Ratios

Running a Cub Pack is one of the most rewarding roles in Scouting. From fiery campfire songs to the controlled chaos of building pioneering structures, a great Cub night is unforgettable.

However, before the games begin, there is one critical logistical question every leader has to answer: Do we have enough adults tonight?

1. The Regular Indoor Meeting

There is a common misconception that you need a strict mathematical ratio for your standard weekly slot at the local HQ.

According to official guidelines, there is no set numeric ratio for standard indoor meetings. Instead, the rule focuses on a baseline minimum:

The Golden Rule: A minimum of two adults (aged 18 or over) must be present at every regular indoor Cub meeting. At least one of these adults must hold a valid Leader, Manager, or Supporter appointment.

While two is the legal minimum, you should always use a local risk assessment. If you have 36 energetic Cubs running around a small hall, a third or fourth pair of hands isn't just helpful—it’s common sense.

2. Outdoor Activities (Away from the Meeting Place)

The moment your Cub Pack steps out of your usual meeting venue—whether it is a local park hike, a visit to a fire station, or an afternoon at an activity centre—the rules shift to a strict ratio system.

Cub ratio = 1:8 + Leader In charge. So for every 8 cubs you need one adult plus the leader in charge.

Example: If you take 16 Cubs out to the woods, you need 2 adults to cover the 1:8 ratio (16 div 8 = 2). Then, you must add the Leader in Charge. Your total required adult count is 3.

Nights away is also 1:8 + LIC

Other Things for nights away - The Permit: The camp must be led by a volunteer holding a valid Nights Away Permit at the appropriate level (Campsite, Indoor, Lightweight, or Green Field).

Overnight Rules: You must always have at least two adults present overnight. In the event of an emergency, an adult should never be left entirely alone with young people.

Young Leaders:

Explorer Scout Young Leaders (aged 14–18) are fantastic for helping run games, they don't count in adult ratio nor do they need to be counted in ratios.