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Webelos Badge of Rank
The new Tiger Cub advancement (see Tiger Cub page for changes), creates a great opportunity to offer Webelos Scouts the option of two Webelos badges. One Webelos badge is a tan oval-shaped cloth badge with an embroidered Webelos symbol. The other Webelos badge is a diamond-shaped cloth badge with a gold and light blue embroidered Webelos symbol.
Webelos Oval-Shaped Badge
This badge is to be worn on the left pocket of the tan uniform shirt. When a boy wears the oval-shaped Webelos badge on his uniform, he does not include the arrow points or rank from the Tiger Cub, Wolf, or Bear programs
Webelos Diamond-Shaped Badge
This diamond-shaped badge is worn on the left pocket of the blue or tan uniform with the other badges of rank on the pocket. A spot is available for this Webelos badge if the boy did not participate in Tiger Cubs.
It is important to note that the addition of this new oval-shaped badge does not change the requirement of the Webelos badge of rank.
The Cub Scout Division strongly recommends when a boy joins or transitions into Webelos that he wear the tan Webelos uniform. The uniforming enhances transition into Boy Scouting. Complete details on this and all Cub Scout badges can be found in the revised Cub Scout Leader Book, which will be out later this year.
The Program
In 1930, the Boy Scouts of America created a new opportunity called Cub Scouting for boys younger than Boy Scout age. A year-round, home-centered program used by chartered organizations, Cub Scouting emphasizes involvement between boys and their parents, adult leaders, and friends. In the multidimensional plan of the Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouting is where it all begins. Currently, it is the largest of the organization's three membership divisions. (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.)
Purposes
Influence a boy's character development and spiritual growth.
Develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship.
Encourage good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and body.
Improve understanding within the family.
Strengthen a boy's ability to get along with others.
Foster a sense of personal achievement by developing new interests and skills.
Provide fun and exciting new things to do.
Show a boy how to be helpful and do his best.
Prepare him to be a Boy Scout.
What is Cub Scouting?
Boys in the first through fifth grades (or ages 7, 8, 9, or 10) may join a Cub Scout pack and be assigned to a den, usually made up of boys in a neighborhood who form a natural play group. Tiger Cub dens usually meet twice a month, while Cub Scout and Webelos Scout den meetings are usually held once a week.
Once a month, all of the dens and family members gather for a pack meeting under the direction of a Cubmaster and pack committee. The committee includes parents of boys in the pack and members of the chartered organization.
Who Operates a Cub Scout Pack?
Like other phases of the Scouting program, Cub Scouting is made available to groups having similar interests and goals, which include professional organizations, and religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor, and citizens' groups. These "sponsors" are called chartered organizations. Each organization appoints one of its members as a chartered organization representative. The organization, through the committee, is responsible for leadership, the meeting place, and related materials for pack activities.
Activities
At den meetings, a Cub Scout starts an activity. Perhaps it is a project or a stunt for the next pack meeting. During the week, with his parents' help, he finishes the project or perfects the stunt. If it happens to be something required for his Wolf or Bear advancement, his parent signs his Cub Scout book. In this way, Cub Scouting helps to strengthen family ties.
Pack meetings, attended by boys and their families, give parents a chance to see their sons in action. Most pack meetings are divided into two parts. The first is informal - boys and parents may view exhibits or participate in gathering-time activities. The second half has a formal opening, followed by den skits, songs, games, or stunts related to a monthly theme, and the presenting of awards earned by the boys since the last pack meeting.
Outdoor Program
Adventuresome outdoor programs are encouraged for Cub Scouts. These include den field trips, picnics, outings, day camping, and resident camping. Because Cub Scouting is home-centered, family camping is also emphasized. Webelos Scouts are encouraged to go on overnight experiences and to conduct occasional joint outdoor activities with a Boy Scout troop. Summertime Cub Scout day camps are conducted by the Boston Minuteman Council. Webelos Scout resident camp is also offered.
Basic Concepts
Apart from the fun and excitement of Cub Scout activities, there are a number of ideals expressed in the day-to-day life of the young boy and his leaders.
The 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.
The Cub Scout colors are blue and gold. Blue signifies the sky, truth, spirituality, and loyalty. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness. Together they symbolize what Cub Scouting is all about.
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