Purpose of Cub Scouting

Cub Scouting is for parents, leaders, and organizations to use with boys in the first through fifth grade (or 7 -10 years of age) for the purpose of:

• Helping build character and encouraging spiritual growth.

• Developing habits and attitudes of good citizenship.

• Encouraging good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body.

• Improving understanding within the family.

• Strengthening the ability to get along with other boys and respect other people.

• Fostering a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills.

• Showing how to be helpful and to do one's best.

• Preparing them to become Boy Scouts

Pack Meetings. This is a meeting for all Cub Scouts and parents to get to gather to recognize their sons for the achievements they have accomplished during each month. Skits, songs and plays are just a few activities during a Pack meeting.

Pinewood Derby Races. Pack competition where the Cub Scout makes a racing car for competition.

Day Camp. Weekday camping at various city parks during the summer. Action oriented. Involves games, crafts, skills, nature, archery and, at some locations, BB gun instruction.

Tiger Cub Zoo Day. Cubmasters, Den Leaders and Tiger Cub Coordinators, we are going to be in the midst of September before we know it and with September comes new Tiger Cubs. To kick off their Scouting experience with a growl, we are once again going to be offering the Tiger Cub Zoo Day.

Blue & Gold Banquet. Large pack meeting in February where families come together to celebrate the birthday of the Cub Scout program. Most will hold a potluck, an ice cream and cake social or cater food for the event. Advancement programs and skits are the main attraction of the night.

How Much Time Will This All Take? Time with one’s son is the most important time we have. Cub Scouting is family centered and works well because parents get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you tell me about Cub Scouts? The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth service organizations. The program is family based with a focus on teamwork, self-confidence and achievements.

What type of program & activities do they participate in? The program is a series of enjoyable activities based upon abilities related to age and group consensus, such as meetings, day trips, craft projects, outdoor skills, weekend and summer camping.

How old are the children? Cub Scouts are in grades 1-5.

How often and where do the groups meet? They usually meet once a week on a regular basis for about an hour and a half in a church, synagogue, school or community center.

Who are the leaders? The leaders are regular people selected by the chartered organization who volunteer their time for the benefit of young people. Often they are the parents of Scouts who are in the unit or local leaders in the community.

As a parent, what do I do? Scouting is a partnership with the parents for the young person. Scouting is an excellent opportunity for you to spend very high quality time with your son. Since the leaders are not paid, they would most certainly appreciate any help that you could provide.

What about Uniforms? In the beginning uniforms are not required, however they are, in fact, highly recommended. We suggest that everyone start with at least the shirt which costs around $20.

What about camping? Boy Scouts have the opportunity to go both weekend and summer camping (financial assistance is available). The council operates three camps. Many Point Scout Camp; Rum River Scout Camp and Camp Stearns.

So how much will all this cost? Because the leaders aren’t being paid, Scouting, as a whole, is a very inexpensive, year-round, worthwhile activity.

What kind of badges and awards exist? Your son can earn a wide variety of achievements and awards by having fun and learning something in areas such as citizenship, personal fitness, family living, the outdoors, nature, crafts and more.

Who do I contact for more information about the Boy Scouts of America and their programs? You can call the Northern Star Council at 763-231-7209 to find out where a Troop meets in your neighborhood.  Visit www.joincubs.com to find a Pack near you.

What about Girl Scouts? The Girl Scouts are not part of the Boy Scouts of America. They can be contacted at their office (763)535-4602 or they have a local web site at: www.girlscouts.org.

Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting.  Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the 10 purposes of Cub Scouting:

1. Character Development

2. Spiritual Growth

3. Good Citizenship

4. Sportsmanship & Fitness

5. Family Understanding

6. Respectful Relationships

7. Personal Achievement

8. Friendly Service

9. Fun & Adventure

10. Preparation for Boy Scouts

Cub Scout Promise

I,  (name),  promise to do my best To do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cub Scout Motto

Do Your Best

Tiger Cub Motto

Search, Discover, Share.

Colors

The Cub Scout colors are blue and gold.  They have special meaning, which will help boys see beyond the fun of Cub Scouting to its ultimate goals.  The blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above.  The gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer and happiness.