Scouting 101
New to Scouting?
Thinking about Scouting?
We developed this section to answer some common questions…
What is scouts about?
Will scouts help my child grow?
Why should I sign my child up?
How is Boy Scouts of America organized?
What can I expect from scouts?
What is expected of me?
What is scouts about?
The aim of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is to develop character, citizenship and personal fitness (including mental, spiritual and physical) in today’s youth. All activities, including den and pack meeting programs, contribute to the aims of Scouting.
Every Scouting activity should be a positive experience in which youth and leaders feel emotionally secure and find support from their peers and leaders. Everything we do with our Scouts, including songs, skits and ceremonies, should be positive and meaningful and should not contradict the philosophy express in the Scout Law.
Cub Scouts now follow the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Scout Oath
Scout Oath Television Spot - 30 seconds
Why should I sign my child up?
Scouting helps forge bonds between the parent and child that can last a lifetime. Values such as integrity, leadership, and honesty are taught through the activities and events that the scout is immersed in. It doesn’t matter what your ethnic background is, demographic area is or what your economic situation is, because scouting is the great equalizer. We are all the same in scouting and our message is strengthened by more than 100 years of continued success.
How is Cub Scouts organized?
Cub Scouts are organized into Dens according to age. Each Den has about 6 to 8 boys. The Dens make up the Pack. Packs are chartered by an organization such as churches, schools, city groups and even PTAs.
There are (7) ranks: Bobcat, Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light.
The Pack is run by a Cubmaster and an Assistant Cubmaster. Lion Dens are run by a Lion Den Leader and the parent partner. Tiger Dens are run by the Tiger Den Leader and the parent partner. Wolf to Webelos Dens are run by a Den Leader and an Assistant Den Leader. Leaders are called Akela. Akela can be the Den Leader, the Cubmaster, a teacher, a priest, a rabbi, an imam, a pastor, parents, grandparents, guardians, or any trusted adult that the Cub Scout turns to for guidance. Akela is a symbol of wisdom in the Cub Scout program.
The pack in general is ran by a Pack Committee. The pack committee consists of at least the Committee Chair, Cubmaster, and Treasurer. These are know as the “Key 3”. Ideally a pack committee will have the above three mentioned positions and the following: Pack Secretary, Pack Trainer, Outdoor Chair, Advancement Chair, Membership Chair, and a Pack Chaplin.
These are all volunteer positions and a pack depends on parents to step up and fill these positions to help the pack run smoothly.
Cub Scouts is not a drop off babysitting service. It is all about family involvement, so parent or guardians are expected to attend events with their son.
What can I expect from scouts?
When you join the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting is like an extension of your family: It follows your values, it sees to the overall care and well-being of your child, and it’s always there for you. It’s not an either/or choice you have to make for your child. It works with you to let you manage your time and other activities and will always be there when you return.
- Maturity. Youth experience dramatic physical and emotional growth during their Cub Scout years. Scouting offers them opportunities to channel much of that change into productive endeavors. Through service projects and Good Turns, Scouts can discover their place in the community. Many Scouting activities allow youth to associate with others from different backgrounds. The religious emblems program offers pathways for Scouts to more deeply understand their duty to God. The unit provides each Scout with an opportunity to explore, to try out new ideas, and to embark on adventures that sometimes have no design other than to have a good time with good people.
- Flexibility. The Scouting programs are flexible and accommodate the need to balance the work and life requirements of a busy family. It’s easy to plan for meetings and activities, and if something unexpected comes up, just let your leader know—it’s expected in the lives we live today.
- Adaptability. Your child can work on achievements at his or her own pace. For example, if your child is in a spring soccer league and has to miss several meetings and activities, he or she still can complete Scout activities to work toward the next level.
- Transferability. The skills and values your child learns through Scouting can be applied in any non-Scouting activity he or she participates in. As your child builds character, this can be an especially valuable defense against the peer pressures all youths experience when growing up.
What is expected of me?
Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your son that you normally couldn’t do. It provides a positive way for parent and son to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program’s success.
Some specific things you can do to help your child in Cub Scouting are:
- Work with your child on projects
- Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail
- Participate in monthly pack meetings
- Attend parent-leader conferences (Pack committee meetings)
- Go on family camp outs with your child
- Provide support for your child’s den and pack
The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys and girls, falling between the dependence of early childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As he or she grows, your child will gain the ability to do more things independently, but at this stage of development, your help is critical.
Cub Scouts . . . Teaching Core Values & Skills for Life!
Did You Know … ?
Scouts account for:
26% of the first 29 Astronauts
72% of Rhodes Scholars
85% of FBI Agents
70% of Naval Academy Graduates
64% of Air Force Academy Graduates
72% of Rhodes Scholars
85% of FBI Agents
70% of Naval Academy Graduates
64% of Air Force Academy Graduates
For Every 100 Scouts:
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2 will become Eagle Scouts.
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17 will become future Scout Volunteers.
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18 will develop a hobby that will last through their adult life.
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3 will enter a vocation learned through the merit badge system.
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1 will use his Scouting skills to save the life of another person.
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1 will use his Scouting skills to save the his own life.
Famous Alumni of the Boy Scouts of America
Famous Alumni of the Boy Scouts of America
2015 Alumni Data
- 181 NASA astronauts were involved in Scouting (57.4% of astronauts).
- 39 are Eagle Scouts.
- 36.4 percent of the United States Military Academy (West Point) cadets were involved in Scouting as youth.
- 16.3% of cadets are Eagle Scouts.
- 22.5 percent of United States Air Force Academy cadets were involved in Scouting as youth.
- 11.9% of cadets are Eagle Scouts.
- 25 percent of United States Naval Academy (Annapolis) midshipmen were involved in Scouting as youth.
- 11% of midshipmen are Eagle Scouts.
- 191 members of the 113th Congress participated in Scouting as a youth and/or adult leader.
- 28 are Eagle Scouts.
- 18 current U.S. governors participated in Scouting as a youth and/or adult volunteer.
- 4 are Eagle Scouts.
(Source: Membership figures from each organization)
