Why do we wear uniforms?

The BSA site gives us four great reasons for wearing the uniform.

Equality. The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Boys from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.

Identification. The uniform identifies a boy as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire community.

Achievement. The uniform displays badges and other awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be immediately recognized.

Commitment. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.

One they didn't mention is that it just looks awesome! I can't begin to explain how proud I felt the first time I saw my boy in his uniform. Although I don't think I was half as proud as he was!

I think the big thing that each of these points to is that he's a part of something bigger than himself. Hopefully, each time he puts on that uniform, he's reminded that he should be holding himself to a higher standard, that more is expected of him. That's just one step toward becoming a leader.

The History of Cub Scouting

A little history lesson on the origins of the Cub Scouts program:

In 1925, Dr. Huber W. Hurt, a research psychologist and veteran Scouter, was authorized to study existing organizations for younger boys, such as Boy Rangers, Boy Pioneers, American Eagles, and Boys' Clubs. He found that only one boy in 50 participated regularly in any type of organized leisure-time program. He also found that younger boys responded better to leadership and program efforts than older boys. He worked closely with Ernest Thompson Seton. Both men recommended that the BSA adopt a program for younger boys, with older Boy Scouts as leaders, to tie into home, church, school, and Boy Scouting.

The National Executive Board authorized the Chief Scout Executive to thoroughly investigate the matter. An advisory committee worked with the BSA to develop a plan and produce the necessary literature. Advice was obtained from leading psychologists, sociologists, teachers, school superintendents, professors of education, college executives, and recreation and welfare directors.

By 1929, the new Cubbing program (it wasn't called "Cub Scouting" until several years later) was taking shape and was introduced as a demonstration project in a limited number of communities. Its structure was similar to today's Cub Scouting, except that dens were led by Boy Scout den chiefs. The plan included a neighborhood mothers' committee to encourage Cubs and den chiefs.

In 1930, Cub Scouting was formally launched, with 5,102 boys registered at the end of that first year. By 1933 the time had come to promote Cub Scouting throughout the country as a part of Scouting. All experimental restrictions were removed, and the first national director of Cub Scouting was appointed.

Hmmm. Sound familiar? By the way, if you don't have a Den Chief, see about getting one. Your troop's Scoutmaster should be able to make a great recommendation.

(Source: BSA Website. Follow this LINK for the whole story.)

Scout Backpack review needed!

Has anyone tried this backpack? It's a BSA exclusive, so I'm having trouble finding reviews for it. My Wolf wants to get it with his Scout Bucks from the Popcorn Sale, but I don't know much about it.

Is it good? Does it hold up? I bought him the Cub Scout Daypack, and it was garbage. The strap tore off of the first one (under normal use), and the pocket lining ripped out of the second (again under normal use). Finally gave up. Also didn't hold it's shape in the back, just sort of fell over. I just don't want to face the same disappointment with this one. Any advice you can leave in the Comments section below the post is appreciated!

Scouts hit by car at parade

This is a horrible story. From the AP:

An 82-year-old man was arraigned Tuesday on charges that he accidentally barreled his pickup truck into a Cub Scout troop at a Christmas parade in an east Texas town.

Charles George of Troup was charged with reckless driving after authorities said he drove around a barricade set up near downtown Overton on Monday evening and smashed into Scouts lining up to march in the parade.

One of the Scouts was in serious condition, but it sounds like he'll be OK. I'll keep all of those involved in my prayers. I'm sure the driver must feel terrible. I should hope so anyway.

Scouting for Adventure coming to DVD!

The BSA series that has aired on the Outdoor Channel is coming to DVD. If you haven't heard of it, here's a little about the show:

Scouting for Adventure is an original series based on the Boy Scouts of America
and their flagship magazine, Boys’ Life. This high-adventure show targets young
outdoorsmen, teaching wilderness skills with an emphasis on safety and
team-building. Episodes feature exciting activities like rock climbing,
kayaking, scuba diving, ropes courses, backpacking, horse riding, canoeing, and
whitewater rafting; and cover important outdoor Scouting topics, including
safety tips, gear reviews, merit badges, conservation, campfire cooking, and
knot tying. The show promotes awareness of the Boy Scouts of America and its
Scouting values and activities.

Here's the LINK to scoutingnews.org for the rest of the story and how to order. Merry Christmas!

Scoutlander.com - Free Pack Web Hosting

Our pack just started using scoutlander.com. They offer free hosting for pack and troop web sites, no strings attached. Feel free to check out our page at pack751.scoutlander.com. You will be able to see the public side, but there is also a private side with a photo gallery, den and pack event calendars and much more.

Not only is it free, but they're adding new features all the time. We've been using it for about three months now, and it's been great. Highly recommended!

