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Cub Instructor

From SCOUTS South Africa Wiki

Working with Cubs is one of the most rewarding ways a Scout can grow as a leader. The Cub Instructor Scout Challenge Award challenges Scouts to step forward, take responsibility, and make a meaningful contribution to a Cub Pack. By assisting younger Cubs to learn, play, and grow, Scouts develop leadership, communication, patience, and creativity. Through practical involvement, they learn how to plan and run activities, support Pack programmes, and serve as positive role models. This badge is about learning by doing, building confidence, and discovering the value of service - while having fun and making a real difference in the lives of young Cubs.

Badge Requirements

Cub Instructor Scout Challenge Award
Cub Instructor Scout Challenge Award
  1. Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
    Before beginning service as a Cub Instructor, a Scout must have the foundational Scouting knowledge required to safely and effectively support Cub activities with confidence.
  2. Youth Leadership and Responsibility
    A Cub Instructor must demonstrate responsibility, maturity, and appropriate behaviour when working with Cubs.
    1. Obtain approval from the Pack Scouter, Troop Scouter and Scout Group Leader to serve as a Cub Instructor.
    2. Discuss the responsibilities and expectations of a Cub Instructor with the Pack Scouter.
    3. Explain appropriate behaviour, Safe from Harm principles, and being a positive role model to the Cubs.
  3. Understanding the Cub Programme
    To be an effective Cub Instructor, a Scout must understand how the Cub Pack operates and how Cubs learn.
    1. Explain the purpose of the Cub Pack and how it fits into the Scouting journey.
    2. Describe the Cub Promise and Law and how they are applied in Pack activities.
    3. Explain how the Jungle Book theme, the Play Way Method, and Learning by Doing are used in the Cub programme.
    4. Explain the roles of the Pack Scouter, Sixers, and Seconds.
  4. Supporting Pack Activities
    A Cub Instructor is expected to actively support the Pack Scouter and leadership team in delivering a safe, engaging, and well-organised Cub programmes over a sustained period.
    1. Assist the Pack Scouter, Assistant Pack Scouters, and Pack Helpers regularly over a minimum period of six (6) months.
    2. Attend and actively support at least 60% of scheduled Pack meetings during this period, a minimum of fifteen (15) Pack meetings in total.
    3. Assist with Pack meetings, activities, ceremonies, games, skills instruction, and other programme activities as agreed with the Pack Scouter.
    4. Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, teamwork, and Scout spirit while assisting the Pack.
  5. Games, Activities, and Supporting Cubs
    A Cub Instructor should be able to assist with games, activities, and the learning and development of Cubs in an engaging and supportive manner.
    1. Lead at least three Cub-appropriate games or activities during Pack meetings.
    2. Teach Cubs at least two basic age-appropriate skills.
    3. Support at least two Cubs individually by assisting them to:
      • Complete a requirement for an Interest Badge
      • Complete a requirement for an Advancement task
  6. Outdoor Experience with the Pack
    Outdoor activities are a key part of the Cub programme and provide valuable opportunities for learning and adventure.
    1. Participate in at least one Pack outdoor activity (camp, hike, outdoor event)
    2. Assist the Pack leadership team with the supervision and delivery of the activity.
  7. Reflection and Personal Growth
    Reflecting on your experience is an important part of developing as a leader.
    1. After serving for a minimum of six months as a Cub Instructor, reflect on your experience with the Pack and discuss the following with the Pack Scouter:
      • What you have learned
      • Challenges you experienced
      • How you contributed to the Cubs and the Pack
      • How the experience helped you develop confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills
    2. Give a short reflection or presentation to your Troop on your experience as a Cub Instructor and encourage other Scouts to consider becoming Cub Instructors.

Recommended Age Range: The Cub Instructor Challenge Award is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years. The minimum age of 14 is set to ensure Scouts have the necessary maturity, Scouting experience, and foundational skills to take on responsibility within a Cub Pack.

This badge supports the development of leadership, responsibility, and confidence in working with younger Cubs and Scouts. It provides practical experience in supporting a Cub Pack through assisting with activities, teaching basic skills, and encouraging participation in a safe and positive environment.

Badge Examiner Requirement: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed.

The ideal examiner for the Cub Instructor Challenge Award is the Pack Scouter, who has direct responsibility for the Cub Pack and understands its programme, needs, and development objectives. They should be able to assess a Scout's ability to support Cubs in a safe, constructive, and engaging manner. The Pack Scouter should ensure that the Scout demonstrates appropriate leadership, responsibility, and reliability in a real Pack environment, while providing fair, consistent, and encouraging feedback that supports personal growth and confidence.

Pack Scouter Guidance Notes are available on ScoutWiki. These notes provide guidance to Pack Scouters on the role, support, mentoring, and assessment of a Cub Instructor, including suggested areas of involvement and practical ways to provide meaningful opportunities for the Scout to learn and contribute to the Pack.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

What You Need First

The following badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

Last Update

September 2026

Resources


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