A big part of Cub Scouts involves introducing boys and girls to the fun and adventure of spending time outdoors. And if you’re going to spend time outdoors, you’re going to want the right gear.
The Cub Scout Six Essentials, learned as part of the Wolf Rank, is a list of a half-dozen items every Cub Scout should carry when going on hikes or campouts.
Cub Scout leaders explain the Six Essentials as part of the Wolf required adventure “Call of the Wild.”
Later, when a Cub Scout enters Scouts BSA, he or she will learn about the Scout Basic Essentials, unofficially known as the Ten Essentials.
Whether he or she is a Wolf packing six must-have items or a Tenderfoot packing 10, the purpose is the same: ensuring young people have the tools they need before heading out the door.
These are items every Cub Scout should carry in their personal gear when going on hikes or campouts:
On any hike or campout with the den or pack. By encouraging Cub Scouts to pack and carry their own personal gear items, you’re preparing them for Scouts BSA.
For convenience — and to make sure no item gets lost — each Cub Scout should carry his or her Six Essentials in a small fanny pack or backpack.
Cub Scout leaders should emphasize that these are tools, not toys, and should be used only when needed.
Den leaders should bring a sample set of the Six Essentials to a den meeting before the pack’s/den’s big hike or campout.
Adults should explain the importance of each item and what qualities a Cub Scout should look for in each.
For example, you might outline the difference between a flashlight and headlamp, discuss what items go into a first-aid kit, and talk about what goes into a healthy trail snack.
Known as the Scout Basic Essentials in the newest edition of the Scouts BSA Handbook (pages 238-239), the Ten Essentials are as follows.
Items in bold are on both the Scout Ten Essentials list and the Cub Scout Six Essentials list.
When you give to Scouting, you are making it possible for young people to have extraordinary opportunities that will allow them to embrace their true potential and become the remarkable individuals they are destined to be.
