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Cub Scouts (Boy Scouts of America)
Encyclopedia
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 Scouting
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.
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 12–17 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.
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. It has since come to mean "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.
The Methods of Cub Scouting
The Purposes of Cub Scouting are
are spelled out in the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto.
Cub Scout Promise
Law of the Pack
Cub Scout Motto
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.
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. 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". 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 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.
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.
Wolf Cubs wear the Cub Scout uniform and the Wolf Cubs cap with yellow panel and Wolf Cub logo and the yellow neckerchief and the neckerchief slide with Wolf Cub logo. Bear Cubs wear the Cub Scout uniform and a cap with light blue panel with Bear Cub logo. The light blue neckerchief and the neckerchief slide have the Bear Cub 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 belt is worn with the Cub Scout uniform and the green belt is worn with the Boy Scout uniform; the buckle has the Webelos logo. 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.
The Scouter dress uniform is appropriate for professional Scouters and all Scouting leaders on formal occasions.
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.
, then complete electives to receive Tiger Track Beads.
and Scout Law
, 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 awardWhile any religious emblem may be earned as a Cub Scout and worn as a Boy Scout, these are administered and awarded by religious institutions and are not considered BSA awards as such. 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 prior to turning the normally-required age of eleven.
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.
, 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 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 strictly prohibited at all Cub Scout events.
Fast Start Training is the introduction for adult leaders new to the Cub Scout program. Fast Start is self pace and provided as a video or online. Youth Protection Training 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. 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
.
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
(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 Scouting
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
Divisions (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing
Venturing (Boy Scouts of America)
Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, from the age of 14 years old or 13 years old and completed eighth grade through 21....
). Cub Scouting is part of the worldwide Scouting movement and aims to promote character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
Origins
Ernest Thompson Seton
Ernest Thompson Seton was a Scots-Canadian who became a noted author, wildlife artist, founder of the Woodcraft Indians, and one of the founding pioneers of the Boy Scouts of America . Seton also influenced Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting...
had developed a prototype program he named Cub Scouts of America that was never implemented. James E. West
James E. West (Scouting)
Dr. James E. West was a lawyer and an advocate of children's rights, who became the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America , serving from 1911–1943. Upon his retirement from the BSA, West was given the title of Chief Scout.-Personal life:His father died around the...
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 12–17 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
Daniel Carter Beard
Daniel Carter "Uncle Dan" Beard was an American illustrator, author, youth leader, and social reformer who founded the Sons of Daniel Boone in 1905, which Beard later merged with the Boy Scouts of America .-Early life:...
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
Boy Rangers of America
The Boy Rangers of America was a Scouting program in the United States for boys ages 8 through 12. It was organized in 24 January 1913 in Montclair, New Jersey by Emerson Brooks...
, a separate organization for boys eight through twelve based on an American Indian
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
theme. The Boy Rangers used the Scout Law and their Chief Guide, Emerson Brooks, was a Boy Scout commissioner in Montclair, New Jersey
Montclair, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 38,977 people, 15,020 households, and 9,687 families residing in the township. The population density was 6,183.6 people per square mile . There were 15,531 housing units at an average density of 2,464.0 per square mile...
. 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.
Rudyard Kipling
Joseph Rudyard Kipling was an English poet, short-story writer, and novelist chiefly remembered for his celebration of British imperialism, tales and poems of British soldiers in India, and his tales for children. Kipling received the 1907 Nobel Prize for Literature...
's Jungle Book series
The Jungle Book
The Jungle Book is a collection of stories by British Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling. The stories were first published in magazines in 1893–4. The original publications contain illustrations, some by Rudyard's father, John Lockwood Kipling. Kipling was born in India and spent the first six...
, with the Cubmaster taking the role of Akela
Akela (Scouting)
The Scouting program has used themes from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling since 1916.In 1914 Baden Powell announced a Junior Section for Scouting. In 1916, he published his own outlines for such a scheme, it was to be called Wolf Cubbing. It has been speculated that Baden-Powell may have had a...
and the assistant Cubmaster the role of Baloo
Baloo
Baloo is the fictional bear featured in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book from 1894 and The Second Jungle Book from 1895.-Name and species:He is described in Kipling's work as "the sleepy brown bear"...
