As early as 1911 Ernest Thompson Seton developed a prototype program he called Cub Scout of America this was never realized. James E. West felt that having BSA chapters for younger boys (under age 12; the “younger boys problem”) would distract boys from the main program, which was that the scout troops were focused on the 12- to 17-year-old troop. -year-old age group; thus, he opposed such a program for some time. Despite this, around this time informal programs for younger boys began under such names as “Youth” or “Cadet Corps.”
The BSA acquired the rights to Lord Baden-Powell’s Wolfman’s Handbook in 1916 and used it in unofficial Wolfman programs beginning in 1918. This led to a problem with Daniel Carter Byrd, who felt that the use of the British Book was almost disloyal to the United States of America. West encouraged the creation of the Boy Rangers of America, a separate organization for boys from eight to twelve based on the theme of American Indians. The Boy Rangers used the Boy Scouts Act and their chief guide, was a Boy Scout commissioner in Montclair, New Jersey. In 1928 the BSA finally launched some experimental Cub units, and in 1930 the BSA began registering the first Cub Scout groups and the Boy Rangers were absorbed.
The British Cubbing program used elements of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book series, with the Cubmaster playing the role of Akela and the Cubmaster’s assistant as Baloo. The American program also syncretized elements of the American Indian with all the child scouts belonging to the Webelos tribe, symbolized by the Arrow of Light and led by Akela. Webelos was also a suitcase, meaning Wolf, Bear, Lion, Scout; the name was later given backronym from WE ‘ll BELOyal S couts. The original rank structure was Wolf, Bear, and Lion at ages 9, 10, and 11. The group of six to eight Cubs was led entirely by Scout, who held the position of Lair Chief.
Goals, Methods, and Objectives
Cub Scouting’s goals are the same as those of the other units – character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership.
Cub Scouting methods
- Living the ideals.
- Belonging to the den
- Promotion
- Family Involvement
- Activities
- Service to the community
- Blue Uniform
- Work for badges
Cub scouting goals :
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good citizenship
- Sportsmanship and fitness
- Understanding of family
- Respectful relationships
- Personal accomplishments
- Friendly service
- Entertainment and adventure
- Preparation for scouting
Ideals
On June 1, 2015, the Cub Scout Pledge and Pack Law were repealed and replaced by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The Cub Scout Pledge continues to be used.
The Cub Scout Oath.
I swear on my honor, I will do my best. To do my duty to God and my country. and obey the Scout Law;. To always help others;. To remain physically strong;. To be mentally alert and morally healthy.
Scout Law.
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,. courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful,. thrifty, brave, clean, and respectful.
The cub scout’s motto is “Do your best.”
The scout cub sign, two raised fingers of the right hand, identifies the young man as a scout cub, and the two fingers signify the Scout Oath and Law. The scout cub salute, two fingers of the right hand raised to the brim of the cap or eyebrow, is used to show respect for the country when saluting the flag of the United States. Cub Scout Handshake, the first two fingers on the inside of the other scout’s wrist used to help each other remember and uphold the Oath and Law of Intelligence.