Cub Scouts are young people aged between 8 and 10½ years old. They are easily distinguished by their dark green sweatshirt and Group Neckerchief, and make up the largest Section of Scouting in the United Kingdom.

Baden Powell's original intention was that Scouting should be for boys between the ages of 11 - 18. But younger boys, seeing the fun and adventure older brothers and friends were having as Scouts, began asking to join too. However the physical development and interests of boys differ considerably over and under the age of 11, and Baden Powell appreciated that the training must therefore be designed on quite separate although complimentary lines. In 1914 'Junior scouts' were announced and in 1916, they became 'Wolf Cubs'

In 1966, as part of a modernisation plan, a number of sweeping changes were introduced in preparation for the years ahead and the section became known as Cub Scouts. New proficiency badges and training schemes were introduced and the Cub Scout Law and Promise revised.

Following an update in the early nineties, the Cub Scout Section changed again within the introduction of the new 6-25 programme, Girls have been joining in the fun and challenge of Cub Scouting since 1991.

With a fresh new image, cartoon mascots and an exciting and balances programme of activities, the Cub Scout Section is as strong as ever. there are currently some 142,589 Cub Scouts in the United Kingdom

Taken from the Scout Association fact sheet FS295101