The Benefits of Cub Scouting
As a worldwide brotherhood, Scouting is unique. It is based on the principles
of loving and serving God, of human dignity and the rights of individuals, and
of recognizing the obligation of members to develop and use their potential. It
is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people. Cub Scouting doesn't
emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the far more demanding task of
doing one's best.
When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allow boys to play,
to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we
will have helped them grow. We want boys to become useful and stable individuals
who are aware of their own potential. Helping a boy to learn the value of his
own worth is the greatest gift we can give him.
Cub Scouting Is Fun
Boys join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun. For boys,
however, fun means a lot more than just having a good time. "Fun"
is a boy's code word for the satisfaction he gets from meeting
challenges, having friends, feeling good about himself, and
feeling he is important to other people. While the boys are
having fun and doing things they like to do, they also learn
new things, discover and master new skills, gain self-confidence,
and develop strong friendships.
Cub Scouting Has Ideals
Cub Scouting has ideals of spiritual and character growth,
citizenship training, and personal fitness. The Cub Scout
Promise is a pledge of duty to God and family. The Law of
the Pack is a simple formula for good Cub Scouting and
good citizenship. The Cub Scout motto, "Do Your Best," is
a code of excellence. The Tiger Cub motto, "Search, Discover,
Share," encourages personal growth and fitness. Symbols,
such as the Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute, and the
Living Circle, help boys feel a part of a distinct group
and add to the appeal of belonging to a widely respected
organization.
Cub Scouting Strengthens Families
The family is an important influence on our nation's youth.
There are many different types of family structures in today's
world. Scouting is a support to all types of families as well
as to organizations to which families belong. We believe in
involving families in the training of youth, and we are
sensitive to the needs of present-day families. Cub Scouting
provides opportunities for family members to work and play
together, to have fun together, and to get to know each other
a little better.
Cub Scouting Helps Boys Develop Interests and Skills
In Cub Scouting, boys participate in a broad
array of activities. Cub Scouts develop ability and dexterity,
and they learn to use tools and to follow directions. Recognition
and awards encourage them to learn about a variety of subjects,
such as conservation, safety, physical fitness, community
awareness, academic subjects, sports, and religious activities.
These interests might become a hobby or even a career later in
life.
Cub Scouting Provides Adventure
Cub Scouting helps fulfill a boy's desire for adventure and
allows him to use his vivid imagination while taking part in skits,
games, field trips, service projects, outdoor activities, and more.
The use of a monthly theme lets a boy play the role of an astronaut,
clown, explorer, scientist, or other exciting character. Boys find
adventure in exploring the outdoors, learning about nature, and
gaining a greater appreciation for our beautiful world.
Cub Scouting Has an Advancement Plan
The advancement plan recognizes a boy's efforts and achievements.
It provides fun for the boys, teaches them to do their best, and
helps strengthen understanding as family members work with boys
on advancement requirements. Badges are awarded to recognize
advancement, and boys like to receive and wear these badges.
The real benefit comes from the worthwhile things the boy learns
while he is earning the badges, as his self-confidence and
self-esteem grow.
Cub Scouting Creates Fellowship
Boys like to be accepted as part of a group. In Cub Scouting, boys
belong to a small group called a den where they take part in
interesting and meaningful activities with their friends. The Cub
Scout den and pack are positive places where boys can feel
emotionally secure and find support. Each boy gains status and
recognition and has a sense of belonging to this group.
Cub Scouting Promotes Diversity
In Cub Scouting, boys may learn to interact in a group
that may include boys of various ethnicities, income levels,
religions, and levels of physical ability. By having fun
together and working as a group toward common goals, Cub Scouts
learn the importance of not only getting along, but also of
working side by side with other boys of different races, classes,
religions, cultures, etc.
Cub Scouting Teaches Duty to God and Country
The BSA believes that no member can grow into the best kind of
citizen without recognizing an obligation to God, and encourages
both youth and adult leaders to be faithful in their religious
duties. The Scouting movement has long been known for service
to others. Scouting believes that patriotism plays a significant
role in preparing our nation's youth to become useful and
participating citizens. A Cub Scout learns his duty to God,
country, others, and self.
Cub Scouting Provides a Year-Round Program
Cub Scouting has no specific "season"—it's a year-round program.
While spring and summer pack activities are informal and there are
many activities that Cub Scouts do outdoors, there's still plenty
of fun to be had in the fall and winter: the pinewood derby, blue
and gold banquet, skits, stunts, craft projects, and indoor games
help to round out an entire year of fun and activities.
Cub Scouting Is a Positive Place
With all the negative influences in today's society, Scouting
provides your son with a positive peer group who can encourage
him in all the right ways. Carefully selected leaders provide
good role models and a group setting where values are taught
and help to reinforce positive qualities of character.