The adventures await in Scouting
The adventure begins when a boy joins Cub Scouts. Between Pinewood Derby racing, exploring nature in the outdoors, building friendships and learning new skills, there's never a shortage of adventure. In fact, Cub Scouts are having so much fun they don't even realize they are developing character and strengths that will last a lifetime.
So much in life these days is simulated — artificial flavoring, virtual reality games, "reality" TV — that a boy needs something real and authentic. Scouting can provide real experiences for boys were effort is rewarded and trophies are earned.
* Scouts do stuff. They build things. They play with purpose. Make friends and work together. Set goals and clear them. They go places. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. These life-changing experiences — and the confidence they provide — become bricks in the wall of childhood. Bricks that eventually form a foundation. A foundation that a Scout can stand on to embrace opportunity and overcome obstacles. For the parents watching in awe, it's not a question of where their Scout will go, but where won't he go.
A Cub Scout mom recently listed her top five favorite things about Cub Scouts:
1. Outdoor Activities - Cub Scouting gets a boy off electronics and outside. Cub Scouts camp and hike. They go outside to observe the night sky; play catch to improve their throwing and catching skills. They plant gardens; create and navigate a fitness course or participate in a bicycle rodeo or a Cubmobile derby.
2. Try New Things - The Cub Scout program gives the boys opportunities to try new activities. They can learn magic tricks, investigate the weight of air, or build a robot. They can create art and music and can design their own game or make a movie.
3. Important Life Skills – Cub Scouts learn to use a map and compass, to tie knots and how to use tools. Cub Scouts learn basic first aid skills and they also learn what to do in more serious situations such as heart attacks, poisoning and when someone has stopped breathing.
4. How to Set and Achieve Goals - Cub Scouts set goals for many activities. They may set a goal for the number of adventures they want to complete or when they want to complete them. A Cub Scout earns his advancement. He does not get a trophy for just showing up.
5. Character Development - The Center for Youth Ethics identified six ethical values that they call the Six Pillars of Character. They are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Cub Scouting reinforces each of these values and Scouts participate in activities that are specifically designed to teach good character.
To find a Cub Scout Pack in your neighborhood, go to www.beascout.org., or contact Mike Cowan at Northern New Jersey Council, 201-677-1000, ext 31. firstname.lastname@example.org.