Cub Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)

Cub Scouting
Owner	Boy Scouts of America
Age range	first to fifth grade; or, 7 to 11½ years[1]
Country	United States
Founded	1930
Membership	1,417,034 youth 395,445 adults 43,110 packs (2013)[2]
Next Boy Scouting
Website www.scouting.org/CubScouts.aspx

Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), available to boys from first through fifth grade, or 7 to 11½ years of age and their families. Its membership is the largest of the three BSA divisions (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing). Cub Scouting is part of the worldwide Scouting movement and aims to promote character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.^[3]

Origins

Detroit, Michigan. Cub Scouts with flag standards at the British Blitz Scout meeting, 1942

Cub Scout in uniform, 1968

As early as 1911, Ernest Thompson Seton had developed a prototype program he named Cub Scouts of America that was never implemented. James E. West felt that having BSA divisions for younger boys (those under 12; the "younger boy problem") would draw away boys from the core program, which was Scout troops focused on the 12- to 17-year-old age group; thus he opposed such a program for some time. In spite of this, unofficial programs for younger boys started around this time, under names such as Junior Troops or Cadet Corps. The BSA obtained the rights to Lord Baden-Powell's The Wolf Cub Handbook in 1916 and used it in unofficial Wolf Cub programs starting in 1918. This led to an issue with Daniel Carter Beard who felt that the use of the British book was nearly disloyal to the United States of America. West encouraged the formation of the Boy Rangers of America, a separate organization for boys eight through twelve based on an American Indian theme. The Boy Rangers used the Scout Law and their Chief Guide, Emerson Brooks, was a Boy Scout commissioner in Montclair, New Jersey. The BSA finally began some experimental Cub units in 1928 and in 1930 the BSA began registering the first Cub Scout packs, and the Boy Rangers were absorbed.^[4]

Casper the Friendly Ghost celebrates the 65th anniversary of the BSA

The British Cubbing program used elements of Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book series, with the Cubmaster taking the role of Akela and the assistant Cubmaster the role of Baloo. The American program also syncretized American Indian elements, with all Cub Scouts belonging to the Webelos tribe, symbolized by the Arrow of Light and led by Akela. Webelos was also an acronym meaning Wolf, Bear, Lion, Scout; the name was later given a backronym of "WE'll BE LOyal Scouts". The initial rank structure was Wolf, Bear and Lion, with ages of 9, 10 and 11. Dens of six to eight Cubs were entirely led by a Boy Scout holding the position of den chief.

Aims, Methods, and Purposes

The Aims of Cub Scouting are the same as the other divisions—build character, learn the responsibilities of citizenship, and develop personal fitness.

The Methods of Cub Scouting

1. Living the Ideals
2. Belonging to a Den
3. Using Advancement
4. Involving Family and Home
5. Participating in Activities
6. Serving Neighborhood and Community
7. Wearing the Uniform

The Purposes of Cub Scouting are

1. Character Development
2. Spiritual Growth
3. Good Citizenship
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness
5. Family Understanding
6. Respectful Relationships
7. Personal Achievement
8. Friendly Service
9. Fun and Adventure
10. Preparation for Boy Scouts

Ideals

The Cub Scout ideals were spelled out in the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto. On June 1, 2015, the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack were retired and replaced by the Boy Scouts of America Oath & Law.^[5][6]

Cub Scout Promise

I promise to do my best

To do my duty to God and my country,

To help other people, and

To obey the Law of the Pack.

Law of the Pack

The Cub Scout follows Akela.

The Cub Scout helps the pack go.

The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.

The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

Cub Scout Motto

Do Your Best

The Cub Scout sign identifies the youth as a Cub Scout and is used when giving the Cub Scout Promise or the Law of the Pack. The Cub Scout salute is used when saluting the flag of the United States. The handshake is used as a token of friendship and identity.

Organization

A meeting of the Cub Scouts at the Ida B. Wells Housing Project, Chicago

The Cub Scout pack is sponsored by a community organization such as a business, service organization, school, labor group or religious institution. The chartered organization is responsible for selecting leadership, providing a meeting place and promoting a good program. The chartered organization representative is the liaison between the pack, the chartered organization, and the BSA.

