My name is Kevin Stone and I am the Committee Chairman for Cub Scout Pack 283. I want to welcome you and your family to our pack! We are confident that you will have a lot of fun and learn about the many traditions and skills that make scouting a great program.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has engaged younger boys in Cub Scouting since the program's inception in 1930. It is a year-round family program designed for boys in the first through fifth grades (or 7-11 years of age). Cub Scouting is one of the largest divisions under the BSA umbrella, which also includes Boy Scouting - beginning in fifth grade - and Venturing for teens.
Participation in Cub Scouting develops these attributes in young boys:
- Character Development
- Spiritual Growth
- Good Citizenship
- Sportsmanship and Fitness
- Family Understanding
- Respectful Relationships
- Personal Achievement
- Friendly Service
- Fun and Adventure
- Preparation for Boy Scouting
The leader of your new den will contact you shortly with the details of meetings and upcoming activities. A den includes about 10 boys at the same grade level: Tiger Cubs (1st graders), Wolf Cub Scouts (2nd graders), Bear Cub Scouts (3rd graders), and Jr. / Sr. Webelos Scouts (4th and 5th graders). Even if you are new to Scouting, you may enter Cub Scouts at your appropriate den at any time. Boys will work on achievements in their rank handbook and enjoy other activities with their den.
Generally, we have a Pack meeting once a month to recognize each others’ achievements as our boys advance toward the next rank. We realize that recognition is important to young boys and the Cub Scouting advancement plan will provide fun for you, give you a sense of personal achievement as badges are earned, and strengthen your family understanding as you and your adult family members work together on advancement projects.
Cub Scouting means “action/doing”. Everything in Cub Scouting is designed to have Scouts doing things. Activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting – citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Camping brings Tiger Cubs, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos into the great outdoors, by combining fun and excitement with doing one’s best, getting along with others, and developing an appreciation for the world around us.
Since its origin, the Scouting program has been concerned with a set of core values. In order to build character, a collection of core values is essential to any individual that essentially leads to action and moral commitment. Core values are the basis of good character development. In helping boys develop character, Cub Scouting promotes the following 12 core values:
- Citizenship
- Compassion
- Cooperation
- Courage
- Faith
- Health and fitness
- Honesty
- Perseverance
- Positive attitude
- Resourcefulness
- Respect
- Responsibility
A key reason Pack 283 has consistently achieved these high standards for our young boys are the participation and support of our parents. Not only is family involvement encouraged in our Pack, it is essential to the success of Scouting.
Finally, Cub Scouting colors are BLUE and GOLD. They have special meaning, which will help you see beyond the fun of Cub Scouting to its ultimate goals.
• The BLUE stands for TRUTH and SPIRITUALITY, STEADFAST LOYALTY and the SKY ABOVE.
• The GOLD stands for WARM SUNLIGHT, GOOD CHEER and HAPPINESS.
Again, we would like to welcome you to our Pack. We promise that you will gain a lot out of Scouting if you put in the effort. From all of the leaders of our Pack, we are pleased that you have chosen to be a part of the Scouting family and we will do our best to help you achieve all of your Scouting goals.
Yours in Scouting,
Kevin Stone
