That's right folks, while your Scouts are doing cool Scout things there is going to be >STUFF< they are going to need. The responsibility will lies on 4, that's right 4 key parties to help this Scout attain what he is going to need. Those responsible parties are the Scout, Parent, Youth Leader(s) and the Cubmaster. Of course, once the Cub Scout crosses over to Boy Scouts those needs will change and those responsibilities will fall more onto the shoulders of the Scout, but for now here is a list of some things you might think about getting to get your Cub Scout started.

• Sleeping bag (not a play sleeping bag) ---sleeping bags should have a rating between 32-40 deg. (You don't have to buy top of the line). Also a cool item to have for sleeping is a backpacking pillow and/or a sleeping pad is great.
• Hiking Boots - can be second hand, but should be comfy (dry and comfy feet are the most important things we all have). Early on boys are going to be going on trail hikes and by age 14-17 hikes could be up to 20 miles long so, it is very important to teach them while they are young how to care for their feet.
• Mess Kits - again no need to be fancy, you can go to Joes Army Navy and pick up a mess kit for a few bucks. or cheaper yet, Plastic plate, bowel, fork, spoon, knife and plastic cup. Oh Lets not leave out the almighty revered "SPORK". All great things very little money.
• Water Bottle - Can not live without water, I would recommend the Nalgene wit ha plastic mouth/opening guard so its easy to sip on the go.
• Day Pack/Back Pak to carry his stuff --- Ok now listen, and I say this only because I have seen it, youDon't have to get your Scout a gigantic travel trunk. Your scout is not starting out as a pack mule. Something small and simple to put a change of close in with a few other hiking items. They should be light weight for the young lad.
• Small knife - there is a little common sense about this one. If your scout is a bear or a Webelos I or II and you feel they are mature enough to have a POCKET KNIFE to use under supervision then by all means. Tigers and Wolves sorry but your parent will have to hold onto it for you.
• Carabeener to dangle things off there belts or backpacks.
• Rain Gear - could be a poncho for know but as they get older they will want a rain jacket and depending on their activities maybe rain pants.
• Flash light is a must. Something that can get wet and still work. Also a battery powered lantern is great for things like summer camp.

ESSENTIALS!!!!!

OK! These things are called essentials for a reason. I know Scouting is all about having Fun, Fun, and more Fun! That little fact will never change, BUT!!! (there it is) we are also teaching out young Scouts all these nifty little things that come in there scouting hand books. 

Since scouting is about being outdoors and having fun we are also teaching them important things to keep them safe and how to take care of themselves while they are having fun. 

Enough said! Now on with the list of things we call essentials....

1. A First Aid kit - it can be a lifesaver. Literally. While your Scout is outdoors having all that fun they like to have; the moment will come where someone is going to get hurt. I love it when we as adults say things happened unexpectedly (like my care broke down unexpectedly). Its a machine filled with flaws "its going to break down and you know it". Your Scout is going to get hurt most time something minor but its going to happen, Its not unexpected so bring a first aid and teach them how to use it. I love when my son get a cut and goes to clean it and bandage it up then come tell me later he got hurt.  First aid is your most important item because our Scouts safety is our first responsibility.
2. Extra Clothing in a zip lock. Keeps cloths dry and its great to have dry cloths because they always find a way to get wet. Also since we spend so much time outdoors we need to make sure that kids have the proper cloths to accommodate different weather temps. A nice layered jacket that can break down from thick to thin layers is great to handle our weather changes.
3. Rain gear - Again the rain never fails us and it is so important to keep our Scouts dry in the rainy weather. Being wet for extended periods of time could result in hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition.
4. Flash light to move around at night for whatever reason.
5. Trail Food - Your Scout is going to be more active than ever, he will be burning lots of energy and therefor will need to resupply that energy.
6. Water - I can not say it enough WATER, WATER, and more WATER! It WILL prevent dehydration and Heat as well as Cold injuries. Its right up there with first aid, a must, must, must. Some juices are great for electrolytes I go nuts when I see kids sucking down a Coke or Mountain Dew. All Caffeinated drinks will quickly dehydrate your Scout. Caffeine is the worst think your can pump into your active Scouts system.
7. Sun Protection - These include, sunblock, sun glasses, lip balm and wide brim hats.
8. Compass and Maps - again the goal it to teach out kids great and wonderful things. Then we take them out in the woods and before we know it we (the parent) have gotten ourselves turned around and lost! NO!! It wasn't me it was my kid that got us lost. Well there is know need to worry because your trusty Den Leader has taught your Scout how to navigate there way around the woods with these two essential tools. Your Scout is now a hero because he just saved you the parent from having to sleep in the wood with all those creepy crawling things and has you snug as a bug in your tent.
9. Pocket knife or multi-tool. Nice to have and they will use it, I promise you that!

Additional Packing list can be found here http://boyslife.org/outdoors/outdoorarticles/6976/scout-outdoor-essentials-checklist/ or in the boy scout hand book. 

Ok. on this sight it is more driven for the Boy Scout but I push it anyway because the goal is to teach our Cub Scout to become a Boy Scout. That being said they are going to have to learn a lot of the nifty things and be best subject matter expert becomes an expert by repetition. That is doing the same things over and over again until it become muscle memory. 

Good Luck in the Great Outdoors and remember have fun teaching, leaning and doing all the great thing we have to offer out there. 
KISKIF (Keep it Simple and Keep if Fun)!