Why Join Scouting?
When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allow youth to play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we will have helped them grow. We want youth to become useful and stable individuals who are aware of their own potential. Helping a youth to learn the value of their own worth is the greatest gift we can give them.
Cub Scouting Is Fun
Youth join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun. For youth, however, fun means a lot more than just having a good time. “Fun” is a youth’s code word for the satisfaction they get from meeting challenges, having friends, feeling good about themselves, and feeling they are important to other people. While the youth are having fun and doing things they like to do, they also learn new things, discover and master new skills, gain self-confidence, and develop strong friendships.
Cub Scouting Has Ideals
Cub Scouting has ideals of spiritual and character growth, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The Scout Oath is a pledge of duty to God and family. The Scout Law is a simple formula for good Cub Scouting and good citizenship. The Cub Scout motto, “Do Your Best,” is a code of excellence. Symbols, such as the Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute, and the Living Circle, help youth feel a part of a distinct group and add to the appeal of belonging to a widely respected organization.
Cub Scouting Helps Youth Develop Interests and Skills
In Cub Scouting, youth participate in a broad array of activities. Cub Scouts develop ability and dexterity, and they learn to use tools and to follow directions. Recognition and awards encourage them to learn about a variety of subjects, such as conservation, safety, physical fitness, community awareness, academic subjects, sports, and religious activities. These interests might become a hobby or even a career later in life.
Cub Scouting Provides Adventure
Cub Scouting helps fulfill a youth’s desire for adventure and allows them to use their vivid imagination while taking part in skits, games, field trips, service projects, outdoor activities, and more. A variety of adventure themes let a youth play the role of an astronaut, clown, explorer, scientist, or other exciting character. Youth find adventure in exploring the outdoors, learning about nature, and gaining a greater appreciation for our beautiful world.
Cub Scouting Creates Fellowship
Youth like to be accepted as part of a group. In Cub Scouting, youth belong to a small group called a den where they take part in interesting and meaningful activities with their friends. The Cub Scout den and pack are positive places where youth can feel emotionally secure and find support. Each youth gains status and recognition and has a sense of belonging to this group.
Cub Scouting Promotes Diversity
In Cub Scouting, youth may learn to interact in a group that may include youth of various ethnicities, income levels, religions, and levels of physical ability. By having fun together and working as a group toward common goals, Cub Scouts learn the importance of not only getting along, but also of working side by side with other youth of different races, classes, religions, cultures, etc.
Cub Scouting Teaches Duty to God and Country
The BSA believes that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God, and encourages both youth and adult leaders to be faithful in their religious duties. The Scouting movement has long been known for service to others. Scouting believes that patriotism plays a significant role in preparing our nation’s youth to become useful and participating citizens. A Cub Scout learns their duty to God, country, others, and self.