Background
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7 – 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA’s three membership divisions (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing). We have provided some information here, but you may also wish to visit Scouting.org for more information.
Purposes of Cub Scouting
The Cub Scouting program has 10 purposes related to the overall mission of the Boy Scouts of America—to build character, learn citizenship, and develop personal fitness:
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouts
How often do we meet?
Groups of 5-10 boys (of the same age/grade level) called Dens meet at least once a month, while our more active Dens meet twice monthly. The ranks of cub scouting begin with Tiger Cubs (first-graders), then progress to Wolf Cub Scouts (second-graders), Bear Cub Scouts (third-graders), and Webelos Scouts (fourth- and fifth-graders). Den meetings are often held at a scout’s home, or at the school. Be sure to visit the individual Den pages (coming soon!) for specifics on meeting times and other Den related information.
Once a month, all of the Dens and family members gather for a Pack meeting at Blessed Sacrament’s Parrish Hall under the direction of the Cubmaster and Pack Committee. The committee includes parents of boys in the pack and members of the chartered organization. There are other Pack sponsored events and meetings. For example, our Pack makes an effort to participate in local parades for Veteran’s Day, Springtime Tallahassee, and does service projects throughout the year as well. We also are one of the few Packs that race in all three derby events (Space Derby, Pinewood Derby and Raingutter Regatta) each year.
Who Pays For It?
Groups responsible for supporting Cub Scouting are the boys and their parents, the pack, the chartered organization, and the community. Packs also obtain income by working on approved money-earning projects like our annual Trail’s End popcorn sales. The community, including parents, supports Cub Scouting through the United Way, Friends of Scouting enrollment, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council. This financial support provides leadership training, outdoor programs, council service centers and other facilities, and professional service for units.
Scouting Values
In addition to the fun and excitement of Cub Scout activities, it is Scouting’s mission to instill in each boy the values of the Scout Oath and Law:
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
- Trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
- Loyal. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
- Helpful. A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward.
- Friendly. A Scout is a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from him.
- Courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone and always uses good manners.
- Kind. A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He never harms or kills any living thing without good reason.
- Obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and pack. He obeys the laws of his community and country.
- Cheerful. A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
- Thrifty. A Scout works to pay his way. He uses time, property, and natural resources wisely.
- Brave. A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He stands for what is right even if others laugh at him.
- Clean. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He helps keep his home and community clean.
- Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Cub Scout Motto
Do Your Best.
Colors
The Cub Scouting colors are blue and gold. They have a special meaning, which will help boys see beyond the fun of Cub Scouting to its ultimate goals:
- The BLUE stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above; and
- The GOLD stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.
