Lion Cub
Kindergarteners
Research shows that childhood development accelerates around ages four and five, about the time youth begin formal education. To supplement the learning and growth children experience at home and in an educational environment at that age, Boy Scouts of America has developed a program for five-year-old kindergarten children called “Lion.” Parents of Lions work together independantly of the Pack to meet and play through the self-guided adventures laid out in their Lion activity books. The Pack provides a mentor known as a “Lion Guide” who will coach the group through their first session and serve as a resource for any questions or ideas to help those parents develop a plan for future sessions throughout the year. In the Lion program, an Adult Partner (a parent, grandparent, or other guardian) always accompanies each scout. All the Lions and their Adult Partners form a team or “Den” and work with their new friends at their own pace. Lions may be invited to attend the occasional Pack meeting, if the program scheduled can support age appropriate activities, such as the Pinewood derby race or family camping event.