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The Tiger Cub Promise is: I promise to love God, my family, and my country, and to learn about the world. The Cub Scout Promise is: "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." The Cub Scout Law is: "The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill." The Cub Scout Motto is: Do Your Best Cub Scouts should foster self-esteem while teaching cooperation and the meaning of healthy competition through games, crafts, sport, skill building, recognition, special activities, camping and lots of fun. Cub scouting is a family activity. The Cub Scout colors are blue and gold. Blue signifies the sky, truth, spirituality, and loyalty. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness. Together they symbolize what Cub Scouting is all about. What Is Scouting?Description of ScoutingAdventure! That's what Scouting is! In short, Scouting is a youth organization that uses a fun program to promote character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness for every member. The Boy Scouts of America makes Scouting available to our nation's youth by chartering community organizations to operate Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Varsity Scout Teams, and Explorer Posts. The chartered organization must provide an adequate and safe meeting place and capable adult leadership, and must adhere to the principles and policies of the BSA. The BSA local council provides unit leader training, program ideas, camping facilities, literature, and professional guidance for volunteer leaders. Scouting's adult volunteers provide leadership at the unit, district, council, and national levels. Many leaders are parents of Scouts or were parents of Scouts. Many of leaders were also Scouts as a youth.How Scouting Came to AmericaScouting came to America by a boy doing a good turn. Unbelievable but true. 'Do a Good Turn Daily" is the Boy Scout Slogan. How good must a Good Turn be to be good To answer that is best given by telling you the story of how Scouting came to America. It shows that it isn't the size of a Good Turn that counts. What is important is the spirit with which a Scout does a Good Turn.One Day in 1909 in London, England, an American visitor, William D. Boyce, lost his way in a dense fog. He Stopped under a street lamp and tried to figure out where he was. A boy approached him and asked if he could be of help. "You certainly can," said Boyce. He told the boy that he wanted to find a certain business office in the center of the city. "I'll take you there," said the boy. When they got to the destination, Mr. Boyce reached into his pocket for a tip. But the boy stopped him. "No thank you, sir. I am a Scout. I won't take anything for helping." "A Scout? And what might that be?" asked Boyce. The boy told the American about himself and his brother Scouts. Boyce became very interested. After finishing his errand, he had the boy take him to the British Scouting office. At the office, Boyce met Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the famous British general who had founded the Scouting movement in Great Britain. Boyce was so impressed with what he learned that he decided to bring Scouting home with him. On February 8, 19 1 0, Boyce and a group of outstanding leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America. From that day forth, Scouts have celebrated February 8 as the birthday of Scouting in the United States. What happened to the boy who helped Mr. Boyce find his way in the fog? No one knows. He had neither asked for money nor given his name, but he will never be forgotten. His Good Turn helped bring the Scouting movement to our country. In the British Scout Training Center at Gilwell Park, England, Scouts from the United States erected a statue of an American buffalo in honor of this unknown Scout. One Good Turn to one man became a Good Turn to millions of American boys. Such is the power of a Good Turn. The ProgramIn 1930, the Boy Scouts of America created a new opportunity, called Cub Scouting, for boys that are younger than Boy Scout age. A year-round, home-centered program used by chartered organizations, Cub Scouting emphasizes involvement between boys and their parents, adult leaders, and friends. In the multidimensional plan of the Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouting is where it all begins. Currently, it is the largest of the organization's three membership divisions. The other divisions are Boy Scouting and Venturing.PurposesCub Scouting has the following purposes:
MembershipCub Scouting, Re its Boy Scouting and Venturing counterparts, follows a long-range plan to reach youth nationwide. Cub Scout membership currently is about:
Cub Scout OrganizationCub Scout Pack is made up of boys, mostly from the local area. These boys meet in small groups called dens with 5 to 10 boys. Each den has trained adult leader called the Tiger Cub Coach, Den Leader, or Webelos Leader. Local Packs together with other packs, troops, and venturs from around a area make up a district. Each district is part of a council. There are over 300 councils in the United States. Each Council is part of a region and the regions are part of the national. Our youngest cubs are the Tiger Cubs. Tiger Cubs are first graders. Tiger Cubs form a team with an adult partner. Unlike other Cub Scouts, Tiger Cubs wear an orange uniform, have fewer den meetings and parents share den leadership under the supervision of the Tiger Cub Coach. Tiger Cubs do not have awards but get iron on paws and beads for participation. Cubs are the next level, with the 2d and 3d grades being led by Den Leaders. They are broke up into two levels. The Wolf being the 2nd graders and the Bear being the 3d graders. These boys earn badges for their rank and arrow points for additional achievements. The boys also will wear a progress toward rank that will have beads added for each 3 achievements completed