Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), available to some boys from first through fifth-grade, or 7–10 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.^[1] Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... For the Boy Scouting program within the BSA, see Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America). ... Boy Scouting is a part of the program that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) offers for boys and young men. ... Varsity Scouting is part of the Boy Scouting program of the BSA. It is an alternative available to boys ages fourteen through seventeen that takes the basic Boy Scouting program and adds high adventure, sporting, and other elements that are more appealing to older youth to accomplish the aims of... Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ... Sea Scouts is part of the Boy Scouts of Americas program for young adults, men and women, who are generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ... The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... Since its inception, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has had a tradition of advancement, honors and recognition. ... An Eagle Scout is a Scout with the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). ... The Eagle Scout medal is presented to Scouts who earn the Eagle Scout rank. ... For history regarding merit badge types, see History of merit badges (Boy Scouts of America). ... The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was inspired by and modeled on the Boy Scout Association, established by Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1907. ... William D. Boyce William Dickson Boyce (June 16, 1858- June 11, 1929), was an American entrepreneur, best known today for founding the Boy Scouts of America. ... Dr. James E. West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and an advocate of childrens rights, who become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), serving from 1911-1943. ... Ernest Thompson Seton (August 14, 1860 - October 23, 1946) was a noted author and founding pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America. ... Daniel Carter (Uncle Dan) Beard (June 21, 1850– June 11, 1941) was an American illustrator, author, and social reformer from Covington, Kentucky. ... BSA Merit Badge Samples: Gardening, Type A (center); Fish & Wildlife Management, Type J (upper right); Citizenship In The Home, Type E (lower right); Collections, Type H (lower left); Camping, Type D (upper left). ... Image File history File links Scout_logo2. ... For the Boy Scouting program within the BSA, see Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America). ... 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, so that they may play constructive roles in society. ... Boy Scouting is a part of the program that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) offers for boys and young men. ... Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, generally between the ages of 14 and 20. ...

The Division registered 5,102 boys when it began in 1930. As of the end of 2005, Cub Scouting reported 1,745,324 Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts with 493,165 pack level leaders in 51,469 packs.^[2] Over 50 million boys have been in the program in its 76 year existence.

Origins

Main article: History of the Boy Scouts of America

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 11; the "younger boy problem") would draw away boys from the core program, which was Scout troops focused on the 11–17 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 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.^[3] The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was inspired by and modeled on the Boy Scout Association, established by Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1907. ... Ernest Thompson Seton (August 14, 1860 - October 23, 1946) was a noted author and founding pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America. ... Dr. James E. West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and an advocate of childrens rights, who become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), serving from 1911-1943. ... Daniel Carter (Uncle Dan) Beard (June 21, 1850– June 11, 1941) was an American illustrator, author, and social reformer from Covington, Kentucky. ... Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples from the regions of North America now encompassed by the continental United States, including parts of Alaska. ... Map of Montclair Township in Essex County Montclair is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. ...

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. This article is about the British author. ... Embossed cover from the original MacMillan edition of The Jungle Book, 1894, based on art by John Lockwood Kipling (Rudyards father) For other uses, see The Jungle Book (disambiguation). ... Akela (occasionally called The Lone Wolf) is a fictional character featured in Rudyard Kiplings Mowgli stories collected in The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book. ... Baloo is the fictional sleepy old grey bear featured in Rudyard Kiplings The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples from the regions of North America now encompassed by the continental United States, including parts of Alaska. ...

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

1. Living the Ideals
2. Belonging to a Den
3. Using Advancement
4. Involving Family and Home
5. Participating in Activities
6. Serving Neighborhood and Community
7. Wearing the Uniform
8. Making Character Connections

The Purposes of Cub Scouting are

1. Character Development
2. Spiritual Growth
3. Good Citizenship
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness
5. Family Understanding
6. Respectful Relationships
7. Personal Achievement
8. Friendly Service
9. Fun and Adventure
10. Preparation for Boy Scouts

Ideals

Detroit, Michigan. Cub Scouts with flag standards at the British Blitz Scout meeting

The Cub Scout ideals are spelled out in the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... An ideal is a principle or value that one actively pursues as a goal. ...

