The Webelos program is for boys who have completed third grade (or are
age 10). A boy may begin working on the Webelos badge as soon as he
joins a Webelos den. This is the first step in his transition from the
Webelos den to the Boy Scout troop. As he completes the requirements
found in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on activity badges, attend
meetings led by adults, and become familiar with the Boy Scout
requirements—all leading to the Arrow of Light Award.
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| Program
Cub Scouting is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys aged
7 through 10 or in first through fifth grades.
The Webelos rank is for boys who have completed third grade (or are
age 10).
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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| Aims
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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| Methods
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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| Advancement
The Webelos Badge is for boys who have completed third grade, or who
are ten years old. The Webelos rank is the first step in a boy's
transition towards a Boy Scout troop. As he completes the achievements
in the Webelos Scout Book, he will work on Activity Badges. These are
age-appropriate projects for older Cub Scouts. Activity badges are
sorted into five discipline-related groups. They are the Community
Group, the Mental Skills Group, the Outdoor Group, the Physical Skills
Group, and the Technology Group. Activity Badges can be displayed on the
front of the Webelos cap or on the Webelos Colors. During this period,
the Webelos Scout should also begin to attend meetings led by adults,
and become more familiar with the Boy Scout requirements.
After earning the Webelos badge, the Webelos Scout may receive the
Compass Points emblem and gold 'devices' to pin on it as an incentive to
complete additional Activity Badges.
Completion of the Forester, Outdoorsman, and Naturalist Activities
Badges, and completion of a special conservation project allows a
Webelos Scout to join the Wolves and Bears in earning the World
Conservation Award as well.
Then Cub Scouting's apex... the Arrow of Light.
After a boy has completed the fourth grade and earned the Webelos badge,
the next step on the Webelos trail to becoming a Boy Scout is earning
the Arrow of Light Award. This is the highest award a Cub Scout can
earn, and is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout
Uniform. As a boy works on the Arrow of Light, he gets a chance to
practice some Scout skills that he has already learned, earn more
Activity Badges, and REALLY learn what a Boy Scout is.
Official Boy Scouts Webelos Advancement -
http://www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/webelos.asp |
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| Uniforms
* The Webelos uniform - the shirt is the same as that described for the
Cub Scout uniform.
* Neckerchief - Official Webelos neckerchief-triangular; blue, green,
gold, and red plaid, with Webelos emblem.
* Neckerchief slide - Official Webelos neckerchief slide-gold colored
metal with Webelos emblem. Handmade slides may also be worn.
* Optional Cap - Official Webelos baseball-style cap. Webelos plaid front panel sporting oval Webelos emblem.
* Belt - Official Cub Scout navy blue web belt with metal Webelos
buckle. The official Scout belt with Webelos buckle.
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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| Uniform FAQ
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 2007, your
registration fee will be pro-rated to cover your membership through
December 2008. This puts everyone on the same schedule for
re-registration each year. |
Webelos Scouts