toward their badge. The final level of the pack is the 4th and 5th graders being Webelos which are led by a Webelos Leader. Webelos is about a year and three quarters long with the boys in February of their 5h grade year graduating to Boy Scouts at the Blue and Gold Banquet. The Webelos earn a badge also but to earn the Webelos badge they earn pins for achievements they have completed. Part of earning their pins is a badge called a compass that shows the number of pins they have earned with compass points. This is much like the progress toward rank badge of the Wolf and Bear age. The highest achievement of the Pack is the Webelos "Arrow of Light" award. This award may be worn on the Boy Scout Uniform where most of the other badges and pins earned in Cub Scouting can not. Boys that have graduated from the Pack or are in the 6h grade or higher will then be part of a Boy Scout Troop.MeetingsDen meetings: Dens are made up of boys of like ages and will have 5 to 10 boys. Most dens meet weekly or bi-weekly. At least two adults are required to lead a den by BSA Policy.Pack meetings: Meet once a month and are for all dens and their families. Pack meetings are a family event and are the highlight of the month with awards and special programs for the boys and their families. It is expect that a parent or the whole family will attend the pack meeting. The Packs have many special events, family camp outs, potlucks, game, skits, derbies, etc. as well as council events. Leader meetings: (committee and/or den leader) Leaders of the Pack are invited to discuss organizational matters, future events and exchange ideas at the committee meetings. Leaders of the Pack are all Cub Master, Coaches, Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders, and all Assistants. The Committee also has other members, call Committee Members. Each of these may hold special positions on the committee or be members at large. All parents are always welcome to attend, as all meetings are open meetings in scouting. Also during the month some Pack have a Den Leaders meeting which would have all Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders, Den Leader Coaches, and Cub Master attending. These help leaders get information and help from the Cub Master and other leaders. Round Tables: Idea exchange and announcements for leaders of the whole district. Leaders are encouraged to attend round tables as are parents always welcome. Round table will give ideas for den meetings, pack meetings, songs, skits, and other helps to all leaders. The DenA Cub Scout Pack is divided into small groups of about five to ten boys called dens. They meet weekly or bi-weekly under the direction of the adult Den Leaders and in some cases Boy Scout Den Chiefs are used to assist. The Den Leaders are trained parent volunteers. The den allows boys to get to know each other better and engage in activities that would be difficult in a larger group. The den also provides leadership opportunities for the boys as they elect "denners" or help to teach each other. Den meeting activities can be planned around the monthly theme and include games, handicrafts, outdoor fun, skits, and stunts. Work on advancement requirements is included, but the boys accomplish most of that work with their parents. The Den Leaders may ask for special help occasionally from parents. This could be helping with a meeting, sharing a special skill, or just providing a snack for the boys. Dens are organized by grade and/or age called ranks. The ranks are:
The PackThe Pack is a group made up of several dens. The Pack includes not only the boys in those dens, but also their families, and their leaders. The Packs meets once a month with Cub Scouts, leaders, parents and other family members attending. The Pack meeting is the climax of the month's den meetings and activities. It gives the dens something to look forward to and work toward. This is a chance to recognize the boys, their parents, and their leaders. The Cub Master serves as master of ceremonies at all Pack meetings and leads Pack activities of all kinds. In addition to its regular meetings, the Pack sponsors certain special projects. These include community projects, outdoor activities, fund raising activities, and fun competitions. Cub Scouting is a family oriented activity and we urge all parents to become involved at some level. This involvement might be:
The Pack CommitteeThe Pack Committee takes care of the administrative needs of the pack. It is organized and chaired by the Pack Committee Chairperson. The committee consists of at least three people and is responsible for:
AdvancementsAdvancements in cub Scouts challenge a boy to work on skills that match his ability and interest level. A boy is not supposed to be perfect, but to do his best. Boys will be exposed and motivated to try out a lot of different activities. Tiger cubs earn iron-on paws and beads by participating in activities. All other Cub Scouts earn the Bobcat rank first and later the rank appropriate for their age level. Wolf cubs earn the Wolf rank by completing 49 tracks in 12 achievements. After the Wolf badge they can earn Arrow Points. Bear cubs earn the Bear rank (Choice of 12 achievements) and then Arrow Points also. Webelos (4th and 5th graders) earn the Webelos rank by completing activities for pins and can earn additional pins to get compass and compass points. The second year, Webelos earn the "Arrow of Light". The parents sign Wolf and Bear advancements and then they are recorded by the den leader. In Webelos the den leader signs Webelos advancements but many den leaders have the parents make notes of what has been completed, to make their position easier. Belt loops are awarded for trying out many sports and academic subjects. Sport and academic pins are awarded for more serious participation. Belt loops and sports and academic pins are up to each pack on how they are awarded and paid for.Who is Who?
