Cub Scouts Now Open to Girls: A Look at the Program's History and Evolution
The Cub Scout program, now open to both boys and girls, has a rich history of promoting character development and values-based leadership. Originally known as 'Cubbing', it was renamed in 1945 and has since evolved to include ranks for kindergarten through fifth grade.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) began registering the first Cubbing packs in 1930, two decades after its establishment. This marked the start of a program that would later welcome both boys and girls. The BSA's first office opened in 1910 at the 28th Street YMCA in New York City, initially without a Cub Scout program.
The Cub Scout ranks have seen changes over the years. In 1982, the Tiger rank was introduced for first-graders, followed by the Lion rank for kindergartners. The Webelos rank was created in 1941 to accommodate the growing program's needs. By 1978, the Cub Scout ranks were realigned to include Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.
The Cub Scout program, with its 12-point Scout Law, continues to be relevant and important for both young men and women in Scouting. Its evolution, from 'Cubbing' to the inclusive program of today, reflects the BSA's commitment to providing valuable experiences for all youth.
