Scouting Basics

The Purpose of Cub Scouts

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was launched in the USA in 1910, as a program to teach young men basic first aid and the basics of survival in the outdoors. The BSA’s goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs
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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.

Cub Scouting is fun for the whole family. In Cub Scouts, boys start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. It’s fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life.

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 boy 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 Boy Scout Oath and Boy Scout Law.

While every skill Scouting teaches is important, the self-confidence, fun and sense of accomplishment boys 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 Boy Scout Oath and Law, handshake, motto and salute all teach good citizenship and contribute to a boy's sense of belonging.

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The Boy 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 my self physically strong, mentally awake
              and morally straight.

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