Since 1930, the BSA has helped youth through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys and girls who are in K through fifth grade. Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three traditional membership divisions. (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.)

The 10 purposes of Cub Scouting are:

1. Character Development
2. Spiritual Growth
3. Good Citizenship
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness
5. Family Understanding
6. Respectful Relationships
7. Personal Achievement
8. Friendly Service
9. Fun and Adventure
10. Preparation for Boy Scouts

Since its origin, the Scouting program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for Scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service. These elements were part of the original Cub Scout program and continue to be part of Cub Scouting today. Character can be defined as the collection of core values possessed by an individual that leads to moral commitment and action. Core values are the basis of good character development. In helping boys develop character, Cub Scouting promotes the following 12 core values.

Cub Scouting's 12 Core Values

1. Citizenship
2. Compassion
3. Cooperation
4. Courage
5. Faith
6. Health and fitness
7. Honesty
8. Perseverance
9. Positive attitude
10. Resourcefulness
11. Respect
12. Responsibility

Character is "values in action."

The Tiger Cub program is for first-grade (or age 7) boys and girls and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with their adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for youth in the first grade.

The Wolf program is for boys and girls who have completed first grade (or are age 8). To earn the Wolf badge, youth must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.

The Bear rank is for boys and girls who have completed second grade (or are age 9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.

This program is for boys and girls who have completed third grade (or are age 10). A scout may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as they join a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As they complete the requirements found in the Webelos Handbook, they will work on activity badges, attend meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the BSA requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.