. The American program also syncretized
Syncretism
Syncretism is the combining of different beliefs, often while melding practices of various schools of thought. The term means "combining", but see below for the origin of the word...
American Indian
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
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. It has since come to mean "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
- Living the Ideals
- Belonging to a Den
- Using Advancement
- Involving Family and Home
- Participating in Activities
- Serving Neighborhood and Community
- Wearing the Uniform
- Making Character Connections
The Purposes of Cub Scouting are
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouts
Ideals
The Cub Scout idealsIdeal (ethics)
An ideal is a principle or value that one actively pursues as a goal. Ideals are particularly important in ethics, as the order in which one places them tends to determine the degree to which one reveals them as real and sincere. It is the application, in ethics, of a universal...
are spelled out in the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto.
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 AkelaAkela (Scouting)The Scouting program has used themes from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling since 1916.In 1914 Baden Powell announced a Junior Section for Scouting. In 1916, he published his own outlines for such a scheme, it was to be called Wolf Cubbing. It has been speculated that Baden-Powell may have had a...
. - 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
Flag of the United States
The national flag of the United States of America consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars alternating with rows...
. The handshake
Handshake
A handshake is a short ritual in which two people grasp one of each other's like hands, in most cases accompanied by a brief up and down movement of the grasped hands.-History:...
is used as a token of friendship
Friendship
Friendship is a form of interpersonal relationship generally considered to be closer than association, although there is a range of degrees of intimacy in both friendships and associations. Friendship and association are often thought of as spanning across the same continuum...
and identity.
Organization
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. 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". 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
Scout Law
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout Promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law...
and Oath. Many packs are formally associated 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.
Uniform
The uniformUniform
A uniform is a set of standard clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity. Modern uniforms are worn by armed forces and paramilitary organizations such as police, emergency services, security guards, in some workplaces and schools and by inmates...
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
Tiger Cubs wear the Cub Scout uniform; it is accompanied by orange topped socks, orange neckerchief, neckerchief slide with the Tiger Cub logo, the cap with an orange panel and Tiger Cub emblem and the blue belt with Tiger Cub emblem on the buckle.Wolf Cubs wear the Cub Scout uniform and the Wolf Cubs cap with yellow panel and Wolf Cub logo and the yellow neckerchief and the neckerchief slide with Wolf Cub logo. Bear Cubs wear the Cub Scout uniform and a cap with light blue panel with Bear Cub logo. The light blue neckerchief and the neckerchief slide have the Bear Cub 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 belt is worn with the Cub Scout uniform and the green belt is worn with the Boy Scout uniform; the buckle has the Webelos logo. 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 have the option of the classic female Cub Scouter uniform. At the pack level, blue shoulder loops are worn on the epaulets. The cap, neckerchief, slide and belt of their group are worn.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, citizenshipCitizenship
Citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, national, or human resource community. Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities...
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 to earn the Tiger Cub badgeBadge
A badge is a device or fashion accessory, often containing the insignia of an organization, which is presented or displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath , a sign of legitimate employment or student status, or as a simple...
, then complete electives to receive Tiger Track Beads.
Wolf Cub and Bear Cub badges
First-year Cub Scouts (second grade) work toward the Wolf badge, then toward Arrow Points. Second year Cub Scouts (third grade) work toward the Bear badge and then earn Arrow Points. 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. Wolfs have a special section of things that can be completed for arrow points, while elective sections of the Bear badge beyond those needed for the badge can be completed for arrow points. (For example, a Bear Cub can receive an arrow point if he has completed both sections of "God", instead of just the one required for the badge)Webelos Scouts
Webelos Scouts work toward earning activity badges. Initially, Webelos work toward the Webelos Badge. After earning the Webelos badge (usually as Webelos I), boys work toward the Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points. Finally, Webelos II work toward the Arrow of Light.Webelos Scout badge
The Webelos Scout badge is usually earned by Webelos I dens. It requires Scouts to earn three activity badges (see below), demonstrate religiosity, and know the basics about Boy Scouts, such as the Outdoor Code.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 PromiseScout Promise
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law. The wording of the Scout Promise and Scout Law have varied slightly over time and from country to...
and Scout Law
Scout Law
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout Promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law...
