Cub Scouts (Boy Scouts of America)
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Image:Cub Scout emblem.gif Template:Portalpar Cub Scouts are one of the traditional membership divisions of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), available to boys from first-grade through fifth-grade, or 7–10 years old and their families. It is the first and the largest of the three Scouting programs (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing) from the BSA. The Cub Scout program uses a fun and challenging system to achieve the aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The program registered 5,102 boys when it began in 1930. As of the end of 2004, the Cub Scout program was serving 1,875,752 Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts with 517,449 pack level leaders in 52,966 packs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Over 50 million boys have experienced and grown through the Cub Scout program in its 75 years of service.
Contents |
Ideals
The Cub Scout ideals are spelled out in the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout and Tiger Cub mottos. The Cub Scout learns to use these ideals as a measure of personal growth and continually tries to improve.
- 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
- Tiger Cub Motto
- Search, Discover, Share
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.
History
The British Scouts adopted the Wolf Cubbing program in 1916. As early as 1911, Ernest Thompson Seton had developed a prototype program named Cub Scouts of America that was never implemented, due to conflicts with James E. West. West felt that having BSA divisions for younger boys (those under 11; the "younger boy problem") and older boys (those of over 17; the "older boy problem") would draw away boys from the core program, which was Scout troops focused on the 11–17 year old age group. In spite of this, unofficial programs for younger boys started around this time, under names such as Junior Troops or Cadet Corps. There were also "Rover" units for older boys in the early days.
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. Experimental Cubbing units began in 1928 and in 1930 the BSA began registering the first Cubbing packs.
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.
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. Den mothers became optional leaders in 1936, eventually becoming a registered position in 1948. The Bob Cat (not Bobcat) rank was introduced in 1938 as the entry-level badge for a new Cub, with a pin for non-uniform wear. In 1941, the Webelos rank was created for 11-½ year-old boys. The first Webelos badge used the emblem today known as the Arrow of Light and was worn on the left pocket flap.
Until 1942, boys joining at any age were required to work their way through the ranks, first earning Bob Cat, then Wolf, Bear and Lion, wearing only their current rank and arrow points. After 1942, Bob Cat became a joining rank, then the Cub Scout progressed to the next rank for his age level and all earned rank badges were worn.
In 1945, the Cubbing program was renamed to Cub Scouts. 1947 saw the uniform change from knickers to trousers. The age groups were changed to 8, 9 and 10 in 1949. Bob Cat became Bobcat around 1950.
The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953, becoming an official part of the program in 1955. In 1954, the Webelos den program was started for 10-½ year olds and a Webelos den emblem was introduced, used on the Webelos den flag and replacing the den number on the uniform. The Bobcat pin was approved for uniform wear in 1959. Changes in the advancement program lead to the Lion badge being discontinued and replaced by the new Webelos badge in 1967 along with the introduction of the Webelos neckerchief and hat and the Webelos Colors. The meaning of Webelos was changed to We'll Be Loyal Scouts. Also in 1967, the den mother position was changed to den leader and opened to males and females and the den leader coach position was added as a trainer of den leaders.
The Cub Scout Promise was changed in 1971 from "to be square" to "to help other people." 1972 saw the introduction of new colored cloth badges for all ranks and positions, the new Webelos badge was introduced and the old badge became the Arrow of Light. In 1973, most leadership positions were opened to women, and in 1976 the Cubmaster, assistant Cubmaster, and all commissioner positions were opened.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The new uniforms designed by Oscar de la Renta were introduced in 1980, but the only real changes to Cub Scouts were in the caps. Tiger Cubs were started in 1982 as a pack associated program for seven year old boys; the uniform consisted of an orange T-shirt and a cap. Beginning in 1984, Webelos Cub Scouts can now wear the Boy Scout field uniform with Webelos cap, neckerchief, insignia and blue shoulder loops. Also in 1984, the original yellow Cub Scout neckerchief became the Wolf Cub Scout neckerchief and Bear Cub Scouts got their own light blue neckerchief. In 1986, Cub Scout membership was changed from age based to school grade based<ref>Packs chartered to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to used the age based system</ref> and the Webelos Cub Scout program was expanded to two years.
