A kindergarten-age boy or girl who is between 5 and 6 years old may begin his Cub Scouts experience at the Lion level. The Lion level is a little bit more relaxed than the other Cub Scout ranks, reflecting the age of the children involved. For instance, Lions wear t-shirts as part of their uniform (no buttons). They're expected to complete fewer adventures. And it's the only scouting rank you can complete before getting a bobcat badge (where you learn how to recite the scout code and do the scout handshake).
Like the Tiger level, this level of scouting requires a higher degree of parent involvement. Although Lion and Tiger dens will have den leaders to coordinate den meeting plans and schedules with a clear path to working towards badge requirements, this rank is largely parent-led. You'll need to work with your scout to complete and reinforce objectives at home and at den and pack meetings.
Note To Parents:
Although all Lion parents are expected to be involved at the Lion level, at least two Lion parents will need to volunteer to be Den Leaders. This does not require a background in scouting! The Den Leaders will be responsible for scheduling places and times for Den Meetings, and are the contact people between the Pack (all Winchester Cub Scouts) and the Den (the Lions). Other den leaders will help you with curriculum, and you can be assigned a Scout volunteer assistant.
Den meeting plans for the Lion rank are available in the Lion Den Leader Guide, along with other tips and hints for running a fun Cub Scout program. Den Leader Guides are available for sale at the Woburn Scout Shop, or may be passed down from den leaders from previous years.
Den Leader volunteers will need to pass a CORI check (a criminal background check), and will take a short, free online course about spotting and preventing abuse, and about mandatory reporting requirements. Ideally, you will continue to lead your child's Den as they progress through the Arrow of Light rank at age 10 or 11. (Scouts BSA, for youth 11 to 17 years old, does not expect the same level of parent involvement as Cub Scouts, and is more Scout-directed.)
BADGE REQUIREMENTS
Lion Scouts work toward the Lion rank. The Lion rank is earned by completing five adventures as described below.
Complete each of the following Lion required adventures with your den or family: a. Lion's Honor b. Fun on the Run c. Animal Kingdom d. Mountain Lion e. King of the Jungle
Optionally, complete one Lion elective adventure of your den or family’s choosing.
With your parent or adult partner, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide
YOUR DEN LEADERS
Den leaders will be selected from among the parents of our incoming Lion scouts.