To a boy, Scouting is a game, a magnificent game, full of play and full of laughter, keeping him busy, keeping him happy. A boy becomes a Cub Scout for the sheer fun there is in it. The action in Scouting appeals to the boy's impulse to do something.
The basic principle in Scouting is "learning by doing". There is nothing negative in it. There are no "don'ts." Scouting doesn't say "Don't rob a bird's nest", but instead, "find out about birds." It doesn't say, "Don't cut down trees," but instead, "Help save the trees." That is talking boy language, stimulating, not prohibiting.
Boys like the adventure of Scouting. They like the adventure of tackling a job, alone or with a den. There is an adventure in doing a good turn. A boy finds companionship and fellowship in the den. There is always present the urge to achieve, a higher rank looms ahead, there is no distinction to be gained.
Boys are alike in many ways. They are part human, part angel, and part barbarian. They want everything except soap and work. They take the knocks of the world, stomachaches, injured toes and fingers, broken bones, and black eyes. But at the same time, they absorb the good of the world. And in a few short years, when they become men, they cast aside their boyish ways to battle against the stern reality of life, and generally make good, participating citizens.
Even though all boys are alike in some ways, each one is an individual and should be treated as such. Balance is the thing. Knowing where to draw the line is the thing. For out of it all, a boy must learn that sometimes he must assert himself, and sometimes he must give in for the welfare of his fellow Cub Scouts.
Boys will be boys, no matter where you find them. They play, run away, love to be outdoors, and do a host of things that are generally looked upon by their parents and leaders as a foolish waste of time. Boys all have the same creed, to enjoy every second of every minute of every hour of every day. A boy is like a puff of wind because he comes at the most unexpected time, hits in the most unexpected places, and leaves everything a wreck behind. He has an impelling desire to exercise on all occasions; he pulls the cat's tail; he tangles Sis' curls; he shoots paper wads in Sunday School, and he possesses a perpetual appetite. He has a dirty face, uncombed hair, and is ragged regardless of which side of the tract he lives on. But the time comes when he becomes a loyal and true citizen of his country. He lives his own life, makes up his own mind as to truth and honesty and the best interest of others. God Bless Him!
Character in a boy is a slow-growing thing. Every day of his life, everything he sees and does forms a small piece of his character. Give him the right opportunity to be proud of himself. Teach him the value of helping other people. A Cub Leader can help boys in some ways that no one else, not even their parents can. Help them to learn to stand on their own two feet and be men you can be proud of, and what's more important, men they can be proud of.
Cub Scouts is more than having a group of boys at your den meeting to say the Pledge of Allegiance or playing games with their friends. Getting Cub Scout Leader Training will allow you to understand, then meet the aims of the Boy Scouts of America's program through Cub Scouting.
The Boy Scouts of America's program has three overall aims:
To build character:
To build self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-respect
To foster citizenship:
To foster a love of community, country, and world, along with a commitment of service to others and an understanding of democratic principles.
To develop fitness:
To develop physical, mental, emotional, and moral fitness that will stay with a Scout for the rest of his life.
These aims are met through the purposes of Cub Scouting which are:
· Influence the development of character and encourage spiritual growth.
· 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 the ability to get along with other boys and respect other people.
· Foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills.
· Show how to be helpful and do one's best.
· Provide fun and exciting new things to do.
· Prepare them to be Boy Scouts.
These are the purposes of Cub Scouting. Activities planned by leaders and enjoyed by boys relate to one or more of these purposes. These purposes help us achieve the overall aims of the Boy Scouts of America.
More information on "What is Cub Scouting?" can be found in Chapter 1 of the Cub Scout Leader Book available from your Scout Shop.
Knowing the purposes of Cub Scouting and reading the CS Leader Book will not make you a trained CS Leader.
Cub Scout Leader Basic Training is a training course for Cubmasters, Cub Scout den leaders, Webelos den leaders, Tiger Cub coaches, den leader coaches, their assistants, pack committee members, and all other Cub Scout leaders.
Trained Cub Scout leaders provide a quality, fun-filled program for boys. When leaders understand the whys and hows of Cub Scouting, they are more effective in their roles. Trained leaders know how to use the available resources to provide an exciting and worthwhile program for the boys. Trained leaders also have confidence in carrying out their roles and responsibilities. As a result, Cub Scouts receive a program designed to achieve Scouting's aims of citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness.
Remember your Cub Scouts deserve Trained Leaders. Contact your local council office to find out when training dates are for adult leaders in Cub Scouts