What Is Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting Is For All Boys. Cub Scouting is for boys of all sizes, shapes, colors, and backgrounds. Some are gifted students or talented athletes; others struggle in these areas. Some have strong, stable families; others face social and economic challenges. Some live in cities, some live in suburban areas, and some live in rural communities. Some have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities that make ordinary activities difficult. Because of its flexibility and its emphasis on doing one's best, Cub Scouting easily adapts to all these situations.
Cub Scouting Is For Families. The family is the most important influence on boys' development. Cub Scouting seeks to support the family--whatever it looks like--and to involve families in Scouting activities. Cub Scouting is sensitive to the needs of today's families, and it provides opportunities for family members to work and play together, to have fun together, and to get to know each other better.
Cub Scouting Is Fun. Boys join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun, but they instinctively understand that fun means more than just having a good time. It also means getting satisfaction from meeting challenges, having friends, and feeling they are important to other people. When Cub Scouts are having fun, they are also learning new things, discovering and mastering new skills, gaining self-confidence, and developing strong friendships.
Cub Scouting Has Ideals. In an age when values seem old-fashioned, the Scout Oath and Scout Law, along with the Cub Scout motto, provide boys with a positive set of values and dispositions to aspire to. As short, declarative statements, the Scout Law offers a positive set of values to live up to. The Oath, Law, and motto are a pathway to good citizenship.
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, and more. Boys find adventure in exploring the outdoors, learning about nature, and gaining a greater appreciation for our beautiful world.
Cub Scouting Helps Boys Develop Skills and Interests. Cub Scouts learn many useful and varied skills. They develop ability and dexterity, and they learn to use tools and to follow instructions. Badges and awards encourage them to learn about a variety of subjects, including conservation, safety, physical fitness, community awareness, sports, and religious activities. The skills they learn and interests they develop could lead them to careers or lifelong hobbies.
Cub Scouting Has an Advancement Plan. The Cub Scout advancement plan recognizes boys' individual efforts and achievements, teaches them to do their best, and strengthens family ties as leaders and family members work with them on requirements, Boys enjoy receiving badges for their achievements, but the real benefit comes from the skills, knowledge, and self-esteem they develop along the way.
Cub Scouts Belong. Belonging is important to boys; they like to be accepted as apart of a group. In Cub Scouting, boys take part in interesting and meaningful activities with their friends, learn sportsmanship, citizenship, and loyalty. The Cub Scout uniform, symbols like the Cub Scout sign, and being a member of a den help boys feel part of a distinct group and shares a common purpose.
Cub Scouting Teaches Boys to Reach Out. Cub Scouting provides opportunities for boys to reach out into the wider community while maintaining a link with secure foundations at home, school, and religious organizations. Through field trips, boys get to know their community better. Through service projects and other community activities, they learn what it means to be a good citizen.
Cub Scouting Teaches Duty to God and Country. Through interfaith activities and the religious emblems program, Cub Scouting helps boys fulfill their duty to God. Through flag ceremonies, service projects, and other activities, Cub Scouting helps boys become useful and participating citizens.
Cub Scouting Provides a Year-round Program. When school ends, Cub Scouting continues. Boys have more free time during the summer, so summer is a great time for Cub Scouting. Den and pack activities take on a more informal feel and are often held outdoors. Day camp and resident camp programs run by Scouting districts and councils are often the highlight of the Cub Scout year, offering activities that local packs couldn't easily provide.
Cub Scouting Helps Organizations. A Cub Scout pack is chartered by an organization in your community--a school-based parents' organization, a religious organization, or a service club or organization. Cub Scouting is a resource that the organization uses to further its outreach and achieve its goals for serving young people.