Since its beginning, the Cub Scout program has been a fun andeducational experience concerned with values. Besides providing a positiveplace where boys can enjoy safe, wholesome activities, Cub Scouting focuses onbuilding character, improving physical fitness, teaching practical skills, anddeveloping a spirit of community service.
The Benefits of Cub Scouting
As a worldwide brotherhood, Scouting is unique. It is based onthe principles of loving and serving God, of human dignity and the rights ofindividuals, and of recognizing the obligation of members to develop and usetheir potential. It is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people.Cub Scouting doesn't emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the farmore demanding task of doing one's best.
When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allowboys to play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express theirfeelings, then we will have helped them grow. We want boys to become useful andstable individuals who are aware of their own potential. Helping a boy to learnthe value of his own worth is the greatest gift we can give him.
Cub Scouting Is Fun
Boys join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun. For boys,however, fun means a lot more than just having a good time. "Fun" isa boy's code word for the satisfaction he gets from meeting challenges, havingfriends, feeling good about himself, and feeling he is important to otherpeople. While the boys are having fun and doing things they like to do, theyalso learn new things, discover and master new skills, gain self-confidence,and develop strong friendships.
Cub Scouting Has Ideals
Cub Scouting has ideals of spiritual and character growth,citizenship training, and personal fitness. The Cub Scout Promise is a pledgeof duty to God and family. The Law of the Pack is a simple formula for good CubScouting and good citizenship. The Cub Scout motto, "Do Your Best,"is a code of excellence. The Tiger Cub motto, "Search, Discover,Share," encourages personal growth and fitness. Symbols, such as the CubScout sign, Cub Scout salute, and the Living Circle, help boys feel a part of adistinct group and add to the appeal of belonging to a widely respectedorganization.
Cub Scouting Strengthens Families
The family is an important influence on our nation's youth.There are many different types of family structures in today's world. Scoutingis a support to all types of families as well as to organizations to whichfamilies belong. We believe in involving families in the training of youth, andwe are sensitive to the needs of present-day families. Cub Scouting providesopportunities for family members to work and play together, to have funtogether, and to get to know each other a little better.
Cub Scouting Helps Boys Develop Interests and Skills
In Cub Scouting, boys participate in a broad array ofactivities. Cub Scouts develop ability and dexterity, and they learn to usetools and to follow directions. Recognition and awards encourage them to learnabout a variety of subjects, such as conservation, safety, physical fitness,community awareness, academic subjects, sports, and religious activities. Theseinterests might become a hobby or even a career later in life.
Cub Scouting Provides Adventure
Cub Scouting helps fulfill a boy's desire for adventure andallows him to use his vivid imagination while taking part in skits, games,field trips, service projects, outdoor activities, and more. The use of amonthly theme lets a boy play the role of an astronaut, clown, explorer, scientist,or other exciting character. Boys find adventure in exploring the outdoors,learning about nature, and gaining a greater appreciation for our beautifulworld.
Cub Scouting Has an Advancement Plan
The advancement plan recognizes a boy's efforts and achievements.It provides fun for the boys, teaches them to do their best, and helpsstrengthen understanding as family members work with boys on advancementrequirements. Badges are awarded to recognize advancement, and boys like toreceive and wear these badges. The real benefit comes from the worthwhilethings the boy learns while he is earning the badges, as his self-confidenceand self-esteem grow.
Cub Scouting Creates Fellowship
Boys 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 interestingand meaningful activities with their friends. The Cub Scout den and pack arepositive places where boys can feel emotionally secure and find support. Eachboy gains status and recognition and has a sense of belonging to this group.
Cub Scouting Promotes Diversity
In Cub Scouting, boys may learn to interact in a group that mayinclude boys of various ethnicities, income levels, religions, and levels ofphysical ability. By having fun together and working as a group toward commongoals, Cub Scouts learn the importance of not only getting along, but also ofworking side by side with other boys of different races, classes, religions,cultures, etc.
Cub Scouting Teaches Duty to God and Country
The BSA believes that no member can grow into the best kind ofcitizen without recognizing an obligation to God, and encourages both youth andadult leaders to be faithful in their religious duties. The Scouting movementhas long been known for service to others. Scouting believes that patriotismplays a significant role in preparing our nation's youth to become useful andparticipating citizens. A Cub Scout learns his duty to God, country, others,and self.
Cub Scouting Provides a Year-Round Program
Cub Scouting has no specific "season"—it's ayear-round program. While spring and summer pack activities are informal andthere are many activities that Cub Scouts do outdoors, there's still plenty offun to be had in the fall and winter: the pinewood derby, blue and goldbanquet, skits, stunts, craft projects, and indoor games help to round out anentire year of fun and activities.
Cub Scouting Is a Positive Place
With all the negative influences in today's society, Scoutingprovides your son with a positive peer group who can encourage him in all theright ways. Carefully selected leaders provide good role models and a groupsetting where values are taught and help to reinforce positive qualities ofcharacter.