New Pack starting off on the right foot

Sounds like this new Pack is off to a great start! And they're already practicing Leave No Trace! Here's to many years of Scouting success.

"When the story is told, and an experienced eye surveyed the camp grounds,
the only telltale sign that over 50 people had spent the previous evening on the
shores of Mary's Pond was a small plush dog found floating in a large puddle in
the middle of the meeting area. Everything was left better than they had found
it. More importantly, some enthusiastic Cub Scouts will relive in their
long-lasting memories the knots they kind of learned, the hot dogs that they
kind of cooked, the marshmallows they kind of dropped onto the pine needle
carpet, and the lightning, thunder and downpours that seemed less important from
their own safe Marion homes.

Leave no trace, but take away a load of great memories."

You can read the entire story at SouthCoastToday.com.

Do Your Best

"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but what you should have accomplished with your ability."

~~John Wooden

Nine year old earns Boy Scouts of America National Award of Merit

The actions of this Scout are truly amazing. To keep calm in a situation like this is impressive. When it's your own mom, it's amazing. And the boy was only 8 years old! Further proof that every Scout should earn the Emergency Preparedness award.

The entire story can be found HERE. Here's an excert:

In April 2007, Michael, then an 8-year-old Bear Cub Scout, was playing with two friends in his home when they heard Michael’s mother, Diane, call for help. The three children found her unconscious. Michael knew that his mother had diabetes, and he suspected she was experiencing insulin shock. He coordinated efforts to confirm the signs of diabetic shock according to his training, and directed his two friends in obtaining the necessary items needed for her revival, including a glucose testing kit, emergency glucose tablets, cool and damp cloths, sweetened drink and a telephone to call for help.

Next, Michael confirmed that his mother was in diabetic shock, tested her blood sugar and discovered a reading of 23. He took action to treat her with the glucose tablets that he placed in her mouth. As Mrs. Klotz regained consciousness, Michael transitioned treatment to the sugar sweetened drinks, at which time his father arrived home from work. Diane told Fred that the insulin shock came on so suddenly and all she remembered was calling out for help. She is convinced that the quick actions of Michael, and his two friends, saved her life.

Source: MidlothianExchange.com

Trained Leaders

Every Scout deserves a trained leader. To wear the Trained patch on your sleeve, you must complete the following classes:

1) Fast Start Training (online)

2) Youth Protection (online)

3) Intro to Cub Scouting

4) How We Have Fun (typically offered back-to-back with the Intro)

5) Leader Specific Training

Your Council may still offer New Leader Essentials in place of the Intro and How We Have Fun. After all of the modules have been completed, you are considered Trained, and can wear the patch on your sleeve with pride.

Making Goop

Scouts love gross stuff, and this is sure to be a hit. It's simple to make, and you probably already have the ingredients at home. Just be sure to keep it away from the carpet!

Click HERE for the recipe to make Goop. This recipe makes quite a bit, so you may want to consider halving it.

Sign Language Alphabet

Many of the ranks include American Sign Language in their requirements, as does the Communicating Pin. A simple guide to the ASL alphabet can be found HERE.

Cub Scout Sports Belt Loops and Pins

Here is a list with links for all of the available belt loops and pins in the Sports program. Click on the sport for the requirements for that award. Each link also contains a worksheet that can be printed off to keep track of his progress.
Archery
BB-Gun
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Bicycling
Bowling
Fishing
Flag Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Ice Skating
Marbles
Physical Fitness
Roller Skating
Snow Ski and Board Sports
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tennis
Ultimate
Volleyball
(Note: Each of these links take you to the U.S. Scouting Service Project website. This is a great site with TONS of information for parents and leaders. Link to their main page is on the right.)

Cub Scout Academics Belt Loops and Pins

Here is a list with links for all of the available belt loops and pins in the Sports program. Click on the sport for the requirements for that award. Each link also contains a worksheet that can be printed off to keep track of his progress.
Art
Astronomy
Chess
Citizenship
Collecting
Communicating
Computers
Language and Culture
Geography
Geology
Heritages
Map and Compass
Mathematics
Music
Science
Weather
Wildlife Conservation

(Note: Each of these links take you to the U.S. Scouting Service Project website. This is a great site with TONS of information for parents and leaders. Link to their main page is on the right.)

Cub Scout Sports and Academics Program

Did you know that all Cub Scouts have the opportunity to take part in the Sport and Academics Program? This program gives boys the chance to explore many areas of interest: from bowling to badminton, from astronomy to wildlife conservation. Click HERE to check out the requirements for the 40 beltloops and pins that are waiting to be earned. No matter what your Scout is interested in, there is sure to be a category for him!