Purposes of Cub Scouting:
Cub Scouting is a year-round, family oriented part of the Boy Scouts of America program designed for boys who are in first through fifth grade (or are 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders and organizations work together to achieve the 10 purposes of cub scouting:
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouting
The Methods of Cub Scouting:
Cub Scouting uses eight specific methods to achieve Scouting's aims of helping boys and young adults build character, train in the responsibilities of citizenship, and develop personal fitness. These methods are incorporated into all aspects of the program. Through these methods, Cub Scouting happens in the lives of boys and their families.
- The Ideals: The Cub Scout Promise, The Scout Law, and The Cub Scout sign, salute, handshake, and motto all teach good citizenship and contribute to a boy's sense of belonging.
- The Den: Boys like to belong to a group. The Den is the place where boys learn new skills and develop interests in new things. They have fun in den meetings, during indoor and outdoor activities, and on field trips. As part of a small group of six to twelve boys, they are able to learn sportsmanship and good citizenship.They learn how to get along with others. They learn how to do their best, not just for themselves but also for the Den.
- Advancement: Recognition is important to boys. The advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding. Cub Scout leaders and adult family members work with boys on advancement projects.
- Family Involvement: Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting. When we speak of parents or families, we are not referring to any particular family structure. Some boys live with two parents, some live with one parent, some have foster parents, and some live with other relatives or guardians. Whomever a boy calls his family is his family in Cub Scouting.
- Activities: In Cub Scouting, boys participate in a wide variety of den and pack activities, such as games, skits, stunts, songs, outdoor activities, and trips. Also, the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program and Cub Scouting's Fun for the Family include activities that encourage personal achievement and family involvement.
- Home and Neighborhood Centered Scouting: Cub Scouting meetings and activities happen in urban areas, in rural communities, in large cities, in small towns - wherever boys live.
- The Uniform: The Cub Scout Uniform helps build pride, loyalty, and self-respect. Wearing the uniform to all den and pack meetings and activities also encourages a neat appearance, a sense of belonging, and geed behavior.
- Making Character Connections: Throughout the program, leaders learn to identify and use character lessons in activities so boys can learn to know, commit, and practice the 12 core values of Cub Scouting. Character Connections are included in all the methods of Cub Scouting and are the program themes for monthly Pack meetings.
Cub Scouts — A Positive Place:
The Boy Scouts of America emphasizes a positive place in Cub Scouting. Any Cub Scouting activity should take place in a positive atmosphere where boys can feel emotionally secure and find support, not ridicule. Activities should be positive and meaningful and should help support the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America.
Cub Scout Core Values:
Citizenship • Compassion • Cooperation
Courage • Faith • Health and Fitness
Honesty • Perseverance • Positive Attitude
Resourcefulness • Respect • Responsibility