The pack meets once a month, providing a program for Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The pack is led by a Cubmaster with one or more assistant Cubmasters. The pack committee is a group of adults, led by the pack committee chairman, who plan the pack program and activities and manage record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment and registration. The pack trainer is responsible for ensuring that all of the pack leaders are trained and for maintaining training records.

Cub Scouts who join a pack are assigned to dens with six to eight members, usually based on age: Tiger Cubs (first grade), Wolf Cub Scouts (second grade), Bear Cub Scouts (third grade) and Webelos Scouts (fourth and fifth grades). Dens meet weekly under the direction of the adult den leader. A Cub Scout is elected to the denner position to provide basic leadership to the den. A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or Venturer holding the den chief position may assist the den leader in activities.^[7] Den meetings are planned around a monthly theme and may include games, handicrafts, hikes and other outdoor fun while preparing for the next pack meeting.

Webelos is an acronym meaning "We'll Be Loyal Scouts". According to the Bear Cub Scout Book of 1954, the name originally came from the initial letters of "wolf, bear, lion, Scout", the rank of "Lion Cub Scout" became obsolete soon afterwards.^[8] Packs with a large number of Webelos Scouts sometimes divide them into Webelos I and Webelos II dens, to keep their den from previous years intact. Webelos dens spend much of their time learning about Boy Scout customs, including the Scout Law and Oath. Many packs are formally associated with a Boy Scout troop for mutual support—the troop provides assistance to the pack with activities such as campouts and ceremonies and in time, the Webelos Scouts cross over to the troop.

The Lone Cub Scout program serves boys who cannot take part in a nearby Cub Scout pack on a regular basis because of such factors as distance, weather, time, disability or similar issues.^[9]

Uniform

The uniform gives a Cub Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. The neckerchief, the neckerchief slide and the belt buckle uniforms are similar in basic design, they do vary in color and detail to identify the different divisions of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers. In all cases, shirts are tucked in.

Youth uniforms

Wolf Cubs in Virginia

Tigers wear the Cub Scout uniform; it is accompanied by orange topped socks, orange neckerchief, neckerchief slide with the Tiger logo, the cap with an orange panel and Tiger emblem and the blue belt with Tiger emblem on the buckle.

Wolves wear the Cub Scout uniform and the Wolf cap with yellow panel and Wolf logo and the yellow neckerchief and the neckerchief slide with Wolf logo. Bears wear the Cub Scout uniform and a cap with light blue panel with Bear logo. The light blue neckerchief and the neckerchief slide have the Bear logo.

Webelos Scouts have a choice of uniforms: the Cub Scout uniform or the Boy Scout field uniform with blue shoulder loops. The Webelos cap is green with a plaid panel and the oval Webelos emblem; the plaid is made up of the Cub Scout blue and gold and the Boy Scout red and green. The neckerchief is plaid with the Webelos logo and is worn with the slide with Webelos emblem. The blue Cub Scout belt, using the Webelos belt buckle, is worn with the Cub Scout uniform. Scouts wearing the Boy Scout Uniform may choose to use the Webelos belt buckle with either the blue Cub Scout or the green Boy Scout belt; Cub Scout belt loop recognitions, however, fit only the blue belt. The Webelos den may elect to wear a den emblem in place of the den number; the patches are the same as the Boy Scout patrol patches.

Scouter uniforms

Adult leaders wear the basic Boy Scout field uniform. Female leaders of dens below Webelos level have the option of the classic female Cub Scouter uniform with blue web belt. Leaders that wear the tan uniform shirt wear blue shoulder loops on the epaulets, Centennial or Switchbacks pants or shorts, and the Boy Scout web or leather belt. If a neckerchief is worn, male leaders wear the Cub Scout leader neckerchief (if he is a Tiger Cub leader or Cub Scout den leader or assistant den leader), Webelos leader neckerchief (if he is a Webelos den leader or assistant den leader), International adult neckerchief, National Eagle Scout Association neckerchief (if he earned the Eagle Scout rank as a youth), Wood Badge neckerchief, or Wood Badge Tartan neckerchief (if he has completed Wood Badge training), with the appropriate neckerchief slide or woggle. Pack leaders wear the olive visor cap. Den leaders wear the same visored cap as the youth they serve, if the den chooses to wear a cap.

