Cub Scout Basics

What Is Cub Scouting?
In 1930 the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) launched a home- and neighborhood-centered program for boys 9 to 11 years of age. Today, Cub Scouting welcomes boys aged 7 to 11 (first through fifth grades). A key element of the program is an emphasis on caring, nurturing relationships between boys and their parents, adult leaders, and friends. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three membership divisions (the others are Boy Scouting and Venturing).
What Are the Purposes of Cub Scouting?
Cub Scouting has nine purposes.
      Positively influence character development and encourage spiritual growth
      Help boys develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship
      Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body
      Improve understanding within the family
      Strengthen boys' ability to get along with other boys and respect other people
      Foster a sense of personal achievement by helping boys develop new interests and skills
      Show how to be helpful and do one's best
      Provide fun and exciting new things to do
      Prepare boys to become Boy Scouts
The Language of Cub Scouting
Cub Scouting has a language all its own. Here are definitions of many terms you will encounter as you get more and more involved in the program.
      Achievement
To earn the rank badge, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts must complete Achievements found in their Handbook. The Achivements cover these areas: God, Country, Family, and Self.
      Activity Badge
There are 20 Activity Badges a Webelos Scout can earn. These are divided into 5 areas: Physical, Mental, Technology, Outdoor, and Community. A pin is presented for completion of each Activity Badge.
      Arrow of Light
This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouting. It is also the ONLY (non-religious) award from Cub Scouting that can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.
      Arrow Point
Arrow Points are awarded to Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts for completion of electives beyond the Achievements covered for earning the Wolf or Bear rank badge. A Gold Arrow Point is awarded for the first 10 electives; a Silver Arrow Point is awarded for each successive 10 electives completed.
      Bear Cub
These are generally third grade Cub Scouts, who work on activities in the areas God, Country, Family and Self. Of the 24 possible Achievements, they must complete a prescribed amount in each area, for a total of 12.
      Bobcat
Every boy who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat badge. Doing this, he learns the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Promise, the Law of the Pack, the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means.
      Boy Scout
A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a Troop. He advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.
      Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing Scouts.
      Committee
This is the group of adult volunteers who "run" the Pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings.
      Council
The Council is an organization of professional Scouters that oversees all Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and other units in a particular geographic area. Pack 71 is part of the Minsi Trails Council.
      Cub or Cub Scout
A Cub Scout is any member of Boy Scouts in first through fifth grade (or age 7 to 11).
      Cubmaster
The Cubmaster is the chief adult volunteer leader. The Cubmaster runs the Pack meetings and advises other leaders.
      Den
The Den is a group of Cub Scouts who meeet at regular intervals. Ideally, a den consists of 6 to 8 boys who are all working toward the same rank.
      Den Leader
The adult volunteer who is in charge of planning and running den meetings is the Den Leader.
      Den Meeting
Individual Den Meetings are held for each rank level of Cub Scouts. These usually occur at a regular intervals, such as weekly or bi-weekly. Wolf and Bear dens work on fun projects, crafts, skits, or some of their Achievements. Webelos dens use this time to work on the various Activity Badges.
      District
Each Council is divided into a number of Districts. Pack 71 is part of the Trexler District.
      Handbook
Each level of Scouting has its own Handbook. The Handbook is ESSENTIAL for your Scout, as it spells out the requirements for advancement, as well as providing a place to record completion of the same.
      Pack
The whole group—all of the dens and families together—is called a Pack. The Pack usually meets once every month.
      Rank Badges
The Rank Badges, in order, are: Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos.
      Sponsoring Organization
Each Unit must have a sponsoring organization, such as a church or service club. Pack 71 is sponsored by Solomon's United Church of Christ, Macungie.
      Tiger Cub
Tiger Cubs are first-grade boys who, with an adult partner, participate in several of 17 Big Ideas. The Tiger Cub program serves as an introduction to the Cub Scout program. Tiger Cubs and their families are encouraged to participate in Pack events. As of 2006, all Tiger cubs will work on earning their Bobcat badge prior to receiving their Tiger Badge.
      Tiger Partner
The adult partner of a Tiger Cub, usually a family member, is the Tiger Partner.
      Uniform
The Uniform is the prescribed clothing for any and all official Cub Scout events. Webelos Scouts use the "colors" for activity pins. For "casual" events, a Cub or Webelos Scout T-shirt and shorts is acceptable.
      Webelos
Webelos means WE'll BE LOyal Scouts.
      Webelos Scout
These are fourth- and fifth-grade Cub Scouts, who work on up to 20 Activity Badges in the den setting. These activities are designed to prepare the boys for the merit badge methodology utilized in Boy Scouting.
      Wolf Cub
These are second-grade Cub Scouts, who work on 12 achievements, mostly in the home setting. Arrow Points are awarded for work done on a multitude of electives.
      Unit
Each individually chartered Pack, Troop, Post or Lodge is a Unit.


The Bobcat Trail
When a boy is between the ages of eight and eleven years old or has (at least) completed the first grade, he can become a Cub Scout. But, regardless of a qualifying boy's age, he must complete the Bobcat Trail as the first step in his Cub Scouting adventure.
Along this trail the Cub Scout learns the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto. These are the three most important things a boy must learn because they will help him through all of the trails of Scouting.
To earn the Bobcat badge the boy must complete these eight tracks of Akela:

     Learn and say the Cub Scout Promise.
     I, (name), promise to do my best
     To do my duty to God and my country,
     To help other people, and
     To obey the Law of the Pack.

     Say the Law of the Pack. Tell what it means.
     "The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
     The pack helps the Cub Scout Grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill."

     Tell what "Webelos" means.
     "WE'll BE LOyal Scouts"

     Show the Cub Scout sign. Tell what it means.

     Show the Cub Scout handshake. Tell what it means.

     Say the Cub Scout motto.
     A motto is a rule. The motto is "Do your best."

     Give the Cub Scout saluts. Tell what it means.

     With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises
     in the parent's guide, How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse.