There is an exciting Scouting program called “Lion” for Kindergarten-aged youth.  It transitioned into an official part of Cub Scouting in the fall of 2018.

Research shows that childhood development accelerates around ages 4 and 5, about the time youth begin formal education. That’s where Scouting comes in. Like many of the Boy Scouts of America’s programs which supplement the learning and growth youth experience at home, the Boy Scouts of America has developed this pilot program for 5-year-old Kindergarten youth.

The Goals of the Lion Program

Nevada Area Council is happy to offer this great Scouting program. The Lion program has the same mission as the rest of the Scouting program, but is simple, extremely flexible and a great way to introduce families to Scouting. A Lion learns by doing things himself while having fun. As he learns and grows, the relationship with their adult partner grows as well. We hope to have the early enthusiasm caused by this, stay with the youth through the rest of their Scouting experience. At the conclusion of their kindergarten year, the Lion will transition to Tiger Scout and continue on their journey through Cub Scouting. If you are interested in leading a Lion den, please reach out to your district commissioner. 

Overview

Lions is a family-oriented program. A youth and his parent or caring adult partner join Scouting together. A group of six to eight youth and their adult partners meet together in a group called a den. Dens will meet approximately twice per month. They have fun participating in den meetings and outings while making memories together.

Program

The Lion program encourages youth to learn and explore through hands-on, high-energy activities. Adult partners take turns leading a den meeting or outing during the year. Most meetings and outings are approximately 45 minutes in length.

Recognition

Scouts are recognized for their accomplishments as they work toward the Lion badge. The Lion badge is earned by completing five adventures. Adventures are completed during the den meetings and outings. When an adventure is completed, the youth receives a sticker to put in his keepsake Lion Adventure Book.  

Uniform

The uniform for Lions is a Lion T-shirt with an optional cap. These items are available from your council’s Scout shop.

The Lion guide wears the same official adult uniform as other Cub Scout leaders in the pack. A Cub Scouting activity T-shirt is also appropriate.

Leadership

Den meetings and outings are facilitated by a Lion Guide and participating parents. The Lion Guide is an experienced Cub Scout Leader. He or she will lead the first den meeting of the year. The Lion Guide will help each adult partner lead one of the following meetings. The den meeting plans are provided in the Lion Parent and Leader Guidebook.

Adult Partner

The adult partner participates with the Lion in fun meetings and outings. He or she takes turns with other adult partners to lead a den meeting and/or outing.

Lion Guide

A Lion Guide is a volunteer leader who provides direct support to your Lion Den. The position description for the Lion Guide is:

• Has previous successful experience as den leader
• Works directly with other den and pack leaders to ensure that the den is an active and successful part of the pack
• Plans and prepares for initial Lion den meeting and outings
• Mentors adult partners in the delivery of Lion den meetings
• Attends the pack leaders’ meeting
• Leads the den at the monthly outings and other pack activities
• Ensures the transition of Lion Scouts to Tigers at year-end
• Prepares the Lions for day camp at the end of the Lion year if appropriate
• Coordinates shared leadership among the Lion adult partners in the den
• Ensures that each Lion and his adult partner have the opportunity to be the host team, which plans and executes the den activities, and rotates responsibilities monthly

Cubmaster

The Cubmaster serves as the master of ceremonies for the monthly pack meeting. The pack meeting is an event where all of the dens in a Cub Scout pack come together for fun activities and awards. For the Lions, each month one meeting will be a den meeting and one meeting will be a pack meeting or outing.

Adventures

The Lion program is made up of 12 adventures. Each adventure is designed to help your Scout  have fun and learn useful things. Earning the five required adventures leads to your Scout achieving the Lion badge. In addition to the five required adventures, there are seven elective adventures that the Scouts in the den may earn for further fun and enrichment. It is not expected that Scouts will complete all 12 adventures. BSA suggests that dens complete the Lion’s Honor adventure first, however there is no required order for the remaining adventures.

• Lion’s Honor*
• Fun on the Run*
• Animal Kingdom*
• Mountain Lion*
• King of the Jungle*
• I’ll Do It Myself
• Pick My Path
• Gizmos and Gadgets
• On Your Mark
• Build It Up, Knock It Down
• Rumble in the Jungle
• Ready, Set, Grow

*Denotes required adventures

How Do We Get Started?

Join Lions any time! Find a Lions pack in your area and complete  an online application by visiting www.beascout.org.  To contact someone directly, please email info@nevadabsa.org or call 775-787-1111.  Barbara Stewart, Lion Program Chair, can be reached at 775-355-0676 or email.

Join Cub Scouts By Completing Your Application Today!

Youth Application: English and Spanish
Adult Application: English and Spanish