The Bear program is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age
9). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories. The Cub Scout
must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are
somewhat more difficult and challenging than those for Wolf rank.
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Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys aged
7 through 10 or in first through fifth grades.
The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are age
9).
The Mission Statement of the Boy Scouts of America is as follows:
To prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes
by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
The Boy Scouts of America has, over the years, developed an effective
set of guidelines and practices with which we accomplish this mission.
These practices encompass aims and methods targeted at participants in
each level of the program.
There are ten purposes of Cub Scouting: Character Development,
Spiritual Growth, Good Citizenship, Sportsmanship and Fitness, Family
Understanding, Respectful Relationships, Personal Achievement, Friendly
Service, Fun and Adventure, and Preparation for Boy Scouts. |
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The aims of the Cub Scout program are simple. The three aims of the
Cub Scouting program are Character Development, Citizenship Training,
and Mental and Physical Fitness.
Character encompasses a person's personal qualities, values and
outlook. The Scouting program strives to develop character in its youth
through the development of confidence, honesty, self-image and
self-reliance, respect for their religion and for others, and through
developing special skills and interests.
Participation in Scouting helps train youth to become good citizens
by instilling the values of service to others and respect for the
environment, learning about our national heritage and our social,
economic and governmental systems, and promoting knowledge of and
respect for cultural diversity.
Scouts learn to become and remain mentally and physically fit through
participation in outdoor activities, developing healthy habits, alcohol,
tobacco and drug avoidance, using good judgment and being resourceful in
solving problems. |
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Cub Scouting has several tried-and-true methods used to accomplish
our goals. These methods include ideals, the Den, advancement, family
involvement, activities, and the uniform. The Cub Scout program is
centered around the home and the neighborhood.
The Cub Scout Ideals include the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the
Pack and the Cub Scout Motto.
Cub Scouts are divided into Dens according to the age and rank of the
boys. Having a peer group of like capabilities fosters cooperation and
teamwork, as well as establishing a sense of identity and purpose.
As the boys progress through the Cub Scout program, their advancement
requirements become more challenging. Accomplishments are rewarded
instantly so the boys receive recognition throughout the Scouting year
as they move through the Bear Cub program. |
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Regardless of a boy's age, the Bobcat Badge the first step in a boy's
progression after registering as a Cub Scout. Among other requirements,
the Bobcat must learn the Cub Scout Handshake, the Cub Scout Salute, and
how to give the Cub Scout Sign.
The Bear Badge can be earned by boys who have completed second grade,
or who are nine years old. As a Bear-aged boy progresses, he too can
earn the Immediate Recognition patch and beads. One of the Bear
achievements involves earning the "Whittling Chip" wallet card. Earning
this card shows that a Bear has learned the fundamentals of knife
safety. After earning the Bear badge, a special collection of
age-appropriate Bear Electives are also available to allow Bear Cub's to
earn Arrow Points too!
There is also a special set of requirements to allow a Bear Cub to earn
the World Conservation Award.
In addition, the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program provides the
opportunity for boys to learn new techniques, increase scholarship
skills, develop sportsmanship, and have fun. Participation in the
program allows boys to be recognized for physical fitness and
talent-building activities.
Official Boy Scout Bear Advancement -
http://www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/bear.asp
Arrow Point Trail - Bear Electives -
http://www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/beararrow.asp |
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 The
Cub Scout uniform consists of the following parts:
* Shirt - Official Cub Scout long- or short-sleeve dark blue shirt with
button-flap pockets. Machine washable poly/cotton. Has gold "Boy Scouts
of America" lettering on right shirt front. Proper insignia should be
sewn on.
* Neckerchiefs - Official Bear neckerchief is worn by third-grade (or
9-year-old) Cub Scouts-triangular, light blue with navy blue trim.
* Neckerchief slides - Official gold-colored metal slide with Cub Scout
emblem. Handmade neckerchief slides may also be worn.
* Headgear options - Official Bear Cub Scout baseball-style cap is worn
by third-grade (or 9-year-old) Cub Scouts. It is navy colored with a
powder blue front panel sporting the Bear Cub Scout emblem.
* Belt - Official navy blue web belt with metal buckle and Cub Scout
emblem.
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. There are
many reasons for this. One reason stands out above all the rest. We wear
the uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with
the principles to which we are committed-character development,
citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.
The fact that youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform doesn't
mean that we're all alike. We come from different ethnic and racial
backgrounds. We have our own religious beliefs and political views. We
are each individuals with our own family traditions and loyalties. So
the uniform is not intended to hide our individuality. But it is a way
we give each other strength and support. It is a bond that ties us
together in spite of our differences. It is a way of making visible our
commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and to helping other
people.
The Scouting movement is built on positive values. As we wear the
uniform, we are openly identifying ourselves with those values where
everyone can see us. We stand together, not alone, in encouraging others
to live by those same principles. Boys and adults alike should take
pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as it is
intended. |
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Q: Is a uniform required for my son to participate in Scouting?
A: Uniforms are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged. Uniforms
provide the youth with a sense of belonging and bolsters their pride and
self-image.
Q. How much does a uniform cost?
A: The cost for a new uniform, complete with all the required
insignia, is approximately $90.00. Some uniform items may be supplied by
the unit. Many units maintain a clothing exchange where you can pick up
an "experienced" uniform at minimal cost.
Q: How much does it cost to sign up my son for Cub Scouts?
A: The national registration fee is $10 per year. Boy' Life magazine
subscription is optional at about $14.00 per year. Boys' Life magazine
will enhance your young Scout's experience and provide him with reading
materials and entertainment that pertain to the program. Other costs may
come into play during the year (admission to events, camping fees,
etc.). Some units will collect an annual program fee from each Scout to
cover these costs up front.
When you sign up at school night, the national registration fee is
pro-rated to cover your registration through to the following December;
for example, if you sign up at School night in September 2005, your
registration fee will be pro-rated to cover your membership through
December 2006. This puts everyone on the same schedule for
re-registration each year.
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Bear Scouts 
