|
| |
The Benefits of Cub Scouting
Scouting - Unlike Any Other
Organization
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.
|