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 Akela.

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. The handshake is used as a token of friendship and identity. Akela (occasionally called The Lone Wolf) is a fictional character featured in Rudyard Kiplings Mowgli stories collected in The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book. ... Scouts using the three-finger salute as the Scout Sign. ... Union Jack. ... Shaking with the right hand while delivering a certificate with the left. ... Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more humans. ...

Organization

A meeting of the Cub Scouts at the Ida B. Wells Housing Project, Chicago

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. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Nickname: Motto: Urbs in Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: , Country State Counties Cook, DuPage Settled 1770s Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government  - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area  - City  234. ...

The pack meets once a month, providing a program for Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The pack is lead by a registered and trained 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 or 7 years old), Wolf Cub Scouts (second grade or 8 years old), Bear Cub Scouts (third grade or 9 years old) and Webelos Scouts (fourth and fifth grades or 10 years old). 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.^[4] 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. The Webelos Scout den may elect to use a den emblem similar to that used by Boy Scout patrols with a den emblem patch used in place of the den number.

Packs with a large number of Webelos sometimes divide them into Webelos I and Webelos II dens, to keep their den from previous years intact. Webelos I dens often spend much of their time learning about Boy Scout customs, including memorization of the Scout Law and Oath. Webelos II dens spend more of their time looking for a Scout troop to join once they have finished the Cub Scouting program.^{[citation needed]} This process is known as 'bridging over'. Many packs facilitate this process by associating with a Scout troop to ease the transition. Packs that do so are usually known as 'feeder packs'. A Boy Scout Troop may have multiple feeder packs. 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. ... Since the birth of Scouting in 1907, all Scouts 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 Webelos symbol is the fleur-de-lis, which also appears in the background of the Boy Scouts of America logo, colored yellow, blue, or yellow with a stylized blue W. They may wear the tan uniform of the Boy Scout instead of the navy blue uniform of the Cub Scouts. When doing so, they wear the blue epaulet loops of Cub Scouting (the navy blue uniforms have no epaulets). They are further differentiated from younger Cub Scouts by the use of a plaid neckerchief, instead of the gold or blue neckerchief of Cub Scouts. Fleurs-de-lys on the flag of Quebec The fleur-de-lis (also spelled fleur-de-lys; plural fleurs-de-lis or -lys) is used in heraldry, where it is particularly associated with the France monarchy (see King of France). ... A yellow Tulip. ... The term blue may refer to any of a number of similar colours. ... Look up W, w in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Tan is a brownish, tawny coluor. ... Navy blue is an especially dark shade of the color blue. ... Epaulette pronunciation: ĕp-ǝ-lĕt, a French word meaning little shoulders (epaule, referring to shoulder), originally meant only one type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia or rank by military or other organizations. ... The word plaid has varying but related meanings in the Goidelic languages and is used to refer to: Plaid (pattern), a cross-hatched dyeing pattern often used for wool clothing and distinctly Gaelic Plaid, Plaid Cymru, the largest political party advocating independence for Wales Plaid (band), an English electronic music... Some dogs are adorned with neckerchiefs or bandannas, as an extenion of their owners personality. ... Gold is a shade of the color yellow closest to that of gold metal. ... The term blue may refer to any of a number of similar colours. ...

Many packs have relationships with Boy Scout troops. The Webelos Scouts "cross over" from the pack to the troop, and often den leaders will also move into the troop leadership. In turn, the troop provides assistance to the pack with activities such as campouts and ceremonies. However, a Webelos Scout is free to join any troop he wishes, not just the one his pack may be associated with.

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.^[5]

Uniform

The uniform gives a Cub Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. While all 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. A uniform is a set of standard clothing worn by members of an organisation whilst participating in that organisations activity. ...

Youth uniforms

Tiger Cubs wear the Cub Scout uniform with socks that are navy-blue with orange or yellow tops. The orange neckerchief, the neckerchief slide and the belt buckle have the Tiger Cub logo. The cap has an orange panel with the Tiger Cub logo. The Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. ...

