1 Fun with a Purpose

There is a reason for everything boys do in Cub Scouting. Apart from the fun and excitement, the aim of Cub Scouting is to help boys grow into good citizens who are strong in character and personally fit. This is why we say that Cub Scouting is fun with a purpose.

The Cub Scouts of America colors are blue and gold. They have special meaning, which help boys see beyond the fun of Cub Scouting to its ultimate goals:

¨ Blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above

¨ Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer and happiness

Structure

The Boy Scout Trail begins at age 6 and progresses to 17 years old. The Cub Scout Program is for 1st graders through 3rd graders - Tiger Cubs, Wolf Scouts, and Bear Scouts. After completing Bear Scout Requirements, scouts advance to the Webelos Program.

The Cub Scout Program Structure places boys into groups called “Dens”. Dens of boys in a community form a “Pack”, which is part of a “District”. Districts combine to make a “Council”.

Character

Since its origin, the Scouting Program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service. These elements were part of the original Cub Scout Program and continue to be part of Cub Scouting today.

Character development challenges a Cub Scout to experience “Core Values” in six general areas:

God
World
Country
Community
Family
Self

Core Values

The Cub Scout Program strives to impart the following “12 Core Values” with each activity enjoyed at den and pack meetings - service projects, ceremonies, games, skits, songs, crafts, etc.

Cub Scout’s 12 Core Values

1.	Citizenship: Contributing service and showing responsibility to local, state, and national communities.
2.	Compassion: Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for the well-being of others.
3.	Cooperation: Being helpful and working together with others toward a common goal
4.	Courage: Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears, the difficulties, or the consequences.
5.	Faith: Having inner strength and confidence based on our trust in God.
6.	Health and Fitness: Being personally committed to keeping our minds and bodies clean and fit.
7.	Honesty: Telling the truth and being worthy of trust.
8.	Perseverance: Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it is difficult.
9.	Positive Attitude: Being cheerful and setting our minds to look for and find the best in all situations.
10.	Resourcefulness: Using human and other resources to their fullest.
11.	Respect: Showing regard for the worth of something or someone.
12.	Responsibility: Fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, and ourselves.

“Character” can be defined as an individual’s dedication to the “core values”, but dedication to the principles alone is not character. “True character” takes these beliefs and utilizes them as the guide for their choices and actions. The purpose of the Cub Scout Program is to demonstrate these core values, through scouting activities, to develop character in each boy as they grow.