W.D. Boyce Council, BSA Lion Cub Pilot Program

Important Lion Cub Information The Lion program is a pilot test in select parts of the country. Purpose of the pilot. To prove the concept makes a positive impact on the goals of the BSA. To gain insight and validate what works and doesn’t on a trial scale considering a national launch of expansion. To ensure the program is sustainable and replicable across the nation.

What are Lions? Lions are kindergarten boys learning about Cub Scouting. Lions join with a parent or caring adult partner. Lions form dens of six to eight Lion pairs. Lions will have one den meeting and one outing per month.

What are Lions? Lion dens are part of a Cub Scout Pack. Lions may wear a special T-shirt or neckerchief for their activities Lions have their own Lion Adventure Book to track their adventures.

Why Kindergarten? Research shows that a child’s development accelerates at age 4 and 5 — about the time they begin their formal education in kindergarten. That’s also the time when families start looking for after-school activities for their children. While 5-year-olds could join a soccer team or karate studio, they couldn’t yet join Scouting.

Do Lion’s Register? Each Lion and a parent need to fill out a youth application and pay the registration fee. The Lion guide (Den Leader) should submit an adult application.

How much does it cost? Based on previous pilot program, basic costs are anticipated to be: $36.00 Registration Fee (September 2016-December 2017) Lion Cub T-Shirt: $10.00 Lion Cub Patch: $3.00 Lion Cub Handbook: $6.00 Lion Cub Leader Book: $10.00 Estimated Total: $65.00

Do Lion’s Fundraise? It is not required or expected that Lion Scouts or their families will take part in unit-level fundraising. The first year is for orientation and awareness. Lion den may establish a modest dues ($1.00 per meeting) to cover the cost of some consumable supplies.

Which Packs are Participating? To follow our 2016 School Night for Scouting ALL Cub Scout Packs will be eligible to participate in Lion Cubs. Cub Scout Packs will need to work with their Unit Serving Executive and Unit Commissioner to ensure that they are ready to adopt the program.

The Pack Structure with Lions

Lion Coordinator Is an experienced and successful den leader. Understands the den and pack operations within the overall structure of Cub Scouting. Demonstrates excellent communication and organization skills (and will remain in at least contact with the Lion Dens).

Lion Coordinator (continued) Participates as needed in unit’s School Night with all new Lions and their parents. Assists the Lion guide in hosting the first orientation meeting all individual Lion dens in their pack. Serves as a coach and mentor for Lion Guide.

Lion Guides Has previous successful experience as a den leader. Works directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful. Plans and prepares for initial Lion meeting and outings. Mentors adult partners in the delivery of Lion den meetings.

Lion Guides (continued) Attends packs’ leader meetings. Leads the den at the monthly outings and other pack activities. Ensures the transition of Lion Scouts to Tiger June 1st. Ensures each Lion and his adult partner have the opportunity to be the host team, which plans and executes the den meetings and rotates responsibilities.

What about advancement? The Lion program is made up of 12 adventures. Five required adventures are leads to earning the Lion Badge. There are seven elective adventures that the boys in the den may do for further fun and enrichment.

What resources are available? Lion Adventure Book and Parent Leader Guidebook will be available late summer to early fall.

What’s next? 1.) Schedule your unit’s program planning to ensure a good year of program. 2.) Fully complete your unit’s leader succession plan. 3.) Work with your Unit Serving Executive to recruit a Lion Coordinator and Lion Guide. 4.) Plan a tentative Lion schedule for the den to adopt.

Any Questions?