Cub Scouts

    Cub Scouts is a family program which welcomes children of all genders grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Most packs are gender-inclusive, yet there may be some that are gender-specific. Within each “pack” Scouts are organized by grade-level “dens.” Dens may be gender-inclusive or gender-specific depending on the pack organization. Each den achievement year stands independent of the next, so a Cub Scout may join at any time. Activities are opportunities for families to spend time together. The packs and dens are led by adult volunteers called “akeela.”

    Cub Scout “adventures” support the growth and development of each Scout. They build friendships, learn how to respond to emergencies, gain confidence, and practice healthy living. Scouts learn about the world around them, engage in STEM projects, serve others, help conserve nature, and explore topics which interest the den. Cub Scouts enjoy the outdoors and attend weekend campouts with their families.

    There are 10 Packs within the Thunderbird District. Each pack typically draws its membership from one or more elementary schools, and Scouts often prefer to be in a pack with their classmates. Families, however, may join any pack they choose regardless of school boundaries. At the start of each school year, packs host a Join Scouting Night to introduces themselves and their programs to prospective scouting families.

    Cub Scouts can earn the “Arrow of Light” patch which may be worn on a BSA uniform, yet Cub Scouting experience is not needed for participation in BSA.

    To learn more about our troops, visit our Pack Directory.

    Scouts BSA

    Scouts BSA welcomes youth of all genders ages 11 through 17. Each troop is gender-specific. Scouts are organized into “patrols” within the troop. Troops typically choose to organize patrols either by a Scout’s age or by a Scout’s rank. BSA Scouting emphasizes youth leadership; Scouts plan their own activities and calendars. Adult volunteers advise Scouts in their planning and learning.

    BSA Scouts helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills. The merit badge program encourages Scouts to try new things as mentored by a subject expert. Scouts provide service to others and practice being conservation-minded. BSA Scouts promotes healthy living and physical fitness. A Scout learns important life skills such as communication and cooking. Patrols may plan weekend and week-long campouts, physical fitness and sports activities, or meetings or outings featuring any topic which interests them.

    There are 14 Troops within the Thunderbird District: troop 19 is the only troop for girls in the Thunderbird District and the other Troops are troops for boys. Being youth-led, each troop has different interests and different emphasis in its program. Prospective Scouts should visit with several troops to find one that matches their own scouting goals. Each October, the district hosts “Webelos Woods” in which each troop showcases itself to prospective BSA Scouts.

    To learn more about our troops, visit our Troop Directory.