ParentsParents are current and future leaders and one-time helpers of the pack. We leaders will do our best to provide a quality program. But all the leaders are volunteers and have many other obligations; we depend on other parents to help provide a good program. We ask every parent to help the pack in some capacity. The most important job is den leader and most fun. However, there are many other areas where your help in running the pack is needed and appreciated. You should take your share in organizing den meetings by working with the den leader of your son's den or becoming a leader. A parent should attend the pack meeting together with the Cub Scout. There are no secrets in Cub Scouts; parents are welcome in any organizational meetings of the pack, district or council.Pack Committee ChairpersonThe Pack Committee Chairperson organizes and facilitates the running of the Pack committee. This person works with the Cub Master and Chartered Organization Representative to make sure that the responsibilities of the Pack Committee are being met. The Committee Chairperson will work with the Cub Master to locate and recruit leaders. The Committee Chairperson also help organize committees. These committees organize special activities for the pack.Cub MasterThe Cub Master, who is sometimes refereed to as the unit leader, is up front. Most parents think they run the show all by themselves. Now you know different. So what does a Cub Master do? The Cub Master is responsible for:
Den Leader CoachThe Den Leader Coach is responsible for ensuring stable, active, and enthusiastic den leaders for all Cub Scout and Webelos dens. They work closely with the Cub Master to provide help and guidance to Den Leaders. They also help to insure that:
Den LeadersThanks to all who volunteer to be a den leader. This is the best and most rewarding job of the Pack. This job is best described simply as leader of the den. You should make sure that regular den meetings are organized, and be present at the den meeting most of the time. However, you should not do everything yourself. Depend on the resources of all the parents to help in the running and activities of your Den. Your leadership help is also needed when organizing pack meetings too. Den Leaders will keep a record of what award the different Cub Scouts have earned and turn in awards requests several days before the pack meeting. All Den Leaders must be trained to learn the Cub Scout Means, Methods, and Principles. A Trained Leader has an easier 'job as most of the Cub Scout program is already laid out and works. Don't hesitate to ask for help. The Cub Master and the Den Leader Coaches are very willing to lend an ear or a hand. Ask your fellow den leaders how they handle things, and, tell others about what works well in your den. Do try to participate in most leader meetings and round tables. All dens need 2 leaders to meet the BSA policy of 2 deep leadership. If your den only has one leader ask the other parents to help you and try to find a parent who is willing to be a Den Leader with you.Den ChiefThe Den Chief is a Boy Scout from a nearby troop who has achieved at least the rank of First Class. The Den Chief is a trained leader who assists a Den Leader in the running of the Den. It is the Den Chief s duty to assist the Cub Scouts in their den with the projects and activities of the Den. His duty also is to encourage, guide and protect them in all den and pack activities; and to show them by his example what a Boy Scout is. Webelos Den Chiefs also will work to interest the Webelos Scouts in becoming Boy Scouts.The Den Chief Pledge
Tiger CubsTiger Cub dens are made up of first-grade or 7-year-old boys and their adult partners. The Tiger Cub program is conducted on three levels.
BobcatWhen a boy becomes a Cub Scout, his parent teaches him his Bobcat requirements, which are:
WolfIf a Cub Scout has completed the first grade (or is 8 years old) he may begin working on his Wolf achievements. There are twelve Wolf achievements. They are:
BearWhen a Cub Scout has completed the second grade (or is 9 years old) he begins working on his Bear achievements. There are twenty-four achievements in four different groups. They are:
WebelosAfter completing the third grade (or is 10 years old), a Cub Scout is now a Webelos in a Webelos Den. The Webelos Scout program is more challenging to the older boy - in fact, he's now called a Webelos Scout and can wear a different uniform signifying his new status. This is the tan Boy Scout Uniform, which most boys get in their second year as a Webelos Scout. His leader also is now called a Webelos Leader instead of a Den Leader. The Webelos Leader also takes additional training to prepare for the increased challenges. His Webelos Leader rather than his parent approve Webelos Scout's advancement. He begins work immediately on the Webelos badge. In addition, he can earn twenty Webelos activity pins: Aquanaut, Artist, Athlete, Citizen, Communicator, Craftsman, Engineer, Family Member, Fitness, Forester, Geologist, Handyman, Naturalist, Outdoorsman, Readyman, Scholar, Scientist, Showman, Sportsman, and Traveler. As a fifth grader (or at age I 1) he may earn Cub Scouting's highest award - the Arrow of Light Award. This is usually awarded at the Blue and Gold Banquet. After receiving this award, he is eligible to become a Boy Scout or he can enter Boy Scouts when he completes the fifth grade.PublicationsAs a volunteers you are informed of national news and events through Scouting magazine. Boys may subscribe to Boys' Life magazine. The Boy Scouts of America publish both. There are also a number of Cub Scout and leader publications, including the Wolf Cub Scout Book, Bear Cub Scout Book, Webelos Scout Book, Cub Scout Leader Book, Cub Scout and Webelos Scout Program Helps, Guide to Safe Scouting, Den Leader Handbook, How To, Sparklers, council papers, and others.Paperwork, fees, uniforms
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