For Boys and Girls in Kindergarten through 5th Grade

Cub Scouting is a program of communication, education, achievement, and fun for kids that also involves the parent and family. This program gives Scouts weekly involvement with a small peer-group called a Den that is led by adults and a monthly Pack meeting with all Dens. Throughout the year, there are many fun activities for packs, many of which include family involvement, such as the pinewood derby race, Zip-A-Rama, Scout Night with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, and Cub Camping.

The Lion program is for kindergarten aged youth. A youth and their parent or caring adult partner join Scouting and attend meetings together.

The Tiger program is designed for first graders. A youth and their parent or caring adult partner join Scouting and attend meetings together.

The Wolf program is for 2nd grade youth.

The Bear Program is designed for 3rd grade youth.

The Webelos program is for 4th and 5th grade youth as they prepare to go on to Scouts BSA.

The program advances with the kids, adding more opportunities and responsibilities as they progress from Lion to Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos.

Want to find a pack near your neighborhood or school? Click here to locate a Pack!

Scouts BSA is for boys and girls 11-17 years old

The Scouts BSA program provides a strong outdoor and peer group leadership program to develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness. The major difference between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA is that the Scouts lead the meetings themselves. Under the supervision of trained volunteers, the Scouts decide where they want to go camping, what to do for special activities, and help organize service projects for the troop. It is through this hands-on mentality that the youth learn leadership, decision-making skills, service, personal achievement, and yet also, the importance of collaboration.

Scouts are part of a single-gender peer group called a Troop, which is led by a Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and a group of other adult volunteers and parents. Troops often subdivide and operate in smaller groups called Patrols to accomplish tasks or take on leadership roles. One Scout is elected to be the patrol leader, but everyone shares in the responsibility of making the patrol successful.

While in Scouts BSA, your child will be exposed to over 120 hobby and career choices, frequently resulting in life-long involvement. Scouts work at their own pace in the advancement system. To advance all the way to Eagle Scout, Scouts must show Scout Spirit, complete the skill development at each rank, practice leadership, and perform a community service project. Each step of the way the Scout has a personal counseling session with their Scoutmaster and a review by other adults in the troop. As the Scout learns and progresses, a Scout’s self-esteem and confidence continues to grow.

Click here to find out more about Scouts BSA.

For young men and women ages 14-20

The Venturing program provides young people with positive experiences so that they may become responsible and caring adults. Venturing is a dynamic program that allows the youth to choose an interest or focus through activities and service. Specific topics usually fall in the realm of wilderness survival camping, emergency preparedness, high adventure camping, search and rescue training, and more. Featuring these exciting and meaningful activities allows Venturers to pursue special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills.

Venturing utilizes five main methods to illustrate this to youth:  leadership, group activities, adult association, recognition, and teaching others. Venturing character development also places a strong emphasis on ethical decision making. The program aims to help young adults make responsible choices that reflect their concern for what is a risk and how it will affect others involved.

Click here to view more information on Venturing.

For young men and women ages 14-20

Exploring is a career education program that creates opportunities for young adults to explore career and hobby interests. The program is structured around the interest area of the youth, supported by the expertise and resources of the hosting business or organization. Exploring aims to create career awareness and helps expose high school students to the vast opportunities available, hopefully assisting them in making informed occupational choices.

Exploring is a unique extension program uniting youth with organization and businesses that is not just for Scouts, but open to all high school students. We repeat, Exploring is available for ALL high school students, male or female, ages 14-20. It does not matter if you are a Scout or not. Everyone should go Exploring!

For more information, visit our website:  www.exploringdubuque.org or contact the Exploring Executive, Melissa Neuhaus, at the Scout Service Center: (563) 556-4343 or send an email to melissa.neuhaus@scouting.org