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 BSA plaid panel and the Webelos logo. The BSA plaid neckerchief, the neckerchief slide and the belt buckle have the Webelos logo. The Webelos Cub Scout den may elect to wear a den emblem patch, similar to the Boy Scout patrol patch, in place of the den number. The Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. ...

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. Scouters with district or council positions wear silver loops, regional or national positions wear gold loops. The cap, neckerchief, slide and belt of their group are worn. The Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. ...

The Scouter dress uniform is appropriate for professional Scouters and all Scouting leaders on formal occasions. The Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. ...

Advancement and recognition

Youth advancement

Advancement is one of the methods used to promote the aims of character development, citizenship 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. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Citizenship is membership in a political community (originally a city or town but now usually a country) and carries with it rights to political participation; a person having such membership is a citizen. ...

All boys will first work on their Bobcat badge to complete the Cub Scout joining requirements. Once the Bobcat badge requirements have been completed, the Cub Scout will continue with the age appropriate program. Tiger Cubs complete achievements^[6] to earn the Tiger Cub badge, then complete electives^[7] to receive Tiger Track Beads. First-year Cub Scouts work toward the Wolf badge,^[8] then toward Arrow Points.^[9] Second year Cub Scouts work toward the Bear badge^[10] and then earn Arrow Points.^[11] NY NJ Port Authority Police Department Badge. ...

Webelos work toward earning Activity Badges.^[12] Initially, Webelos work toward the Webelos Badge.^[13] After earning the Webelos badge, boys work toward the Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points. Finally, Webelos work toward the Arrow of Light.^[14]

The Arrow of Light award is the highest award available to Cub Scouts. In addition to the skill and activity requirements of the preceding ranks, the Arrow of Light requires Scouts to learn the Scout Promise and Scout Law, and visit one meeting and one activity of a Boy Scout troop, in preparation for advancing to the Boy Scouts. The Arrow of Light award is the only Cub Scout award^[15] 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. // Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout (or Guide) promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a 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. ...

The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program^[16] 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.

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 variety of religious emblems programs approved by the Boy Scouts of America are designed to encourage youth to learn about their faith and to recognize adults who provide significant service to youth in a religious environment. ...

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.^[17] Den Chiefs may earn the Den Chief Service Award or the Webelos Den Chief Service Award.^[18] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

Program and activities

Each pack has a number of annual events such as the pinewood derby, raingutter regatta, the space derby, gold rush, the blue and gold banquet and Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath. Official Pinewood Derby car kit. ... The raingutter regatta is a Cub Scouting annual event in the United States of America that is the sailboat equivalent of the pinewood derby. ... Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement Scouts Day is a generic term for special days observed by members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement throughout the year. ... Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement Scouts Day is a generic term for special days observed by members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement throughout the year. ...

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. Car camping is camping in a tent, but nearby the car for easier access and for supply storage. ...

The Soccer and Scouting^[19] 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.^[20] Youth Protection Training^[21] is required for all adult leaders and must be recertified per local council policy. Basic Leader Training consists of New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training. New Leader Essentials 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.^[22] 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. Philmont Scout Ranch is a large, rugged, mountainous ranch located near the town of Cimarron in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico. ... The Florida National National High Adventure Sea Base is a national high adventure program base run by the Boy Scouts of America in the Florida Keys. ...

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. Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations around the world. ... A woggle is a device to fasten the neckerchief, or scarf, worn as part of the Scout uniform. ...

See also

• Boy Scouts of America membership controversies
• Cub Scout

The Boy Scouts of America, the largest youth organization in the United States, has policies which prohibit atheists, agnostics, and known or avowed homosexuals from membership in its Scouting program; both youths and adults have had their memberships revoked as a result. ... Cub Scouts in uniform from Hong Kong A Cub Scout is a member of the section of the worldwide Scouting movement for young persons, mainly boys normally aged 8–10. ...

Footnotes