Your Scout's First Rank
The first rank that EVERY boy earns when entering the Cub Scouting Program is the Bobcat rank. The Bobcat is an important award that is presented to the Scout and his adult in a brief ceremony befitting the honor. No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank to the other ranks. These are the basics that all Scouts know and say/do regularly. The Bobcat requirements include: - Learn and say the Cub Scout motto, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law and tell what they mean;
- Show the Cub Scout sign, salute, and handshake and tell what they mean; and
- With your parent or guardian complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide.
CUB SCOUT MOTTO
"Do your best!"
SCOUT OATH:
"On my honor, I will do my best,
To do my duty to God and my country,
To obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight"
WHAT THE SCOUT OATH MEANS
Before Cub Scouts agree to the Scout Oath or Promise, they need to know what it means.
On my honor I will do my best … Saying “On my honor” is like saying “I promise.” It means that you will do your best to do what the Scout Oath says.
The Scout Oath has three promises. Let’s look at what they mean.
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law … A duty is something you are expected to do. At home, you might be expected to make up your bed or take out the trash. You also have duties to God and to your country. You do your duty to God by following the teachings of your family and religious leaders. You do your duty to your country by being a good citizen and obeying the law. You also promise to live by the 12 points of the Scout Law.
To help other people at all times … Many people need help. A friendly smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By helping other people, you are doing a Good Turn and making our world a better place.
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight … The last part of the Scout Oath is about taking care of yourself. You stay physically strong when you eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise. You stay mentally awake when you work hard in school, learn all you can, and ask questions. You stay morally straight when you do the right thing and live your life with honesty.
SCOUT LAW
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
WHAT THE SCOUT LAW MEANS
The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. He does his best to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.
| A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY | A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him. | | A Scout is LOYAL | A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country. | | A Scout is HELPFUL | A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward. | | A Scout is FRIENDLY | A Scout is a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from him. | | A Scout is COURTEOUS | A Scout is polite to everyone and always uses good manners. | | A Scout is KIND | A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He never harms or kills any living thing without good reason. | | A Scout is OBEDIENT | A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and pack. He obeys the laws of his community and country. | | A Scout is CHEERFUL | A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. | | A Scout is THRIFTY | A Scout works to pay his way. He uses time, property, and natural resources wisely. | | A Scout is BRAVE | A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He stands for what is right even if others laugh at him. | | A Scout is CLEAN | A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He helps keep his home and community clean. | | A Scout is REVERENT | A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. | |
CUB SCOUT SIGN
| Make the sign with your right hand and with your arm held straight up. The two fingers stand for two parts of the Promise - "to help other people" and "to obey." They look like a wolf's ears ready to listen to your adult leader. Give the Cub Scout Sign when you say the Cub Scout Promise or the Law of the Pack. |
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CUB SCOUT HANDSHAKE.
| Using your right hand, place your first two fingers along the inside of the other boy's wrist. This means that you help and that you obey the law of the Pack. |
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CUB SCOUT SALUTE
| Point your first two fingers of your right hand out straight and close together. Touch the tips of the fingers to your cap or if not wearing a cap then to your eyebrow. A salute is a way to show respect. When you salute a leader (either adult or other scout), you show him or her that you respect their position. When you salute the flag, you show that you are proud of your country. |
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ADULT REQUIREMENT
The last requirement falls to the Adult. The Scout's adult should read the booklet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse. (Click on the title for the full booklet) The booklet is designed to give the Adult a basic framework to then have a discussion with the Scout to prepare him to deal with some inappropriate or dangerous situations that any child may face. The booklet gives you as the adult the tools you need to then have a discussion with the Scout using words and situations you feel are age appropriate for your Scout. For many adults, it is a difficult discussion to have, but so important.