Character Connections
Since its origin, the Scouting program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for Scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service. These elements were part of the original Cub Scout program and continue to be part of Cub Scouting today
Character development should extend into every aspect of a boy's life. Character development should also extend into every aspect of Cub Scouting. Cub Scout leaders should strive to use Cub Scouting's 12 core values throughout all elements of the program—service projects, ceremonies, games, skits, songs, crafts, and all the other activities enjoyed at den and pack meetings
Citizenship: Contributing service and showing responsibility to local, state, and national communities
Compassion: Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for the well-being of others.
Cooperation: Being helpful and working together with others toward a common goal.
Courage: Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears, the difficulties, or the consequences.
Faith: Having inner strength and confidence based on our trust in God.
Health and Fitness: Being personally committed to keeping our minds and bodies clean and fit.
Honesty: Telling the truth and being worthy of trust.
Perseverance: Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it is difficult.
Positive Attitude: Being cheerful and setting our minds to look for and find the best in all situations.
Resourcefulness: Using human and other resources to their fullest.
Respect: Showing regard for the worth of something or someone.
Responsibility: Fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, and ourselves.
Cub Scouts
The Cub Scouts of America colors are blue and gold. They have 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. The gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer and happiness. As a boy begins the Boy Scout Trail, he joins other boys his own age. He can start the scouting program from 6 (starting 1st grade) to 17 years old. The Cub Scout age program is for 1st graders through 3rd graders - Tiger cubs, Wolf scouts, and Bear scouts. After completing Bear scout requirements, scouts begin their Weblo program. The Cub Scout program puts boys into groups called dens. Dens of boys in a community form a pack which is part of a district. Districts combine to make a council.
Tiger Cubsis an exciting introduction to the scouting program for first grade boys (or 7 years old) excited to get going! Tiger Cubs do stuff - lots of stuff - with their adult partners. This program is intended to open up the world to inquisitive minds along with the caring guidance of adults. The first steps along the Boy Scout Trail are laid here and every rank advancement through the scouting program builds on the basic categories of activity done as tigers.
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Wolf ScoutIf a Cub Scout has completed the first grade (or is 8 years old) and has earned the Bobcat Badge, he may start earning the Wolf rank. He receives a Wolf Scout handbook, Wolf neckerchief, and Wolf neckerchief slide when beginning the Wolf portion of the boy scout trail. He will also need a blue Cub Scout Uniform. This part of the boy scout trail is intended to take one school year, preparing the scout to begin earning his Bear rank after he completes second grade.
Bear ScoutsIf a Cub Scout has completed the first grade (or is 8 years old) and has earned the Bobcat Badge, he may start earning the Wolf rank. He receives a Wolf Scout handbook, Wolf neckerchief, and Wolf neckerchief slide when beginning the Wolf portion of the boy scout trail. He will also need a blue Cub Scout Uniform. This part of the boy scout trail is intended to take one school year, preparing the scout to begin earning his Bear rank after he completes second grade.
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Webelos
is a 20 month program for 4th and 5th grade boys to prepare to join a Boy Scout troop while learning outdoors skills and participating in 20 different activity badges. A well-run group of Webelos is a gradual change from being an 'adult-run' den to being a 'boy-run' patrol ready to fit right into an adventurous scouting troop. This migration requires the parents and den leaders to give the scouts more and more control, decision-making power, and responsibility as they progress in skills, abilities, and maturity. A good program also provides the scouts with many opportunities to grow in the Webelos Virtues.