How does Cub Scouts work?
Pack 194 is made up of children in grades K-5 involved in Cub Scouts in Bedford. The Scouts are then subdivided into dens of 4 – 8 boys from the same grade. Each den will work on the rank badge for that year. The rank badge programs are designed by the BSA to be age appropriate. Dens will meet a couple of times a month to work on their specific rank badge requirements.
All Cub Scouts, no matter when they first join, earn the Bobcat badge. This badge is earned once the Scout learns the basics of Scouting. This includes such things as the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Cub Scout Motto etc.
First graders work on the Tiger badge
Second graders work on the Wolf badge
Third graders work on the Bear badge
Fourth graders work on the Webelos badge
Fifth graders work towards the Arrow of Light, which is the highest award in Cub Scouting. It is the only award that can continue to be worn on a Boy Scout uniform. Fifth grade Webelos have the opportunity to cross-over into one of the two Boy Scout troops in Bedford (114 and 194) at the Blue and Gold Banquet in March.
The Cub Scout program uses the concept of Akela (meaning “good leader,” from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book) A boys’ mother or father is Akela. In the Pack, the Cubmaster is Akela. Your Den Leader is also Akela. At school, the teacher is considered Akela.
The Cub Scout program exists to help promote the overall aims of Scouting:
- To develop character,
- Train the Scout in good citizenship,
- And encourage the Scout to become more fit—physically, mentally, and morally.
Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the 10 purposes of Cub Scouting:
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouts
The Methods of Cub Scouting
Cub Scouting uses specific methods to achieve Scouting’s aims of helping children and young adults build character, train in the responsibilities of citizenship, and develop personal fitness. These methods are incorporated into all aspects of the program. Through these methods, Cub Scouting happens in the lives of Scouts and their families.
1. The ideals: The Scout Oath, Scout Law, and the Cub Scout sign, handshake,motto, and salute all teach good citizenship and contribute to the Scout’s sense of belonging.
2. The den: Scouts like to belong to a group. The den is the place where they learn new skills and develop interests in new things. They have fun in den meetings, during indoor and outdoor activities, and on field trips. As part of a small group of four to eight Scouts, they are able to learn sportsmanship and good citizenship. They learn how to get along with others. They learn how to do their best, not just for themselves but also for the den.
3. Advancement: Recognition is important. The advancement plan provides fun for the Scouts, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding. Cub Scout leaders and adult family members work with Scouts on advancement projects.
4. Family involvement: Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting. When we speak of parents or families, we are not referring to any particular family structure. Some Scouts live with two parents, some live with one parent, some have foster parents, and some live with other relatives or guardians. Whomever a Scout calls their family is their family in Cub Scouting.
5. Activities: In Cub Scouting, Scouts participate in a wide variety of den and pack activities, such as games, projects, skits, stunts, songs, outdoor activities, and trips.
6. The uniform: The Cub Scout uniform helps build pride, loyalty, and self-respect. Wearing the uniform to all den and pack meetings and activities also encourages a neat appearance, a sense of belonging, and good behavior.
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