The Dens → Lions
LION SCOUTS
Big adventures begin with small steps
Kindergarten
Lion Scouts is a fun, welcoming introduction to Cub Scouting for children in kindergarten and their families. Lions learn by moving, making, exploring, laughing, and trying new things alongside a parent or another caring adult.
At this age, Scouting is not about sitting through long lessons or memorizing complicated skills. It is about discovering the world, making new friends, building confidence, and learning that doing your best can be an adventure all by itself.
At Pack 13, Lions can expect active games, simple crafts, short outdoor explorations, family activities, stories, service projects, and plenty of chances to say, “I did it!”
AT A GLANCE
Grade: Kindergarten
Recognition: Lion rank badge and adventure loops
Advancement: Six required Adventures and at least two electives
Family participation: Each Lion attends meetings and activities with a parent or other designated adult partner.
Scouting America requires every Lion to have a parent or other caring adult with them at meetings and activities. The adult partner is not simply watching from the side; Lions and adults explore the program together.
WHAT LIONS LEARN
The Lion program introduces six major themes that continue throughout Cub Scouting:
- Character and leadership
- Outdoor exploration
- Healthy living
- Citizenship and helping others
- Personal safety
- Family and reverence
These themes are taught through hands-on Adventures rather than classroom-style lessons.
REQUIRED LION ADVENTURES
Character and leadership
Bobcat
Bobcat welcomes children into their new den. Lions get to know one another, begin learning the Scout Law, discover what it means to be friendly, and talk about a time they did their best.
For parents, this Adventure is a first look at the values behind Scouting. For Lions, it feels like meeting new friends, learning a few special Scout traditions, and becoming part of the group.
A parent or guardian also completes the program’s age-appropriate child-protection activities at home with the Lion.
The outdoors
Mountain Lion
Lions assemble the Cub Scout Six Essentials and take a short outdoor walk with their den, pack, or family. Along the way, they observe the world around them and begin distinguishing natural things from things people have made.
This Adventure is designed to make the outdoors feel exciting and approachable. A neighborhood path or local park can become a place of discovery when a Lion slows down to look, listen, and ask questions.
Personal fitness
Fun on the Run
Lions learn about food groups, practice healthy habits, get active, and discover that rest is part of taking care of themselves too.
Expect movement games, stretching, simple conversations about food and hygiene, and activities that help young Scouts connect healthy choices with feeling strong and ready for adventure.
Citizenship
King of the Jungle
For Lions, citizenship begins at home. Scouts learn that families are teams and that even the youngest family members can make a meaningful contribution.
Lions may choose a household job, talk with an older adult about citizenship, and explore how helping at home is one of the first ways we care for a community.
Personal safety
Lion’s Roar
Lions practice simple, age-appropriate ways to stay safe. Activities help them recognize trusted adults, understand personal boundaries, use appropriate safety equipment, and know what to do when something does not feel right.
The goal is not to frighten children. It is to give them clear language, confidence, and practical habits they can use at home, at school, and during Scout activities.
Family and reverence
Lion’s Pride
Lion’s Pride gives families space to talk about the beliefs, traditions, celebrations, and values that are important in their home. Families may attend a religious service or another gathering that reflects how they express reverence.
Cub Scouting welcomes families from many traditions. This Adventure is centered on the family’s own beliefs and practices rather than asking every family to believe or worship in the same way.
LION ELECTIVE ADVENTURES
After completing the required Adventures, Lions choose at least two electives. Electives allow the den and families to follow the interests of their Scouts.
Lion options include experiences such as:
- Go Fish — Discover basic fishing skills and enjoy time near the water.
- Let’s Camp — Learn what camping is like and participate in an approved Cub Scout camping experience.
- Race Time — Build excitement around racing, motion, and good sportsmanship.
- On a Roll — Practice bicycle or riding safety.
- Time to Swim — Build comfort and confidence around the water.
- Champions for Nature — Explore conservation and caring for the environment.
- Gizmos and Gadgets — Build something useful and experiment with motion and force.
- I’ll Do It Myself — Practice everyday independence.
- On Your Mark — Play games, complete an obstacle relay, and build a box derby racer.
- Ready, Set, Grow — Discover where food comes from and grow a plant.
Some shooting-sports Adventures, including archery and slingshot, may only be offered through properly authorized council or district programs.
WHAT A LION MEETING FEELS LIKE
A successful Lion meeting is usually short, active, and varied. A typical gathering might include:
A simple opening, an energetic game, one hands-on activity, a brief conversation, and a closing recognition or cheer.
Children this age are expected to wiggle, ask questions, need breaks, and occasionally lose interest. That is normal. Lion leaders plan activities that keep moving and allow Scouts to learn through participation.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD EXPECT
Your Lion’s adult partner should plan to:
- Attend meetings and outings with the Lion.
- Participate in games and activities.
- Help the Lion stay engaged and safe.
- Complete occasional family requirements at home.
- Take a turn helping with an activity or meeting when requested.
- Encourage effort without doing the project for the child.
You do not need previous Scouting experience. The most important qualification is a willingness to participate and have fun with your child.
BY THE END OF THE LION YEAR
Most Lions will have:
- Made their first group of Scout friends.
- Learned that the Scout motto is “Do Your Best.”
- Practiced helping at home.
- Taken short outdoor walks.
- Learned basic health and safety habits.
- Completed simple service or conservation activities.
- Grown more comfortable trying something new.
The greatest Lion achievement is not a perfectly completed craft or a memorized phrase. It is the moment a young Scout begins to see themselves as capable, helpful, and ready for another adventure.