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Bear Cubs

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.

Information

• Program
• Aims
• Methods
• Advancement
• Uniforms

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 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.

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.

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.

Advancement

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 the Cub Scout Handshake, the the Cub Scout Salute, and how to give the 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.

Uniforms

The Cub Scout uniform consists of the following parts:
* Trousers or shorts - Official Cub Scout blue trousers or shorts should be worn. Made from machine washable poly/cotton.
* 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.
* Socks - Official navy blue Cub Scout socks with gold tops are worn with shorts and with trousers.

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.