The Scouting Program

The first rank your child will earn, regardless of when he joins cub scouts, is Bobcat. There are eight requirements to earn this badge:

1. Learn and say the Cub Scout Promise
2. Say the Law of the Pack
3. Tell what Webelos means
4. Show the Cub Scout sign
5. Show the Cub Scout handshake
6. Say the Cub Scout motto
7. Give the Cub Scout salute
8. Complete the child protection exercises

These requirements are detailed in your son's Scout handbook.

Your child's next step is to earn his Rank. A first grader in Tigers needs to earn the Tiger badge, Wolfs need to earn the Wolf badge, and so forth. The Tiger program has 15 requirements: five that will be done at the Den meetings, five are go-see-its (field trips), and five are to be done with the family at home. The Wolf and Bear program has twelve requirements each, each with many parts. They may be done at Den meetings, at home, or at scouting events. Webelos work similar to Boy Scouts.

Each year the requirements become a litte bit more complicated. The phrase BSA uses is "Ages and Stages". A child asked to do more than he is capable of will become frustrated. Asked to do too simple, he becomes bored. Challenged and interested is the ballance we strive for.

A child can also earn Electives. With these optional items, a child that has earned his badge can still strive for more recognition. A Tiger will earn beads for every five electives they complete. Bears and Wolfs earn an arrow point for every ten. Electives are also detailed in your child's handbook.

In addition, your child can earn Sports and Academic belt loops and pins. There are 38 different sports or academic endevors to work towards. Belt loops typically have three requirements and as the name suggests, are displayed on your Cub Scout belt. Pins have many more requirements and will take some effort to complete. They can be worn on the hat, lapel, or on a Webelos totum. Belt loops are sometimes needed for certain Webelos requirements. Belt loops and pins are listed in the back of your child's handbook, but details are available from your Den leader.

Not enough? We have more! Your child can also earn special awards like:

World Conservation Award
Leave No Trace Award
Outdoor Activity Award
Conservation Good Turn Award
Donor Awareness
Emergency Prepardness Award

Once earned, your child will be awarded with a special badge he may wear on his uniform.

Of course we are not done! Silly of you to thinks so! Your child will be awarded badges as thanks for participating in Pack and District events. Some participation badges recently awarded are Popcorn fundraiser, Pack picnic and overnight, PawSox sleepover, Battleship Massachusetts sleepover, and Scouting for Food. These badges do not get worn on the uniform. Your den may choose to make banners or flags to display them.

As you can see, scouting gives your child an opportunity to explore his interestes, whether he likes sports or the arts, nature or technology. It also allows your child to try his hand at things outside of his normal range.