The Scouter dress uniform is appropriate for professional Scouters and all Scouting leaders on formal occasions.

Advancement and recognition

Advancement is one of the methods used to promote the aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does in the advancement program is intended to achieve these aims and aid in personal growth. The program has two tiers of advancement: the classic rank system and the newer Academics and Sports Program.

Bobcat badge

All boys will first work on their Bobcat badge to complete the Cub Scout joining requirements, which include knowing the Cub Scout motto and salute. Once the Bobcat badge requirements have been completed, the Cub Scout will continue with the age appropriate program.

Tiger Cub badge

Tiger Cubs complete achievements^[10] to earn the Tiger Cub badge, then complete electives^[11] to receive Tiger Track Beads.

Wolf Cub and Bear Cub badges

Wolf Cub Scouts (second grade) work toward the Wolf badge,^[12] then toward Arrow Points.^[13] Bear Cub Scouts (third grade) work toward the Bear badge^[14] and then earn Arrow Points.^[15] The Wolf badge has twelve requirements that empower basic life skills, whereas the Bear requires completing several requirements within the areas of "God", "Country", "Family" and "Self".

Arrow points

Wolf Cubs and Bear Cubs who have completed their respective badges may earn arrow points by completing electives. In addition, Bear requirements beyond those needed for the badge can be completed for arrow points.

Webelos Scouts

Webelos (pronounced "wee-BEH-lohs" as the singular as well as the plural, the word is short for "WE'll BE LOyal Scouts") Scouts work toward earning activity badges.^[16] Initially, Webelos work toward the Webelos Badge.^[17] After earning the Webelos badge, they work toward the Arrow of Light.^[18]

Webelos Scout badge

The Webelos Scout badge requires Scouts to earn three activity badges (see below), demonstrate religiosity, and know the basics about Boy Scouts, such as the Outdoor Code. One version of the Webelos badge is the same size and shape as the Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear badges, and can be placed on the uniform where the Tiger Cub badge goes. Webelos Scouts wearing the tan Boy Scout shirt wear an oval shaped Webelos badge, which is the same size as the Boy Scout rank badges.

Arrow of Light

The Arrow of Light award is the highest award available to Cub Scouts. It requires the Scout to have earned the Webelos Scout badge and eight activity badges. In addition to the skill and activity requirements of the preceding ranks, the Arrow of Light requires Scouts to learn the Scout Promise, Scout Law, and Scout Motto and visit one meeting and one activity of a Boy Scout troop, in preparation for advancing to the Boy Scouts. Earning the Arrow of Light will help earn many of the requirements for the lower ranks of the Boy Scouts. The Arrow of Light award is the only Cub Scout award^{[note 1]} that can be worn on a Boy Scout uniform. Both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts wear the badge below the left pocket. Adults wear the square-knot version of the badge above the left pocket. Cub Scouts who earn the Arrow of Light are eligible to join a Boy Scout Troop at ten years of age instead of eleven.^[19]

Activity badges

There are 20 different activity pins that can be earned by Webelos. Most of them correspond to badges offered in the Boy Scouts or requirements for the early Boy Scout ranks. Pins in light blue are required for the Webelos badge, and pins in gold are required for the Arrow of Light.

Belt loops and Pins

The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program^[20] is designed toward the third aim of Scouting: the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. It is an optional program for all Cub Scouts and is designed to assist in learning or improving skills. Belt loops are awarded for completing standards in various academic and sport fields. Advanced skills are recognized by pins, displayed on the Cub Scout Academic and Sports letter. Some rank and activity badge requirements include earning belt loops.

Religious emblems

Several religious emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and recognized, but not sponsored, by the BSA. These are generally recognized by a medal and an embroidered square knot. A religious emblem of faith, or some other form of religiosity, is a requirement for the Bear and Webelos badges.

