Cub Scouting's Purpose
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded in 1910, as a program to teach young men basic first aid and the basics of survival in the outdoors. Boy Scouting emphasizes resourcefulness, adaptability, and leadership skills.
Cub Scouts was launched in 1930 by the BSA to encourage younger boys to prepare for Boy Scouts. Strongly influenced by Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, the terms 'Law of the Pack', 'Akela', 'Wolf Cub', 'den', and 'pack' all come directly from the classic work. At the same time, the Webelos emblem and Arrow of Light emblem are taken from our American Indian heritage.
In 2018, the BSA expanded its programs to welcome girls from Cub Scouts to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Starting in 2018, families could choose Cub Scouts for their sons and daughters, who could take advantage of the lifechanging experiences provided through Scouting. Scouts BSA is the program for older girls and boys allowing those youth the ability to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts of America, to be rebranded Scouting America in February 2025, is committed to serving youth, families and communities through programs that deliver character development and values-based leadership training for young people– all while remaining true to our mission and core values, outlined in the Scout Oath and Law.
The ten purposes of Cub Scouting are:
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded in 1910, as a program to teach young men basic first aid and the basics of survival in the outdoors. Boy Scouting emphasizes resourcefulness, adaptability, and leadership skills.
Cub Scouts was launched in 1930 by the BSA to encourage younger boys to prepare for Boy Scouts. Strongly influenced by Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, the terms 'Law of the Pack', 'Akela', 'Wolf Cub', 'den', and 'pack' all come directly from the classic work. At the same time, the Webelos emblem and Arrow of Light emblem are taken from our American Indian heritage.
In 2018, the BSA expanded its programs to welcome girls from Cub Scouts to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Starting in 2018, families could choose Cub Scouts for their sons and daughters, who could take advantage of the lifechanging experiences provided through Scouting. Scouts BSA is the program for older girls and boys allowing those youth the ability to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts of America, to be rebranded Scouting America in February 2025, is committed to serving youth, families and communities through programs that deliver character development and values-based leadership training for young people– all while remaining true to our mission and core values, outlined in the Scout Oath and Law.
The ten purposes of Cub Scouting are:
Character Development
Spiritual Growth
Good Citizenship
Sportsmanship and Fitness
Family Understanding
Respectful Relationships
Personal Achievement
Friendly Service
Fun and Adventure
Preparation for Membership in Boy Scouts
Scouting develops strong values in each child and honors the home, school and religious organizations as the origins of our youth's values. Scouting's goal is to nurture and extend these values by emphasizing the Scout Oath and Law.
While every skill Scouting teaches is important, the self-confidence, fun and sense of accomplishment boys and girls get from skill-building are equally important. Each Scouting activity has the basic goal of building character. In Scouting for today and tomorrow, character counts.
Apart from the fun and excitement of Cub Scout activities, the Scout Oath and Law, handshake, motto and salute all teach good citizenship and contribute to a child's sense of belonging.
