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Since its origin, the Scouting program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for Scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service.
These elements were part of the original Cub Scout program and continue to be a part of Cub Scouting today.
Character development should extend into every aspect of a boy's life. Character development should also extend into every aspect of Cub Scouting. Cub Scout leaders should strive to use Cub Scouting's 12 core values throughout all elements of the program—service projects, ceremonies, games, skits, songs, crafts, and all the other activities enjoyed at den and pack meetings. |
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"Keep in mind in all your teaching that the whole...object...is to form character in the boys." —Robert Baden-Powell
Scouting for Boys, 1908 |
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As a Cub Scout you Do your Best and you help other people. You learn the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. You also learn what they mean.
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The Cub Scout Promise, the Cub Scout Motto, and the Law of the Pack |
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Cub Scout Promise |
Cub Scout Motto |
The Law of the Pack |
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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
LEARN MORE |
Do Your Best |
The Cub Scout follows Akela
The Cub Scout helps the pack go
The pack helps the Cub Scout grow
The Cub Scout gives goodwill
LEARN MORE |
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The 12 Core Values of Cub Scouting |
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Character can be defined as the collection of core values possessed by an
individual that leads to moral commitment and action. Character is "values in
action."
The Cub Scouting Character Connections Program identifies 12 core values:
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Citizenship: Contributing service and showing responsibility to local,
state, and national communities.
Compassion: Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for the
well-being of others.
Cooperation: Being helpful and working together with others toward a
common goal.
Courage: Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears,
the difficulties, or the consequences.
Faith: Having inner strength and confidence based on our trust in
God.
Health and Fitness: Being personally committed to keeping our minds
and bodies clean and fit.
Honesty: Telling the truth and being worthy of trust.
Perseverance: Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it is
difficult.
Positive Attitude: Being cheerful and setting our minds to look for
and find the best in all situations.
Resourcefulness: Using human and other resources to their fullest.
Respect: Showing regard for the worth of something or someone.
Responsibility: Fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, and ourselves.
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Cub Scout Character Connections |
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Character development should not be viewed as something done occasionally as part of a separate program, or as part of only one area of life. For in reality, character development is a part of everything a Cub Scout does. Character development lessons can be found in every aspect of the Cub Scouting experience.
In an effort to make character development an integral part of Cub Scouting, the twelve core values are being integrated throughout the boys' handbooks and advancement program.
When it comes to developing character, the complete person must be considered. Character development involves at least three critical areas:
1 - Know (thought),
2 - Commit (feeling)
3 - Practice (behavior).
In Cub Scouting, addressing these three critical areas and relating them to values is referred to as Character Connections |
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