…and we want to make sure you are ready.

Michigan Crossroads Council has a page set up to share the latest and greatest information on the Cub Scout Program updates.  We have included links to the BSA National resources and will add more as we get closer to June 1.

We are excited about the Cub Scout changes.  You can read the FAQ and National explanations for full details, but the changes were based on years of research and working with Cub Scout leaders and parents.  The main takeaways:

1. Align the advancements across all six levels.  Right now there is a bicycling adventure on one level, a knife safety on another, and swimming on only two.  Those are seen as some of the core activities in Scouting, so why only experience them in one or two years of Cubs?  Fishing, Cycling, Swimming, Camping, Conservation and Pinewood Derby (yes, there is now a Pinewood adventure!) will now be adventures across all six levels.  This allows for multi-level dens and Packs to work on adventures together!
2. Awards (STEM, Summertime Fun Award, etc.) were not often “visible” to leaders and families, so they are envisioned as Adventures.  The requirements will be in the books along with all of the other adventures.  The hope is more Cubs will “earn” these important achievements.
3. Webelos and Arrow of Light are now separate programs with separate books/requirements.  Webelos will continue the Cub Scout path, while Arrow of Light will focus on preparing a Scout for Scouts BSA.
4. Bobcat will no longer be a rank badge.  Every level will be required to complete a Bobcat adventure, preferably as one of the first meetings.  The material will be level-appropriate and help work on not only the BSA core (Oath, Law, etc.) but work on character development.
5. Adventure requirements will be simplified.  No longer will the requirements be “Do two of four” or “Pick three”.  The requirements will be simpler and easier to understand.
6. Improved resources.  Handbooks for youth will be written at their own level, and leaders resources will be plentiful online.  Leaders resources online will have a lot of helpful options — letting you know for each option the time requirement, pre-planning involvement, the relative cost involved, and the amount of supplies needed.  This will help leaders make decisions better on which options they will use to fulfill a requirement.  Super helpful!
7. More!

We will keep you up to date as we have information.  Handbooks should start arriving at stores in the next month or so, so leaders can start previewing the new materials.  Stay tuned to the Cub Scout Program Updates page for the latest and greatest.