Dens & Ranks
Cub Scouts is organized by grade. Each grade has its own rank, with adventures and activities designed for that age. Click any rank below to learn what scouts at that level do.
- Lions — Kindergarten
- Tigers — 1st grade
- Wolves — 2nd grade
- Bears — 3rd grade
- Webelos — 4th grade
- Arrow of Light — 5th grade
How dens work
A den is a small group of scouts in the same grade. Each den has one or two adult leaders (parent volunteers) and meets a couple of times a month for activities and adventure work. Dens are where most of the day-to-day program happens.
When you register your scout with Pack 12, they’re assigned to the den that matches their grade. If we have a large number of scouts in one grade, we may run two dens for that grade — the den leader will let you know.
Ranks and advancement
Each year, scouts work toward their grade-level rank by completing adventures — small, hands-on projects designed for their age. Adventures fall into two categories:
- Required adventures — needed to earn the rank
- Elective adventures — extra ones scouts can choose based on their interests
Most adventures are completed during den meetings. Some can be done at home with a parent. Your den leader tracks progress through Scoutbook.
Scouts also earn their Bobcat badge in their first year — a foundational badge every new Cub Scout earns regardless of grade.
What if my scout joins mid-year?
That’s fine. Your scout joins the den for their grade and starts working on adventures from wherever the den currently is. They may finish the year with full rank, partial rank, or just be on their way — all of which are normal.