About Cub Scouting
Cub Scouting:
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Cub Scouting Is for Boys
Cub Scouting is for boys, and each boy is different. Cub Scouts come in all sizes, shapes, and colors and from a variety of backgrounds. There are no "average" boys. 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, urban, or rural areas. There is little doubt that Cub Scouting can be one of the most valuable aids to the physical and mental development of a youngster with special needs.
Cub Scouting Is for Families
The family is an important influence on our nation's youth. There are many different types of family structures in today's world. Scouting is a support to all types of 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 family members to work and play together, to have fun together, and to get to know each other a little better.
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 is a boy's code word for the satisfaction he gets from meeting challenges, having friends, feeling good, and feeling he is important to other people. While the boys are having fun and doing things they like to do, they also learn new things, discover and master new skills, gain self-confidence, and develop strong friendships. Cub Scouting is a positive place where friends and leaders accept and support a boy.
Cub Scouting Has Ideals
Cub Scouting has ideals of spiritual and character growth, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The Cub Scout
Promise is a pledge of duty to God and family. The Law of the Pack is a simple formula for good Cub Scouting 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 Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute, and the Living Circle, help
boys feel a part of a distinct group and add to the appeal of belonging to a widely respected organization.
Cub Scouting Provides Adventure
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 more. The use of a monthly 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 beautiful world.
Cub Scouting Helps Boys Develop Interests and Skills
Cub Scouts learn many useful skills. They develop ability and dexterity, and they learn to use tools and to follow
directions. Recognition and awards encourage them to learn about a variety of subjects, such as conservation, safety,
physical fitness, community awareness, sports, and religious activities. These interests might become a hobby or even a
career later in life.
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 helps strengthen understanding as family members work with boys on advancement requirements. Badges are
awarded to recognize advancement, and boys like to receive and wear these badges. The real benefit comes from the
worthwhile things the boy learns while he is earning the badges, as his self-confidence and self-esteem grow.
Cub Scouts Belong
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 their 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.
Cub Scouting Teaches Boys to Reach Out
Cub Scouting provides opportunities for boys to reach out into a wider community while maintaining a link with secure
foundations such as the home, a religious organization, and a school. Cub Scouting 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.
Cub Scouting Teaches Duty to God and Country
The BSA 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. Scouting believes 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.
Cub Scouting Provides a Year-Round Program
Cub Scout packs renew their charters every year, and members are registered for one year at a time. Boys are entitled
to a full year of program fun and activities. Summer den and pack activities are informal and often held outdoors, and
families are often asked to help with the leadership. Even though some families will be on vacation at various times
during the summer, enough people will be around to enjoy and benefit from the activities. Boys have more free time during
the summer, so it is a great time for Cub Scouting.
Districts and councils help support the year-round pack program by providing opportunities such as day camp and
resident camp.
Cub Scouting Helps Organizations
Cub Scouting is a resource program for community organizations. The Scouting program is available to organizations
with similar interests and goals. They can use the program to further their outreach and help them achieve their
objectives for young people in the community.
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