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New to Scouting? Thinking about Scouting?
We developed this section to answer the following common questions... What is scouts about? Will scouts help my child grow? Why should I sign my child up? How is Cub Scouts organized? What can I expect from scouts? What is expected of me? |
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What is scouts about?
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The aim of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is to develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness (including mental, spiritual, and physical) in today's youth. All activities, including den and pack meeting programs, contribute to the aims of Scouting.
Every Scouting activity should be a positive experience in which youth and leaders feel emotionally secure and find support from their peers and leaders. Everything we do with our Scouts, including songs, skits and ceremonies, should be positive and meaningful and should not contradict the philosophy expressed in the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. |
Will scouts help my child grow?
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In Cub Scouting, boys and girls 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..
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Why should i sign my shild up?
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As mentioned in the video above, "your son is only 7 years old for 365 days. Life is too short and childhood is even shorter." Scouting helps forge bonds between the parent and child that can last a lifetime. Values such as integrity, leadership, and honesty are taught through the activities and events that the scout is immersed in. It doesn't matter what your demographic is or what your economic situation is, because scouting is the great equalizer. We are all the same in scouting and our message is strengthened by more than 100 years of continued success.
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How Is Cub Scouts Organized?
At the heart of the Cub Scout organization is the Cub Scout Den. A Den is made up of 6 to 8 boys and girls all of similar age that progress together through the Cub Scout program. The Den provides the structure that the Scouts and parents will lean on to work through the adventures needed to progress in rank. There are 6 ranks in Cub Scouts in addition to the Lion program: Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos I and Webelos II. All Dens are run by two "Akelas". In Cub Scouts we use the term Akela to mean Leader. A Leader can be the Den Leader, the Cub Master, a teacher, the parents or any one the Cub Scout turns to for guidance.
What Can I Expect From Scouts?
When you join the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting is like an extension of your family: It follows your values, it sees to the overall care and well-being of your child, and it's always there for you. It's not an either/or choice you have to make for your child. It works with you to let you manage your time and other activities and will always be there when you return.
- Maturity. Youth experience dramatic physical and emotional growth during their Cub Scout years. Scouting offers them opportunities to channel much of that change into productive endeavors. Through service projects and Good Turns, Scouts can discover their place in the community. Many Scouting activities allow youth to associate with others from different backgrounds. The religious emblems program offers pathways for Scouts to more deeply understand their duty to God. The unit provides each Scout with an opportunity to explore, to try out new ideas, and to embark on adventures that sometimes have no design other than to have a good time with good people.
- Flexibility. The Scouting programs are flexible and accommodate the need to balance the work and life requirements of a busy family. It’s easy to plan for meetings and activities, and if something unexpected comes up, just let your leader know—it’s expected in the lives we live today.
- Adaptability. Your child can work on achievements at his own pace. For example, if your child is in a spring soccer league and has to miss several meetings and activities, he still can complete Scout activities to work toward the next level.
- Transferability. The skills and values your child learns through Scouting can be applied in any non-Scouting activity he participates in. As your child builds character, this can be an especially valuable defense against the peer pressures all youths experience when growing up.
What Is Expected Of Me?
Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your son that you normally couldn't do. It provides a positive way for parent and son to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program's success.
Some specific things you can do to help your son in Cub Scouting are:
The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys and girls, falling between the dependence of early childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As they grow, your child will gain the ability to do more things "on their own," but at this stage of their development, your help is critical.
Some specific things you can do to help your son in Cub Scouting are:
- Work with your child on projects
- Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail
- Participate in monthly pack meetings
- Attend parent-leader conferences
- Go on family campouts with your scout
- Provide support for your son's den and pack
The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys and girls, falling between the dependence of early childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As they grow, your child will gain the ability to do more things "on their own," but at this stage of their development, your help is critical.