The Cub Scouting program has 10 purposes related to the overall mission of the Boy Scouts of America-to build character, learn citizenship, and develop personal fitness:
Based on the BSA Standards, we follow a specified plan to meet the Character Development purpose, which I will list at the bottom. So over the course of the year, we meet from end of August through May, sometimes June with a few summer activities. Within each Den meeting, Pack meeting , outings and activities we will hit on one or more of these 10 purposes which I will list examples:
2011- 2012 partial List of Events & Programs
· Character Development (see Principles Below– this is covered in Rank Advancement)
· Spiritual Growth
· Good Citizenship (covered in Rank Advancement)
· Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Games are common in every den & pack meeting
- We go outdoors and stress fitness.
- Potentially new program of holding Intra-Pack sports activities
· Family Understanding (covered in Rank Advancement)
· Respectful Relationships (covered in Rank Advancement)
· Personal Achievement
- Rank Advancement is big core of what cub scout age boys look forward to.
- The pride they take in recognizing those achievements in ceremony and on uniform are key.
· Friendly Service
- Service Projects for the community such as Christmas Caroling, Clean up Neighborhood
· Fun and Adventure
- Summer Day Camp in Chicago
- Summer Scout Camp in Michigan
- Year round camping trips
- Exploring the surrounding area in the form of field trips
· Preparation for Boy Scouts
DEFINING CHARACTER
Character is a collection of core values a person possesses that lead to principled, moral commitment and action. It defines why we do what we do when we’re faced with a moral or ethical decision. People have long debated how to develop character. Some say it is done by telling kids what is right and good. Others say kids develop character by practicing what is right and good. Still others say kids develop character by learning to reason about what is right and good.
The Scouting program takes all three aspects of character development into account. Consider the value of compassion. Cub Scouting tells boys that compassion is important by teaching them the Cub Scout Promise, which includes the phrase “to help other people.” They practice compassion when they participate in a service project. And they reason about compassion when asked to reflect on the service they’ve done or to think about a thorny ethical dilemma.
PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Three principles underlie character development: a set of core values; an understanding that character includes thought, commitment, and practice; and an emphasis on character in all aspects of life. Character Has a Set of Core Values. Cub Scouting promotes 12 core values in helping boys develop character:
Citizenship .
Honesty
Compassion
Perseverance
Cooperation
Positive attitude
Courage
Resourcefulness
Faith
Respect
Health and fitness
Responsibility
These values are at the core of what it means to be involved in Scouting. If Cub Scouts are to be honest, responsible, courageous, and all the rest, leaders must be as diligent and skilled about teaching these values as they are about teaching the other aspects of the program. The 12 core values must be an active part of the Cub Scouting language and culture.
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July 21, 2010 2:23 am 
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