The Cubmaster Role
Cubmaster image

Qualifications:
If residing in this country but not a citizen of the United States, agrees to abide by the Scout Oath and Law, to respect and obey the laws of the United States of America, and to subscribe to the BSA statement of religious principle. Is at least 21 years of age, is of good moral character, and is interested in working with boys. Does not need to be an expert in all Cub Scout activities but should be a leader who is able to communicate well with adults as well as boys. Should be able to delegate responsibilities and set a good example through behavior, attitude, and uniform. Should believe in the values and purposes of Cub Scouting. Preferably a member of the chartered organization. Selected and appointed by the pack committee with the approval of the chartered organization, and registered as an adult leader of the BSA.

Responsibilities:
The Cubmaster's responsibilities are to

  • Conduct a pack program according to the policies of the BSA.
  • Complete Cubmaster Fast Start Training and position-specific Basic Leader Training. Attend monthly roundtables.
  • Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack. This includes leading the monthly pack meeting, with the help of other leaders.
  • Help the pack committee with a year-round recruitment plan for recruiting boys into Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouting, and Webelos Scouting.
  • Know about and use the appropriate and available literature, including Boys' Life and Scouting magazines, Cub Scout Program Helps, and the Webelos Leader Guide.
  • See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA.
  • Work with the pack committee on (1) program ideas, (2) selecting and recruiting adult leaders, and (3) establishing a budget plan.
  • Guide and support den leaders. See that they receive the required training for their positions.
  • Help organize Webelos dens and encourage graduation into a Boy Scout troop.
  • Help establish and maintain good relationships with Boy Scout troops.
  • Maintain good relationships with parents and guardians. Seek their support and include them in activities. Involve male relatives such as uncles and grandfathers so that Cub Scouts will have additional male role models.
  • See that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts receive a quality, year-round program filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award.
  • Guide Cub Scouts in goodwill and conservation projects.
  • See that the responsibilities specified for the assistant Cubmaster are carried out.
  • Help the pack committee chair conduct the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders' meetings.
  • Work as a team with the pack committee chair to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting.
  • Take part in the charter review meeting and annual charter presentation ceremony.
  • Request den chiefs for all dens and, after selection, see that they are trained. Recognize the den chiefs at pack meetings.
  • Conduct an impressive graduation ceremony for Tiger Cubs.
  • Meet with the unit commissioner, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster to establish plans for the Webelos Scouts' transition to Boy Scouting.
  • Help plan and conduct impressive Webelos graduation ceremonies involving parents and guardians, the Scoutmaster, the Webelos den chief, the Webelos den leader, and the troop junior leaders.
  • Conduct impressive Arrow of Light Award ceremonies.
  • Encourage high advancement standards from all Cub Scouts.
  • Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops.
  • Support the policies of the BSA.

In general, the Cubmaster (sometimes referred to as the unit leader) is the guiding hand behind the work of other pack leaders and serves as program adviser to the pack committee. He or she is a recruiter, supervisor, director, planner, and motivator of other leaders.

The Cubmaster's main responsibilities are to

  • Work directly with the pack trainer, Tiger Cub den leaders, Cub Scout den leaders, Webelos den leaders, den chiefs, and pack committee chair and members to make sure that all dens are functioning well.
  • Plan the den and pack programs with the help of other leaders.
  • Lead the monthly pack meeting with the help of others. Involve all dens in some way.
  • Coordinate the total Cub Scout program in the pack.

Everything that the Cubmaster does is aimed at helping the individual boy. Securing strong leaders, planning den and pack activities, advising other leaders and adult family members-these are all ways in which the Cubmaster affects the kind of Cub Scouting each boy in the pack is offered. The Cubmaster directly influences the lives of individual boys by keeping in mind that boys can become better through Cub Scouting.