The Cub Scout Academics program was introduced in 1992 and became the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program in 1996. The Tiger Cub Den became an integrated part of the pack in 2001 and the standard blue uniform was adopted with Tiger Cub hat, neckerchief and slide. The Tiger Cub strip was replaced by the diamond shaped badge and the Tiger Cub Promise was replaced by the Cub Scout Promise. A new version of the Webelos badge was introduced, oval shaped like the Boy Scout badges and worn only on the khaki shirt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2004, the ScoutReach division lauched the Scouting and Soccer program<ref name="soccer">Template:Cite web</ref> as an outreach to Hispanic youth and families.
Organization
The Cub Scout pack is sponsored by a community organization such as a business, service organization, school, labor group or religious institution. The chartering 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 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.
The pack is divided into dens of about eight Cub Scouts that 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<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>. 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 Cub Scout den may elect to use a patrol name similar to that used in the Boy Scout troop with a patrol patch used in place of the den number.
Many packs have relationships with Boy Scout troops. The Webelos Cub 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. While the boy does not participate in den or pack activities, he does learn the fun, values and achievements of Scouting.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.
Youth uniforms
Tiger Cubs wear the Cub Scout uniform with socks that are navy-blue with orange 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.
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 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 Boy Scout patrol patch in place of the den number.
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 Scouter dress uniform is appropriate for professional Scouters and all Scouting leaders on formal occasions.
Advancement and recognition
Youth advancement
| Image:Cub Scout emblem.gif |
| Cub Scout advancement |
| Image:Arrow of Light.jpg Image:Knot arrow of light.jpg Arrow of Light |
| Image:CSA Webelos.gif Image:CSA Webelos Patch.gif Webelos |
| Image:CSA Bear.gif Bear |
| Image:CSA Wolf.gif Wolf |
| Image:CSA Bobcat.gif Bobcat |
| Image:CSA Tiger.gif Tiger |
Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve 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.
First grade boys may join the Tiger Cub program where they complete achievements<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to earn the Tiger Cub badge, and complete electives<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to receive Tiger Track Beads. Boys graduating from Tiger Cubs or joining at the second grade or above earn the Bobcat badge<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>. They then proceed to the next rank for their age. Second grade boys work toward the Wolf badge<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>, then toward Arrow Points<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>. Third grade Cub Scouts work toward the Bear badge<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and then earn Arrow Points<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>.
The Webelos Scout program is a two year program for fourth- and fifth-grade boys. Both years work toward earning Activity Badges<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>. Webelos I dens (fourth-grade) work toward the Webelos Badge<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>. After earning the Webelos badge, boys work toward the Compass Point Emblem and Metal Compass Points. Webelos II dens (fifth-grade) work toward the Arrow of Light<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>.
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<ref>While 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.</ref> 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.
The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 programs of religious awards 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.
Leader recognition
Cub Scout leaders who complete training, tenure, and performance requirements are recognized by a system of awards. The Cub Scouter Award is available to any leader, while the Tiger Cub Den Leader Award, Cub Scout Den Leader Award, Webelos Den Leader Award and the Cubmaster Award are available to those who have held the respective positions. These awards are recognized by a certificate and an embroidered square knot insignia.<ref>Medallions for most awards were discontinued in 2001</ref> Den Chiefs may earn the Den Chief Service Award or the Webelos Den Chief Service Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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 & 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<ref name="soccer"/> is designed to involve Hispanic youth and families in the Cub scout program The program teachs soccer skills and provides exciting competition while the boys learn the life-long values taught in the Scouting program.
Training
New leaders are encouraged to attend training for their position. This training provides the essential information they need to provide a safe and successful quality program. Training 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 New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 gives a leader the knowledge and skills needed for a position and 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.
Cub Scout leaders must attend the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) before they can lead a pack overnight campout. 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.
Footnotes
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