, 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 awardWhile any religious emblem may be earned as a Cub Scout and worn as a Boy Scout, these are administered and awarded by religious institutions and are not considered BSA awards as such. 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 prior to turning the normally-required age of eleven.
Activity badges
There are 20 different activity pins that can be earned by Webelos. Most of them correspond to badges offered in the Boy ScoutsMerit badge (Boy Scouts of America)
Merit badges are awards earned by youth members of the Boy Scouts of America , based on activities within an area of study by completing a list of periodically updated requirements. The purpose of the merit badge program is to allow Scouts to examine subjects to determine if they would like to...
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.
| Pin | Corresponds to | Pin | Corresponds to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Skills | Technology | ||
| Aquanaut | Swimming | Craftsman | Woodwork, Metalwork |
| Athlete | Athletics, Personal Fitness | Engineer | Engineering |
| Fitness | Personal Fitness, Personal Management | Handyman | Home Repairs, Automotive Maintenance |
| Sportsman | Sports | Scientist | General Science, Weather |
| Mental Skills | Outdoor | ||
| Artist | Art | Forester | Forestry |
| Scholar | Scholarship | Geologist | Geology |
| Showman | Music, Theater | Naturalist | Nature, Environmental Science |
| Traveler | Outdoorsman | Camping, Pioneering | |
| Community | |||
| Citizen | Citizenship, American Heritage | ||
| Communicator | Communications | ||
| Family Member | Family Life | ||
| Readyman | First Aid, Safety | ||
Belt loops and Pins
The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program 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 religiousity, is a requirement for the Bear and Webelos badges, and by extension the Arrow of Light.Leader recognition
Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Tiger Cub Den Leader Award, Cub Scout Den Leader Award, Webelos Den Leader Award, Pack Trainer Award and the Cubmaster Award are available to those who have held the respective positions, and the Cub Scouter Award is available to any assistants or other registered adult leaders. These awards are recognized by a certificate and an embroidered square knot insignia.Medallions for most awards were discontinued in 2001 Den Chiefs may earn the Den Chief Service Award.Program and activities
Each pack has a number of annual events such as the pinewood derbyPinewood derby
The pinewood derby is a racing event for Cub Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouts, with the help of parents, build their own cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine, plastic wheels and metal axles...
, raingutter regatta
Raingutter regatta
The raingutter regatta is a racing event for Cub Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America that is the sailboat equivalent of the pinewood derby. The sailboat kit consists of a seven-inch long balsa wood hull, a 6-1/2 inch mast, plastic sail, plastic rudder, and metal keel. Within the basic design...
, the space derby, gold rush, the blue and gold banquet and Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath.
Several structured camping
Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
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 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 strictly prohibited at all Cub Scout events.
Training
New leaders are encouraged to attend training for their position, and is provided for all new den chiefs.Fast Start Training is the introduction for adult leaders new to the Cub Scout program. Fast Start is self pace and provided as a video or online. Youth Protection Training 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. 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
Philmont Scout Ranch
Philmont Scout Ranch is a large, rugged, mountainous ranch located near the town of Cimarron, New Mexico, covering approximately of wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico...
and the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base
Florida National High Adventure Sea Base
The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is a high adventure program base run by the Boy Scouts of America in the Florida Keys. Its counterparts are the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico, the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases in Ely, Minnesota, and The Summit Bechtel Family...
.
Wood Badge
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations throughout the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement...
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
Woggle
A woggle is a device to fasten the neckerchief, or scarf, worn as part of the Scout or Girl Guides uniform.-Origins of the woggle:Early Scouts tied a knot in their neckerchief to fasten it around the neck...
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External links
- 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.