Do the Cub Scout program updates require leaders to take new training?

A photo of a Cub Scout mother taking online training

The most recent updates to the Cub Scout program are designed to make the entire Cub Scout experience more fun, simple and easy for parents, families and leaders.

One thing that hasn’t changed: the importance of trained leaders.

Here’s what’s changed and what hasn’t changed when it comes to Cub Scout position-specific online training.

Which sections on the online Cub Scout training site have been updated?

Online Cub Scout position-specific training is conveniently broken into modules that you can take at the time of your choosing. You do not have to take every module of any particular training in the same session.

(All Cub Scout online training can be found under the “My Training” section of my.Scouting.org.)

All of the training modules have been updated to ensure they reflect the current program. Here are the online position-specific trainings that contain modules that have the most significant updates:

  • Den Leader/Assistant Den Leader
  • Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster
  • Pack Committee Chair
  • Pack Committee Members

If you hold one of these positions and it’s been a while since you reviewed the online training, it might be a good idea to retake these entire trainings.

However, if you’re short on time and are looking to get up to speed right away, there are certain modules you can take first.

Which modules should I really focus on?

The National Cub Scouting Committee recommends that — at a minimum — you review the following modules:

  • Bobcat: Bobcat is now a Cub Scout Adventure required for all ranks.
  • Advancement: Updates how each badge of rank is earned.
  • Cub Scout Uniforms: Includes information on Webelos and Arrow of Light uniform updates.
  • Conducting a Den Meeting: Outlines how to plan and conduct a den meeting using the updated Adventures and Den Meeting Resources found in the handbooks and online.
  • Denners and Den Chiefs: Recommended for den leaders for Bears, Webelos and Arrow of Light dens. The updated Bobcat requirement for these ranks includes the Denner and Arrow of Light Patrol Leader.
  • Conducting a Pack Meeting: Includes information on planning for Cub Scout Adventures that can be completed as a pack and making pack meetings more activity based.
  • Pack Structure: Includes updated information about forming dens.
  • Annual Program Planning: Update includes planning for Cub Scout Adventures that can be completed as a pack.

The average time it will take to refresh your training is 30 minutes, give or take a few minutes depending on what position you hold.

Which modules should Cubmasters and assistant Cubmasters review?

The National Cub Scouting Committee recommends that Cubmasters and assistant Cubmasters review the following modules:

  • Bobcat
  • Advancement
  • Cub Scout Uniforms
  • Conducting a Pack Meeting
  • Denners and Den Chiefs
  • Annual Program Planning
  • Pack Structure

Which modules should den leaders and assistant den leaders review?

The National Cub Scouting Committee recommends that den leaders and assistant den leaders review the following modules:

  • Bobcat
  • Advancement
  • Cub Scout Uniforms
  • Conducting a Den Meeting
  • Pack Structure
  • Denners and Den Chiefs

Which modules should the pack committee chair review?

The National Cub Scouting Committee recommends that the pack committee chair review the following modules:

  • Cub Scout Uniforms
  • Pack Structure
  • Advancement
  • Annual Program Planning
  • Annual Charter Renewal

Which modules should pack committee members review?

The National Cub Scouting Committee recommends that pack committee members review the following modules:

  • Cub Scout Uniforms
  • Pack Structure

What about in-person training?

The syllabus for in-person position-specific training is currently being updated and will be available later this summer.

Photo by iStock/Getty Images


About Aaron Derr 506 Articles
Aaron Derr is the senior editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines, and also a former Cubmaster and Scouts BSA volunteer.