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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is Cubs middle class??

93 replies

Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:10

My son is 9, soon to be 10 and we have tried out a few after school clubs for him; local community club with was too much positive mental attitude and martial arts, which became boring. He has just started Cubs locally (only been a couple of times) and has enjoyed it as they’ve done science experiments. Saw a mum friend earlier and she mentioned she wanted something for her son and suggested Cubs and she looked aghast and said I am a middle class wannabe!

I have always considered myself working class - not that I given it much thought and my dad and DH went to Cubs and Scouts and enjoyed it. A few of DS’ school friends do it too and he loves seeing his friends. I’m not going to stop him going or anything but is she right? And if so, are middle class things a bit naff?!

OP posts:
Original poster
Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:10

Also - should be be ‘are’ Clubs middle class?!

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SpackelFrog · 23/09/2025 12:11

I don’t think it is at all, it’s accessible to all and inexpensive.

Artifishal · 23/09/2025 12:11

Does it matter?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 23/09/2025 12:13

When I went as a child it was working class people like care takers and school receptionists that run it

Original poster
Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:13

Not really @Artifishal- I just a bit taken aback at her weird response! It is only £3.50 per week too

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Original poster
Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:14

I was a Brownie and it was all girls like me too. Maybe she is just a weirdo!

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IDontLikeMondays88 · 23/09/2025 12:14

Why does it matter?

but I don’t think so.

WorthySloth · 23/09/2025 12:15

She’s odd. Cubs is for everyone.

Coffeeishot · 23/09/2025 12:16

Where i live is predominantly working class guiding and Scouting is really big here, sign him up,

Original poster
Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:16

Glad it isn’t just me! It doesn’t matter but she was saying she didn’t think I was like that, and I don’t know what I am like!

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SJM1988 · 23/09/2025 12:17

Cubs is for everyone - there is a really good mix of people at my DS Beavers/Cubs groups (he's just moving up). Its really popular here as well with a few groups in the local area.

Coffeeishot · 23/09/2025 12:18

Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:14

I was a Brownie and it was all girls like me too. Maybe she is just a weirdo!

Yes I was a brownie and guide. The guide shed as we called it was right in the bang right in the middle of a council estate .

FunnyOrca · 23/09/2025 12:19

Historically, it was religiously associated. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anything about a class bias.

CurlsLDN · 23/09/2025 12:21

I’m a cubs leader. Our subs are significantly cheaper than any other clubs nearby, as is generally the case across scouting, so it would be a strange thing to consider it only for wealthier families!

she had a prejudice around it that others don’t share - perhaps she knew one scouting family and assumes all are the same?

if you can be bothered you could educate her, but probably easiest just to let your son enjoy his activities and ignore her and her ignorance

tierralee · 23/09/2025 12:21

My friend’s daughter is a cub, my friend is a TA & her husband is a department manager at a supermarket where he has worked since he was 16. They’re very working class!!

Blueberryme · 23/09/2025 12:27

Cubs is for everyone!

Honestly, it’s 2025 and some people are still trying to assign a children’s club to a class pecking order 🤦‍♀️

UrsulaBelle · 23/09/2025 12:29

It's not middle class, I don't think. It's just not a sports club and it's good for all manner of DC. My nerdy, non-footballer DSes loved it. I suppose if you look down on non-sporty kids and a variety of different activities instead, you might find it 'not your thing' at a stretch? Though there were plenty of sporty kids at our cubs too. If your friend doesn't do any activities with her DC, she might think you are trying too hard, again at a stretch?

KrupBrie · 23/09/2025 12:29

I'd say it's a real mix at ours in terms of the kids. But it's mostly the more working class parents who have put the effort in and become leaders! They are also the ones who were born and bred in the local area and whose parents went to the Scout Group too.
All the middle class people are incomers with no links to the local area.

Happythecrocodile1 · 23/09/2025 12:31

Horse riding and fencing, she might have a point. Cubs at the local scout hall or whatever it’s called? She’s a prat 😂

coxesorangepippin · 23/09/2025 12:36

It's a steal at that price, let's face it

user2848502016 · 23/09/2025 12:37

Maybe it was years ago but really don’t think so these days, must depend on area though.
My DD went to brownies and the kids there were from a mixture of backgrounds.
Anyway does it matter if the kids enjoy it?

Original poster
Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:39

Thanks all - will just assume she is weird! Good job I didn’t tell her why I was limping - an old ballet injury 😂😂

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Tunacheesequesadilla · 23/09/2025 12:39

She's doing her child a disservice, if she'll only let them do things she deems "working class".

Original poster
Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:40

The club isn’t in the nicest area - not bad though. In fact - it is nearer her than me so thought I was being nice

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Original poster
Livpool · 23/09/2025 12:42

True @Tunacheesequesadilla- I know her vaguely by marriage and I know from her brother that her son is shy and has a hard time making friends. Maybe it is because his parents don’t let him do certain things

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