Cub Scouting is just one of the phases of the Boy Scouts of America.We have more than 4 million members, all participating in one phase of the Scouting program or another, depending upon their age group.Going beyond that, Scouting around the world has more than 17 million members.You can see that when we say "Welcome to the World Brotherhood of Scouting" we are really talking about many, many people.
This section of our site will give some basic information on Cub Scouting, but we are far from the only on-line source of Scouting information.
Cub
Scouting is for boys, and each boy is different. CubScouts come in all
sizes, shapes, and colors, and from a variety of different types of backgrounds.
We realize there are no "average" boys and that's why Cub Scouting is
easily adaptable to a boy with a physical, mental, or emotional limitation, just
as it is adaptable to boys who come from low-income, inner-city, or rural areas.
When a youngster with a disability participates, there is little doubt that Cub
Scouting can be one of the most valuable aids to his physical and mental
development.
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We know
that the family is an important influence on the youth of our nation. We also
know that there are many different types of family structures in today's world.
Scouting has always been a support to families as well as to organizations to
which families belong. We believe in involving families in the training of youth
and we are sensitive to the needs of present-day families. Cub Scouting provides
opportunities for families to work and play together, to have fun together, and
to get to know each other a little better.
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Boys
join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun. However, for boys, "fun"
means a lot more than having a good time. Fun is sort of a code word for
satisfaction from meeting challenges, having friends, feeling safe, and feeling
they are important to other people. But Cub Scouting can provide even more.
While the boys are having fun, doing things they like to do, they are also
learning new things, discovering and mastering new skills, gaining self-confidence,
and developing strong friendships. In the often confusing and troubling world
in which today's children live, Cub Scouting is even more important as a
haven—a place where a boy can find acceptance and support from friends when
he needs it.
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Cub
Scouting is full of attractions for boys in addition to the obvious ones like
fun and adventure. The Cub Scout Promise, which is a pledge of good citizenship;
the Law of the Pack, a simple formula for good Cub Scouting; and the motto,
"Do Your Best," are but a few. Such symbols as the Cub Scout sign,
salute, secret code, and living circle all add a sense of mystery and
exclusiveness which most boys enjoy and add to the appeal of belonging to a
well-known and accepted organization.
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Cub
Scouting helps fulfill a boy's desire for adventure and allows him to use his
vivid imagination while taking part in skits, games, field trips, service
projects, outdoor activities, and others. The use of a monthly theme lets a boy
play the role of an astronaut, clown, cowboy, or other exciting character. There
is adventure in exploring the outdoors, learning about nature, and gaining a
greater appreciation for our beautiful world.
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Cub Scouts
learn many useful things; they develop ability and dexterity, learn to use tools
and to follow directions. Badges encourage them to qualify in subjects such as
conservation, safety, physical fitness, community awareness, sports, religious
activities, and others. These interests may become a hobby or even a career
later in life.
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The
advancement plan encourages the natural interests of a boy in a natural way. It
provides fun for the boys, teaches them to do their best, and helps strengthen
family understanding as families work with boys on advancement requirements.
Badges are awarded to recognize advancement. Boys like to receive and wear the
badges, but the real benefit comes from the worthwhile things they learn while
they are earning the badges.
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Belonging
is important to boys. They like to be accepted as part of a group. In Cub
Scouting, boys belong to a small group called a den where they take part in
interesting and meaningful activities with worthwhile friends. In the den they
learn sportsmanship, good citizenship, and loyalty; they learn how to get along
with others, and how to do their best for themselves and their den. Cub Scouts
also belong to a pack, which is a larger group made up of several dens.
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Cub
Scouting provides opportunities for boys to "reach out" into a wider
community while still keeping a link with more secure foundations such as the
home, religious organization, and school. It helps boys become full members of
their communities as they take part in service projects and other
community-related activities. They get to know their community better and
recognize the importance of good citizenship.
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The Boy
Scouts of America believes that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen
without recognizing an obligation to God, and encourages both youth and adult
leaders to be faithful in their religious duties. The Scouting movement has long
been known for service to others. We believe that patriotism plays a significant
role in preparing our nation's youth to become useful and participating
citizens. A Cub Scout learns his duty to God, country, others, and self.
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Cub
Scout packs are rechartered every year and members are registered for a year
at a time. This means that boys are entitled to a full year's program of
fun and activities. Summer den and pack activities are informal and often
held outdoors.Families are called upon to help with leadership of summer
activities. Even though some families will be on vacation at various times
during the summer, there are still enough people around to enjoy and benefit
from the activities. Since the boys have more free time during the summer,
it is a great time for Cub Scouting.
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Cub
Scouting is a resource program for community organizations, not just something
they "sponsor" for the BoyScouts of America. The Scouting
program is available to organizations with similar interests and goals, to be
used to further their outreach and help them achieve their objectives for young
people in the community.
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In Cub Scouting, a framework is provided with guidelines upon which we build. When we are satisfied that we have built a program that is rich and full, varied and exciting for the boys, that is just the beginning. All of the activities will have an effect on the growth and development of boys, and we must remember that our ultimate objectives are citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness.
Scouting, as a worldwide brotherhood, is unique and different. It is based on the principles of loving and serving God, human dignity and the rights of individuals, and recognizing the obligation of all members to develop and use their potential. It is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people; one of the few left in the world where the emphasis is not on winning as an end result, but on the far more demanding task of "doing one's best."
Educators tell us that an increasing number of young people find
they cannot make friends and feel lonely, even in a crowd. They have had
thousands of words spoken at them by television, and they have never learned to
play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings. If
we can help nurture courage and kindness, allow boys to play, to laugh, to
develop imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we will have helped
them grow. We want them to become useful and stable individuals who are aware of
their own worth. Helping a boy to learn the value of his own worth is the
greatest gift we can give him.
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