What Does the Cubmaster Do?

The Cubmaster

Some of my readers are brand new to Scouting, so every now and then I am going to give some information about leadership positions in one of the divisions.

In Cub Scouting, adults work together to deliver program to the youth members. One of the adult positions is the Cubmaster. The Cubmaster must be at least 21 years old and be a registered BSA member. The Cubmaster can be male or female. In many cases, this person is the most visible adult leader in the Pack, and therefore the one most parents look to when they have questions.

And he or she does not have to have a child in the Cub Scout Pack. I returned to Cub Scouting long after my boys aged out of Cub Scouting.

Cubmaster Responsibilities and Duties:

So what are the Cubmaster’s responsibilities? The Pack program is developed by the Pack Committee, but the Cubmaster conducts that program. A typical list of responsibilities includes:

Deliver a quality, fun, year-round program to the Cub Pack
Conduct the program according to BSA policies
Receive the appropriate training, including Cubmaster specific training
Attend monthly Cub Scout Roundtables, to receive information about district and council policies and programs
Carry out the Pack program with the support of the Pack Committee, including leading monthly pack meetings
Carry out the goals of the chartering organization within the Pack program
Work with the Pack Committee to recruit adult leadership
Work with the Pack Committee to develop the Pack budget
Support the Pack Den Leaders and encourage them to get the appropriate training
Encourage the Pack Den Leaders to work toward Cub Scout Leader awards
Encourage Webelos to cross over to a Scouts BSA Troop
Communicate with parents about the Pack program and help to educate them about the Cub Scout program
Encourage family participation in the Cub Scout program
Encourage the Pack to participate in service projects
Work with the Assistant Cubmasters, delegating as necessary
Attend and participate in Pack Committee planning meetings
Recruit Den Chiefs to assist the Pack Den Leaders
Incorporate traditional Scouting elements, such as flag ceremonies, skits, and songs, into the Pack program
Encourage advancement and recognize Cub Scouts when they advance

Comments

9 responses to “What Does the Cubmaster Do?”

csnzjm

June 30, 2013

I am a new cub master. My question is do I plan pack meetings or does the committee chair?

Reply
1. Scouter Mom
  
  July 1, 2013
  
  You work together. It is good to have a committee meeting during the summer to lay out an overall plan for the year. Then you, the committee chair, and the committee members can decide who will take on which tasks. Don’t do it all yourself. The committee, directed by the chair, is there to assist you in planning and carrying out the pack program. An active committee makes all of the difference in the world.
  
  Reply
ctwcac

September 4, 2014

It would be nice, but my current committee chair micromanages and basically planned out all of the pack meetings with out my input.

Reply
Wayne Modgling

October 27, 2014

Have the Committee visit this web-site and read this page. The Pack Mtg. should be lead by the CM. There are certain things done at every mtg. but the CM should be in charge of the agenda. !7 years experience speaking.
Thanks.

Reply
Angel Gross

October 20, 2019

my question is how do I become a cub master? I am a new mom to this cub scouts and my daughter and I was wanting to help, I filled out my paper work and now im supposed to take a test that I cant find.

Reply
1. Scouter Mom
  
  October 21, 2019
  
  If you have your paperwork for Cubmaster filled out and you have been approved by the Pack Committed and the Chartered Organization, you will still need to do Cubmaster training. This is available at https://my.scouting.org/
  But hopefully you will have the former Cubmaster mentoring you. Cubmaster would be a difficult position to take on if you are brand new to Cub Scouts.
  
  Reply
Charles Johnson

October 20, 2019

As a new Cub master but 13 years in the scouts I am having a difficult time getting the den leaders as well as the assistant Cubmaster to communicate with me about events and activities what should I do?

Reply
1. Scouter Mom
  
  October 21, 2019
  
  Monthly committee/planning meetings are probably the best form of communication. We also use a group text (GroupMe) to communicate.
  
  Reply
Valerie Cruz

May 24, 2022

Hello, so our pack cubmaster has left since his child has transitioned to boy scouts. I am the new committee chair. Does a pack need to have a cubmaster in order to be operational? We do have a committee with at least three members and charter-org rep; however, we don’t have any current parents in the pack wanting to take up the position. Any advice?

Reply