Handbook, requirement 8 for earning the the Webelos badge says do 8d (earn the religious emblem of your faith) or 8e (do two of the six choices).
Q. Can the Cub Scout World Conservation award be earned at each level of Cub Scouting?
A. No. Boys may earn the award only once while they are in Cub Scouting.
Q. Can the Leave No Trace Awareness award be earned at each level of Cub Scouting?
A. Yes. Rank specific requirements are in each of the boys’ handbooks.
Q. I understand that the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity award can be earned each year. Is this correct?
A. Yes. The first time a boy earns the award he earns the pocket flap. Each time after, he can earn a wolf track pin to put on the pocket flap.
Q. I have a Wolf Cub Scout who is not quite finished with earning his Wolf badge. How long after his birthday can he work on earning it?
A. There isn’t a policy stating how long a boy can continue to work on a rank advancement after his birthday. If he is close to finishing he may do so with the permission of the unit Cub Scout committee. You don’t want him to be delayed in earning his next rank. Earning the badge will give him added incentive when he tackles the next rank. (Cub Scout Leader Book, p. 18-4)
Q. Our pack wants to hold a cake auction. I understand that we need to fill out a form but I have heard that units are rarely given permission. How long is this process?
A. The process is very quick and easy as long as you have permission from you chartered organization. You need to complete a Unit Money Earning Application including the required signatures from the chartered organization representative, unit leader and unit committee chairman. Turn the application into the Council office. Upon approval, a copy is mailed to the committee chairman.
Q. I am a new Cubmaster and have not found an Arrow of Light ceremony in the Cub Scout Leader Book. Where can I look for this information?
A. Arrow of Light and other ceremonies are in the Cub Scout Ceremonies for Den and Packs.
Q. Where do I find information on earning the Sports and Academics belt loop and pins? Are they available on line?
A. Requirement for the Sports and Academics belt loops and pins are found in the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide. They are not available on line.
Q. I am a Cub Scout leader and have several old sports belt loops and pin books. Do they have the same requirements as the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide?
A. No. The requirements have changed although the information as how to teach a sport may still be helpful.
Q. What is supposed to go on an Arrow of Light arrow? I have heard there should be eagle feathers or some other decoration.
A. Arrows can be decorated anyway you would like. There is nothing official.