Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger scouts through Cub Scouting. Cub Scouting is a year-round family program designed for children who are in kindergarten through fifth grade. Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three traditional membership divisions. (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.)
The 10 purposes of Cub Scouting are:
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouts
Cub Scout Membership
Cub Scouting members join a Cub Scout pack and are assigned to a den, usually a neighborhood group of six to eight boys or girls. Lion Cub Scouts (kindergarteners) meet 2 times a month. Tiger Cub Scouts (first-graders), Wolf Cub Scouts (second-graders), Bear Cub Scouts (third-graders), and Webelos Scouts (fourth- and fifth-graders) meet weekly. Once a month, all of the dens and family members gather for a pack meeting under the direction of a Cub Master and pack committee. The committee includes parents of scouts in the pack and members of the chartered organization.
Cub Scouting's 12 Core Values
- Citizenship
- Compassion
- Cooperation
- Courage
- Faith
- Health and Fitness
- Honesty
- Perseverance
- Positive attitude
- Resourcefulness
- Respect
- Responsibility
Cub Scouting Ideals
Apart from the fun and excitement of Cub Scout activities, the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Cub Scout Motto, and the Cub Scout sign, handshake, & salute all teach good citizenship and contribute to a scout's sense of belonging.
Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is:
- Trustworthy,
- Loyal,
- Helpful,
- Friendly,
- Courteous,
- Kind,
- Obedient,
- Cheerful,
- Thrifty,
- Brave,
- Clean,
- and Reverent.
Cub Scout Motto
Do Your Best.