The Values of Cub Scouting
Since its origin, the Scouting program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for Scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service. These elements were part of the original Cub Scout program and continue to be part of Cub Scouting today
Character development should extend into every aspect of a boy's life. Character development should also extend into every aspect of Cub Scouting. Cub Scout leaders should strive to use the 12 points of the Scout Law throughout all elements of the program—service projects, ceremonies, games, skits, songs, crafts, and all the other activities enjoyed at den and pack meetings
The Scout Law
| A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY |
A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him. |
| A Scout is LOYAL |
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country. |
| A Scout is HELPFUL |
A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward. |
| A Scout is FRIENDLY |
A Scout is a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from him. |
| A Scout is COURTEOUS |
A Scout is polite to everyone and always uses good manners. |
| A Scout is KIND |
A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He never harms or kills any living thing without good reason. |
| A Scout is OBEDIENT |
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and pack. He obeys the laws of his community and country. |
| A Scout is CHEERFUL |
A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. |
| A Scout is THRIFTY |
A Scout works to pay his way. He uses time, property, and natural resources wisely. |
| A Scout is BRAVE |
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He stands for what is right even if others laugh at him. |
| A Scout is CLEAN |
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He helps keep his home and community clean. |
| A Scout is REVERENT |
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. |
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Membership
Cub Scouting members join a Cub Scout pack and are assigned to a den, usually a neighborhood group of six to eight boys. Tiger Cubs (first-graders), Wolf Cub Scouts (second graders), Bear Cub Scouts (third graders), and Webelos Scouts (fourth and fifth graders) meet bi-weekly.
Once a month, all of the dens and family members gather for a pack meeting under the direction of a Cubmaster and pack committee. The committee includes parents of boys in the pack and members of the chartered organization.
Volunteer Leadership
Thousands of volunteer leaders, both men and women, are involved in the Cub Scout program. They serve in a variety of positions, as everything from unit leaders to pack committee chairmen, committee members, den leaders, and chartered organization representatives.
Like other phases of the Scouting program, a Cub Scout pack belongs to an organization with interests similar to those of the BSA. This organization, which might be a church, school, community organization, or group of interested citizens, is chartered by the BSA to use the Scouting program. This chartered organization provides a suitable meeting place, adult leadership, supervision, and opportunities for a healthy Scouting life for the boys under its care. Each organization appoints one of its members as a chartered organization representative. The organization, through the pack committee, is responsible for providing leadership, the meeting place, and support materials for pack activities.
Who Pays For It?
Groups responsible for supporting Cub Scouting are the boys and their parents, the pack, the chartered organization, and the community. The boy is encouraged to pay his own way. Packs also obtain income by working on approved money-earning projects. The community, including parents, supports Cub Scouting through Friends of Scouting enrollment, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council. This financial support provides leadership training, outdoor programs, council service centers and other facilities, and professional service for units.
Advancement Plan
Recognition is important to young boys. The Cub Scout advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with boys on advancement projects.
Bobcat
No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos.
Tiger Cub
The Tiger Cub program is for first grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub Badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade.
Wolf
The Wolf program is for boys who have completed first grade (or are age 8). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass twelve achievements involving simple physical and mental skills.
Bear
The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age 9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.
Webelos
This program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are age 10).
A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements found in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on activity badges, attend camp.
