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Lion

Cub Scouts · Rank

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Lion is the very first Cub Scout rank, made for kindergartners and their adult partners. You'll explore outdoors, play games, learn to stay safe, and help others, all side by side with a grown-up. Each adventure is short and hands-on, so the fun adds up fast.

Why it's worth it

Lion is the very first year of Cub Scouts, and a kindergartner and their grown-up do every adventure side by side. That makes it a year of firsts you share: the first hike with a backpack, the first time calling 911 on a pretend phone, the first service project, maybe the first campout. Your Lion learns to make friends in a group, follow simple rules, and try new things, and you get a front-row seat. The habits you build together this year carry right into Tiger.

Start this week

  1. Ask your den leader for the den's plan for the year, and mark the six required adventures on your family calendar.
  2. Start with Bobcat: learn the names of two other Lions at the next den meeting and practice them on the way home.
  3. Put together the Cub Scout Six Essentials in a small backpack your Lion can carry, so you're ready for Mountain Lion and Let's Camp.
  4. Look at the elective list together and let your Lion pick two that sound fun, like Go Fish, Race Time, or Build It Up, Knock It Down.

Plan ahead: Do Bobcat first; it's how every Lion starts. Then plan around the seasons: outdoor and water electives like Go Fish, Time to Swim, and Ready, Set, Grow need warm weather, and Race Time depends on when your pack holds its derby or regatta.

Stay safe

  • Lions do every activity with their adult partner. For water, bikes, and campouts, check the pack's plan for life jackets, helmets, and buddy pairs before you go.

Requirements · 7

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

  1. Requirement 1

    Bobcat

    Tip: Bobcat is about meeting your den and learning the Scout Law and motto. Try learning one new friend's name each meeting.

  2. Requirement 2

    Mountain Lion

    Tip: Mountain Lion is your first outdoor walk with the Six Essentials. Pack them in a small bag and explore a nearby park.

    For example: Pick a short park loop on a mild Saturday. Your Lion carries the Six Essentials, and you both play 'nature or people?' for things you pass, like a pinecone versus a bench. Twenty minutes goes fast.

  3. Requirement 3

    Fun on the Run

    Tip: Fun on the Run is about eating well, washing hands, moving, and resting. Try a family dance break before dinner.

    For example: Make Fun on the Run part of a normal week: name food groups at dinner, sing a song while handwashing, have a dance party for 20 minutes, and try slow 'lazy lion' breathing at bedtime.

  4. Requirement 4

    King of the Jungle

    Tip: King of the Jungle is about helping at home and in your community. Pick one family job you can do each week.

    For example: Your Lion draws everyone at home, pets included, and picks a family job like feeding the cat or setting forks on the table. Then the den joins a food drive or park cleanup together.

  5. Requirement 5

    Lion's Roar

    Tip: Lion's Roar teaches you how to keep yourself safe. Practice Shout, Run, Tell as a game with your grown-up.

    For example: Watch the Protect Yourself Rules video together at a calm time, then practice Shout, Run, Tell as a game in the backyard or living room until your Lion can do it without help.

  6. Requirement 6

    Lion's Pride

    Tip: Lion's Pride is about family faith traditions and kindness. Draw a favorite holiday and share why it matters to your family.

  7. Requirement 7

    Complete any 2 elective adventures

    Tip: Pick two electives that sound fun to you, like building, fishing, or racing. Ask your den which ones they plan to do together.

    For example: A family that loves the outdoors might choose Go Fish and Let's Camp. A family with a builder might choose Build It Up, Knock It Down and Gizmos and Gadgets. Let your Lion choose.

Talk about it together

  • What was your favorite thing we did together in Lions this year, and why?
  • What can you do by yourself now that you needed help with at the start?
  • Who is a new friend you made in your den, and what do you like to do together?
  • When was a time you were brave this year?
  • What adventure do you want to try next year as a Tiger?

Good questions to ask your den leader

  • Which adventures will the den do together, and which ones should we plan to finish at home?
  • When are the pack's campouts, derby, and other big events this year?
  • How do you like families to tell you when we've finished something at home?
  • What's one thing our Lion could help with at a den meeting?
  • Are there pack events where Lions get to see what older Cub Scouts do?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Pair a short required-adventure activity with a playful elective at each meeting so Lions stay excited.
  • Remind adult partners they do every adventure alongside their Lion, and share ideas families can finish at home.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Lion adventures

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.