Leader recognition

Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Den Leader Award, the Scouter's Training Award, and the Cubmaster's Training Key are available. These awards were standardized to more closely align with the BSA's other programs in 2012, removing most of the distinctive Cub Scout level awards such as Tiger Cub Den Leader's Training Award (discontinued December 2012), the Webelos Den Leader's Training Award (discontinued December 2012), the Cubmaster's Training Award (discontinued December 2013), the Cub Scouter's Training Award (discontinued December 2013), and the Pack Trainer Award (discontinued December 2013). The Scouter's Training Award replaced the Cub Scouter Award, and the Cubmaster's Training Key replaced the Cubmaster's Training Award. The Pack Trainer Award had previously replaced the Den Leader Coach Award, which was officially discontinued on December 31, 2008. Any awards earned prior to the date of their retirement can still be worn. These awards are recognized by a certificate, medal, and an embroidered square knot insignia.^{[note 2]} Den Chiefs may earn the Den Chief Service Award.^[21]

Program and activities

Each pack has a number of annual events such as the pinewood derby, raingutter regatta, the space derby, gold rush, the blue and gold banquet and Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath.

Several structured camping activities are available in the Cub Scout program. The pack overnighter is a pack-organized camping activity that provides Cub Scouts with positive outdoor experiences. Cub Scout day camp or twilight camp is an accredited, organized, one- to five-day program for Cub Scouts using trained leadership at an approved site, and is usually held during daylight or early evening hours, but not overnight. Cub Scout resident camp is an organized, accredited overnight camping program covering at least two nights and conducted under trained leadership in an established Scout camp operated by the council. The Webelos den overnight camp introduces the boy and his parent to the camping program, under the leadership of the Webelos den leader. Joint campouts with a local Boy Scout troop for second-year Webelos can help to strengthen ties between the pack and troop and facilitate the transition from Webelos to Boy Scouts.

The Soccer and Scouting^[22] program is designed to involve Hispanic youth and families in the Cub scout program, instructing boys in both soccer and Cub Scout values.

Alcohol is prohibited at all Cub Scout events.^[23] A number of "high-risk" outdoor activities are banned by Boy Scouting (including Cubs), others are limited to special programs. Paintball, lasertag, hunting, rodeo, fireworks, and bungee-jumping are among prohibited activities.^[24]

Training

Fast Start Training is the introduction for adult leaders new to the Cub Scout program. Fast Start is self-paced and provided as a video or online.^[25] Youth Protection Training^[25] is required for all adult leaders and must be recertified per local council policy. Basic Leader Training consists of the online This is Scouting course and Leader Specific Training. This is Scouting is a common core program for all adult leaders in the Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing divisions. Leader Specific Training is provided for the Tiger Cub den leader, Cub Scout den leader, Webelos den leader, Cubmaster, pack committee chairman and assistants. Once Basic Leader Training is completed, the leader is awarded a Trained emblem for uniform wear.

At least one adult on a pack overnight campout must attend the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) in order to properly understand camping requirements.^[26] Leaders for day camp and resident camp programs must be trained and certified by the National Camping School.

Supplemental training modules are designed to provide orientation beyond Basic Leader Training. These shorter training sessions are often provided at the Roundtable, a monthly meeting of leaders from the district, at a Pow-Wow or University of Scouting program offered by the local council and at National Cub Scouting Conferences held at the Philmont Scout Ranch and the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.

Wood Badge is the advanced training program for leadership skills for all adults in all BSA programs. Wood Badge consists of six days of training (usually presented as two three-day weekends) and an application phase of several months. When training is complete, leaders are recognized with the Wood Badge beads, neckerchief and woggle.

Training is also provided for all new den chiefs.

Notes

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cub Scouting (Boy Scouts of America).

• Boy Scouts of America: Packs at DMOZ
• Cub Scout & Den Mother Badges 1930 – present at BSA Badge History
• Cub Scouting at the MeritBadge.org
• Cub Scout Belt Loop Worksheets including blank maps, logs, chart, diagrams, and checklists, as needed.
• Webelos Activity Badge Worksheets for 4th and 5th grade boys in the US.
• Cub Scout Advancement at USScouts.Org - huge list of resources for Cub Scouts and leaders in the US.
• Cub Scout Belt Loops and Pin Requirements at Cub Scout Doodles - a list of worksheets and requirements for Cub Scouts Academic and Sports Belt Loops and Pins.

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