In 1930, the Boy Scouts of America initiated a program to help younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). First graders are called Tiger Cubs, and participate in the program with an adult partner. Second graders are called Wolves; third graders are Bears. Fourth- and fifth-grade (or 10-year-old) boys are called Webelos (WE'll BE LOyal Scouts) and participate in more advanced activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts. Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three membership divisions.

Main Cub Scout Principles and desired outcomes are:

1. Character Development
   1. Scout Oath & Law
   2. Duty to God
2. Participatory Citizenship
   1. Civic Awareness & Patriotism
   2. Service
   3. Stewardship
3. Personal Fitness
   1. Physical Fitness
   2. Healthy Eating
   3. Wellness & Healthy Habits
4. Outdoor Skills & Awareness
   1. Comfort, Safety & Adventure in the Outdoors
   2. Nature & Outdoor Ethics
   3. Emergency Skills
5. Leadership
   1. Supporting Leaders
   2. Leadership Thinking
   3. Leading Others

Each scout is responsible for purchase of their uniform.