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Differences Between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
It is important to note that Boy Scouts is not a continuation of the Cub Scout program, but aprogram with a major shift in emphasis. Specifically, Cub Scouts is a parent-led program, and Boy
Scouts is a boy-led program. The following table breaks down some of the specific differences:
| Topic | Cub Scouts | Boy Scouts |
| Meetings | Two monthly Den meetings and one monthly Pack meeting |
Weekly Troop meetings, one monthly campout/outing |
| Meetings Planned By | Adult leaders (Den Leader, Cubmaster, etc…) |
Patrol Leader’s Council (Senior Patrol Leader, Asst. Senior Patrol Leaders, Patrol Leaders, etc…) |
| Meeting Conducted By: | Cubmaster (Pack meetings) Den Leader (Den meetings) |
Senior Patrol Leader |
| Organization | Boys broken up into Dens based on grade. |
New Scouts are oriented as a group. After a few months, new scouts are integrated into the current patrols. |
| Scouts Led By: | Den Leader (adult) | Patrol Leader (boy) |
| Campouts/Outings | Planned and coordinated by adults. Adult partner required with each boy. Meals planned and prepared by adults. |
Activities chosen by Patrol Leader’s Council, logistics handled by Camping Chairman (adult). At least two adults required for each outing. Meals planned and prepared (including purchasing food) by each Patrol. |
In Cub Scouts, the Cubmaster is like the “Master of Ceremonies” and is the focal point for Pack
meetings. In Boy Scouts, the Scoutmaster is an “advisor” or “coach” who works with the junior
leaders to help them plans and run the program. This is an important distinction to understand,
since the boy-led Troop meeting sometimes looks unplanned and/or chaotic, but is really the result
of the boys trying some new things, learning and making mistakes.
Understanding and making sense of Boy Scouting begins with knowing and understanding the aims
and methods the program. The following information is taken from the BSA’s web site at
http://www.scouting.org./
The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of
Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the
equal importance of each.
Ideals. The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout
motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually
tries to improve. The goals are high, and, as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and
who he becomes.
Patrols. The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating
citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The
patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other.
These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.
Outdoor Programs. Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting
that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and
activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy
Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the
laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources.
Advancement. Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming
them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his
own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which
helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in selfreliance and in the ability to help others.
Personal Growth. As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they
experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method
of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns
for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily
Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method.
Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth
toward Scouting's aims.
Leadership Development. The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice
leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total
leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership
role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
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