BOY SCOUTING (AN OVERVIEW)-PART 1

Have you ever considered putting your son in Boy Scouts but wondered is he too young, how much will it cost, where do I start? Hopefully this series of articles will answer some of those "burning" questions.

In 1930 the Boy Scouts of America started a home and neighborhood centered program for boys from 9-11 years old. The key to this program was the emphasis on caring, nurturing relationships between boys, their parents, leaders, and friends.

This new program was called Cub Scouting. Cub Scouting has nine purposes to it:

1. to have a positive influence on character and encourage spiritual development

2. to help boys develop positive habits and attitudes of good citizenship

3. to encourage good sportsmanship and take pride in growing strong in mind and body

4. to improve family understanding

5. to strengthen the ability to get along with other boys and respect other people

6. to foster personal achievement by building new interests and skills

7. to show how to be helpful and do one's best

8. to provide fun and new things to do

9. to prepare boys to be Boy Scouts

Cub Scouting has a program for boys from the first to fifth grade, (ages 7,8,9,10, and 11.) The Cub Scout joins a "pack" and is assigned a "den," this den usually has 6-8 boys. First grade boys, or (Tiger Cubs) meet twice a month, second grade boys, or (Wolf Cub Scouts), third grade boys, or (Bear Cub Scouts), and fourth and fifth grade boys, or (Weblos-"We Be Loyal Scouts) meet weekly.

Once a month all of the "dens" and family gather for a "pack" meeting under the direction of a Cubmaster and pack committee. The members of this committee are parents of the boys and members of the chartered organization.

There are six steps to Cub Scouting:

1. Tiger

2.Bobcat (First Rank)

3. Wolf

4. Bear

5. Weblos (We Be Loyal Scouts)

6. Arrow of Light (highest award in Cubs)

(*Please note-the boys begin as Tiger Cubs and Bobcat-Weblos are all advancement stages leading to Boy Scouts.)

As with the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts rely on volunteers to step forward and help run the organization. Volunteers give of themselves and their time to help form and nurture young men and women, without them there would be no scouting. They serve on committees, are Cubmasters, leaders and organization representatives. The next time you see a volunteer, thank him or her! Or better yet, think about volunteering your time and talent to the cause. It is so worthwhile and you can find time no matter how busy you may be. I did and I have 5 children!

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic