Cub Scouts Overview
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA, is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. There are four aims of Scouting: citizenship, character, personal fitness, and leadership.
The BSA offers various program for boys and girls from kindergarten through age 20 to meet these goals. Cub Scouts is the program which focuses on youth in kindergarten through fifth grade (information on programs for older youth is at the BSA website).
The methods of Cub Scouting are: living the ideals, belonging to a den, advancement, family involvement, activities, serving the community, and the uniform.
But does it work - does Cub Scouting achieve its goals? Check out the video below to see what a Tufts University study found out...
Methods of Scouting
Living the Ideals
Cub Scouting’s values are embedded in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Cub Scout motto, and the Cub Scout sign, handshake, and salute. These practices help establish and reinforce the program’s values in Scouts and the leaders who guide them.
Belonging to a Den
The den - a group of six to eight children who are in the same grade and are the same gender - is the place where Cub Scouting starts. In the den, Cub Scouts develop new skills and interests, they practice sportsmanship and good citizenship, and they learn to do their best, not just for themselves but for the den as well.
Advancement
Recognition is important to everyone. The advancement plan provides fun for the Scouts, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members and their den leader work with them on advancement projects.
Family Involvement
Whether a Cub Scout lives with two parents or one, a foster family, or other relatives, their family is an important part of Cub Scouting. Parents and adult family members provide leadership and support for Cub Scouting and help ensure that Scouts have a good experience in the program.
Activities
Cub Scouts participate in a huge array of activities, including games, projects, skits, stunts, songs, outdoor activities, trips, and service projects. Besides being fun, these activities offer opportunities for growth, achievement, and family involvement.
Serving the Community
Cub Scouting focuses on the home and neighborhood. It helps Scouts strengthen connections to their local communities, which in turn supports their growth and development.
Uniform
Cub Scout uniforms serve a dual purpose, demonstrating that a Scout is part of a team and showing individual achievement (Scouts wear the badges they’ve earned). Wearing the uniform to meetings and activities also encourages a neat appearance, and good behavior.
Scout Me In
But does it work - does Cub Scouting achieve its goals?
Check out the video below to see what a Tufts University study found out...