When your child joins Cubs, they step into a world filled with adventure, teamwork, and exciting challenges. Along the way, they’ll pick up a few new words and phrases that might be unfamiliar at first. Here’s a handy guide to help you and your Cub understand the language of scouting.
- Pack
- The whole group of Cubs is known as a Pack. This is led by volunteer leaders who plan activities, support Cubs in earning badges, and make sure everyone is having fun.
- Watch
- A smaller team within the Pack, usually made up of around five or six Cubs. Each Watch is led by a Sixer, with support from a Seconder. Watches work as teams to complete activities and challenges.
- Woggle
- A small ring used to hold the Necker in place. Each Watch has a different coloured Woggle to identify them.
- Necker
- The Necker (short for neckerchief) is the scarf that every Cub wears as part of their uniform. Each Scout Group has its own colours.
- The Cub Scout Promise
- When a Cub joins, they make the Cub Scout Promise to show their commitment to Scouting values. A traditional version is:
“I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the King,
To help other people,
And to keep the Cub Scout Law.”
Other Common Cubs Terms
- Pack Night
- The weekly meeting where Cubs come together for activities, games, and badge work.
- Investiture
- A special ceremony where a new Cub is officially welcomed into the Pack and makes their Promise.
- Uniform
- The green Cub Scout sweatshirt worn with a Necker and Woggle. Cubs proudly sew their badges onto their uniform.
- Wide Games
- Large outdoor games involving teamwork, problem-solving, and adventure. Often played on camps or activity days.
- Campfire
- A favourite Cubs tradition, where stories are shared, songs are sung, and marshmallows are toasted after a day of adventure.
Why Does Learning the Lingo Matter?
Knowing these words helps Cubs feel confident and included from the moment they join. It also helps parents understand what’s going on when their child comes home excitedly talking about their Watch or the Promise they made!
Scouting has a long and proud history, and these traditions help Cubs feel like they’re part of something special. Before long, new Cubs will be using these words like second nature—and maybe even teaching them to the next generation of adventurers.