Lion Rank strip Patch

Lion FAQ


The LION program was tested in 198 Boy Scout Councils during the 2016-2018 program years.
It became a permanent national program in the late summer of 2018, at the start of the 2018-2019 program year.
BSA distributed the following information in early April, 2018.


What You Need to Know About Lions Integrating With Cub Scouts

April 4, 2018

The National Executive Committee and Board voted that the Lion pilot has proven successful and is ready to officially join the Cub Scouting family!

Research and feedback says…

  • Developing character is the #1 reason to join Scouting, according to parents.
  • 61% of Lion youth are new families to Scouting!
  • Lions grew over 50% nationally over the last 12 months.
  • More than 91% of councils have been involved in the Lion pilot during 2017-2018.
  • 75% of new parents take on leadership roles. Roles include assistant den leader, committee member, assistant cubmaster and more.

Read on to learn all of the latest updates and understand how to best integrate Lions into Cub Scouting.

When does the pilot stop and Lions become part of Cub Scouting?

  • At the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Lions will officially kick off as a new Cub Scout rank for fall of 2018.

Do we still use the word “Cub” for Lions?

  • To simplify things and be consistent, Cub Scouting no longer uses the term Tiger Cubs or Lion Cubs. The youth are simply called Lions or Tigers.

Can we register Lions for the fall now?

  • The Lions program starts in August or later. Councils should recruit and register Lions as close to the start time of the program and their den. There is no summer program for Lions. Youth should be recruited close to the time that councils have active programs to deliver to the youth.

With Lions now being the first offering in Cub Scouting, will Bobcat stay in Tigers or move to Lions?

  • Bobcat is staying in Tigers and will remain as it is currently run in the program.

Do den chiefs work with Lions?

  • Den chiefs can work with those in Cub Scouting ranks: Bears, Wolves and Webelos. Lions and Tigers do not have den chiefs. Since an adult partner is required, the den chiefs are reserved for the older ranks.

With the new Lion merchandise available this summer, can families purchase these items?

  • Yes. Lions who have earned the various adventure loops and/or Lion rank patch are welcome to purchase these items.

What's New for Lions?

Lion materials have been updated to reflect the needs of both boys and girls. All girl dens or all boy dens are welcome. Images are being updated on the Lion website and we will continue to share more images for your local use.

Lions will now have more resources similar to other Cub Scout ranks. These will arrive in Scout Shops and online this summer in preparation for the fall start. For merchandise questions, please contact Supply Customer Service at 800-323-0736 or Supply.Orders@scouting.org.

Parents now have more flexibility with deciding when to begin Lion fundraising. It's also a family's choice as to how many pack meetings they attend based on their family's schedule.

Additional New Items Available

The Lion Parent and Leader Guidebook will have a new cover. It will still be available for parents and leaders all wrapped together in the Lion kit.

The youth handbook will get a new cover. Previously called the Youth Adventure Book, it is now called the Lion Cub Scout Handbook. This update will be consistent with the other Cub Scout ranks.

A new rank strip patch is also arriving. It will provide for better placement when a Lion moves to Tigers and beyond. The previous diamond patch will be discounted as stock runs out. The new rank patch can be placed on the T-shirt over their heart.

Stickers are still available for the youth to place in their Lion Cub Scout Handbook immediately as they complete an adventure. However, new Adventure Loops will be available just as they are available for the other Cub Scout ranks. These can be awarded during pack meetings or as the pack traditionally awards them to the youth.

Because Lions will now have Adventure Loops, they will also begin wearing their Cub Scout belt to proudly display their earned awards. Your den may also be interested in the single Lion rank pocket card or the multi sheet pocket card. Another item available will be the Lion advancement chart.

In the Adventure of Gizmos and Gadgets a new activity was added for a new yellow/gold neckerchief and slide. These would be awarded after the adventure is complete, according to the desire of the advancement chair and den leader.

What's Not Changing for Lions?

The T-shirt is loved by children and parents, alike. The youth enjoy the comfort and fun of the Lion T-shirt, while the parents love the price point and cute character. The T-shirt remains the official Lion uniform. The cap is still an optional item.

The Lion curriculum is still the same fun and energetic program. Pinewood Derby was added last year.

As mentioned above, the Lion Parent and Leader Guidebook will still be available for parents and leaders all wrapped together in the Lion kit, which includes:

  • Lion stickers
  • Lion Cub Scout Handbook
  • Lion Parent and Den Leader Guide
  • Youth Protection, How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide – newly added for Lions. But the version is the same as it is for the rest of Cub Scouts.

The Lion website is still the same, complete with all the program resources you need, including PowerPoints, videos, recruitment flyers, image link, FAQs, and more. All resources will be updated by the end of May.

Have questions about Lions not mentioned here? Please contact BSA's Member Care Contact Center at – 972-580-2489 or at MyScouting@Scouting.org. You may also contact your local council service center for more details pertaining to your local Lion Den.


Page updated on: September 12, 2022



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