Help your child build character, friendships, and lifelong skills through the adventure of Cub Scouting.
Apply on BeAScout.org ↗Since 1910, Scouting has built leaders. Here's what your child gains.
Scouts learn integrity, trustworthiness, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Service projects and community involvement teach scouts to give back.
Outdoor adventures, hiking, and active meetings keep scouts moving and healthy.
Den roles, public speaking, and project planning develop tomorrow's leaders today.
Fill out the electronic application and pay Scouting America fees at BeAScout.org or email [email protected]. The membership term runs January–December; dues are prorated for mid-year joiners.
Registration covers Scouting America insurance for all participants. See the cost breakdown below.
* Scout Life Magazine is optional (+$15). The uniform and your scout’s rank handbook are purchased separately — see the Uniform Guide below.
After registration, the Membership Chair will contact you and introduce your child to their Den Leader.
Purchase a uniform and your scout’s rank handbook at the Northern Virginia Scout Shop (5234 Port Royal Rd, Springfield) or the National Scout Shop online. Worth knowing: shirts bought in person at the Scout Shop usually come with most of the standard patches already sewn on, and the shop will sew on the rest for a small fee. See the Uniform Guide below for exactly what your scout needs.
Scouts advance through ranks year by year alongside their den.
Pack 888 coordinates with local Scouting America troops to facilitate the transition from Cub Scouting. Scouts who earn the Arrow of Light and are at least 10 years old are eligible to join a troop.
At minimum: uniform shirt, hat, belt, neckerchief, and neckerchief slide — except at Arrow of Light, where the hat and neckerchief are optional. Families also purchase their scout’s rank handbook. Pack 888 provides the unit numeral patch — see the notes below the table for patches, bottoms, and Class B t-shirts.
| Rank | Shirt | Hat & Neckerchief | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🦁 Lion | Lion shirt | Lion hat & neckerchief | Slide included; navy belt for adventure loops |
| 🐯 Tiger | Blue shirt | Tiger hat & orange neckerchief | Den number strip, navy belt |
| 🐺 Wolf | Blue shirt | Wolf hat & red neckerchief | Den number strip, navy belt |
| 🐻 Bear | Blue shirt | Bear hat & blue neckerchief | Den number strip, navy belt |
| ⚜️ Webelos | Blue shirt | Webelos hat & plaid neckerchief | Blue or tan — either is acceptable at Webelos |
| 🏹 Arrow of Light | Tan shirt, blue shoulder loops | Optional — any official hat & neckerchief | New uniform at AOL; green bottoms; no den strip needed |
💡 Tip: The blue shirt and belt carry from Tiger all the way through Webelos — buy a size up so it lasts. At Webelos, either shirt is acceptable, so if your scout needs a new one anyway, tan is often the smarter buy: Arrow of Light is the very next year, and it saves buying blue and then tan within twelve months.
Pack 888 provides the unit numeral (the “888” patch for the sleeve). Families purchase the den number strip for their scout’s den — ask your den leader or our Membership Chair for the right number before you buy. Your scout’s den keeps the same number as they move up, so you should not need a new strip each year. Arrow of Light scouts do not need a den strip at all.
If you buy the shirt in person at the Scout Shop, most of the standard patches are usually already sewn on, and the shop will sew the rest for a small fee. Well worth it if sewing is not your thing.
You do not have to buy official Scouting America bottoms. Plain navy pants, shorts, or skorts are fine with the blue Cub Scout uniform (Lion through Webelos), and plain olive/green with the tan Arrow of Light uniform.
Amazon, Walmart, Target — whatever fits your scout and your budget. Just match the color.
“Class A” is the official uniform shirt described above. “Class B” means the Pack 888 t-shirt — worn for camping, hikes, day camp, and other casual activities.
It is not one of the fun rank-themed tees sold at the Scout Shop. Those are great shirts, but they do not count as a Class B. Ask your den leader or our Membership Chair how to get the Pack shirt.
Reach our Membership Chair directly — we're happy to walk you through the process.