The Benefits of Cub Scouting
As a worldwide fellowship, Scouting is unique. It is based on the principles of loving and serving God, of human dignity and the rights of individuals, and of recognizing the obligation of members to develop and use their potential. It is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people. Cub Scouting doesn't emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the far more demanding task of doing one's best.
When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allow children to play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we will have helped them grow. We want boys and girls to become useful and stable individuals who are aware of their own potential. Helping a child to learn the value of his or her own worth is the greatest gift we can give him or her.
Cub Scouting Is Fun
Boys and girls join Cub Scouting because they want to have fun. For most children, however, fun means a lot more than just having a good time. "Fun" is a a child's code word for the satisfaction he or she gets from meeting challenges, having friends, feeling good about himself or herself, and feeling he or she is important to other people. While the children 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 Cub Scout Promise is a pledge of duty to God and family.
The Law of the Pack is a simple formula for good Cub Scouting and good citizenship.
The Cub Scout motto, "Do Your Best," is a code of excellence.
The Tiger Cub motto, "Search, Discover, Share," encourages personal growth and fitness.
Symbols, such as the Cub Scout sign, Cub Scout salute, and the Living Circle, help children feel a part of a distinct group and add to the appeal of belonging to a widely respected organization.
Cub Scouting Strengthens Families
The family is an important influence on our nation's youth. There are many different types of family structures in today's world. Scouting is a support to all types of families as well as to organizations to which families belong. We believe in involving families in the training of youth, and we are sensitive to the needs of present-day families. Cub Scouting provides opportunities for family members to work and play together, have fun together, and get to know each other better.
Cub Scouting Helps Children Develop Interests and Skills
Cub Scouting Creates Fellowship
Children like to be accepted as part of a group. In Cub Scouting, boys and girls 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 children can feel emotionally secure and find support. Each boy or girl gains status and recognition and has a sense of belonging to this group.
Cub Scouting Promotes Diversity
In Cub Scouting, children may learn to interact in a group that may include boys and girls 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 children 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 his duty to God, country, others, and self.
Cub Scouting Provides a Year-Round Program
Cub Scouting has no specific "season"—it's a year-round program. While spring and summer pack activities are informal and there are many activities that Cub Scouts do outdoors, there's still plenty of fun to be had in the fall and winter: the pinewood derby, blue and gold banquet, skits, stunts, craft projects, and indoor games help to round out an entire year of fun and activities.
Cub Scouting Is a Positive Place
With all the negative influences in today's society, Scouting provides your son or daughter with a positive peer group who can encourage him or her in all the right ways. Carefully selected leaders provide good role models and a group setting where values are taught and help to reinforce positive qualities of character.