|
Academics Program
Sports Program
| |
 
Cub Scout
Academics and Sports Program
The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program is one method of addressing the
third aim of Scouting: the development of physical, mental and emotional
fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to
think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and
self-respect). As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a
highly competitive program, instead, the boys are encouraged to DO THEIR BEST.
The Academic and Sports Program is an optional program for all Cub Scouts. It
is not part of the normal requirements towards ranks (except where used in
obtaining the Webelos Aquanaut, Sportsman, and Athlete activity badges). Its
purpose is to assist the Scouts in learning a new skill, or improving one they
already posses.
A variety of recognition items are available for the boys (Tiger Cubs, Cub
Scouts, or Webelos Scouts) who participate in the program. (Adults are NOT
awarded with belt loops or pins.)
- Belt loops are awarded to boys who complete the three belt loop
requirements in an academic subject or sport. Academic belt loops are gold,
and Sports belt loops are silver (except for the Archery and BB-gun Shooting
belt loops, which are brass colored)
- Pins are awarded to boys who choose to continue their involvement in an
Academics or Sports area and earn the pin by meeting the appropriate
requirements. Pins are worn on the Cub Scout Academic and Sports letter
- The Academic and Sports letter (pictured above) is available to boys for
displaying Academics and Sports pins that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos
Scouts earn. The letter, a large Blue and Gold "C", representing Cub Scouts
can be worn on a sweater or jacket, or displayed or framed. It does NOT go on
the uniform. There are NO specific requirements for earning the letter, as it
is designed merely to display the pins.
- There are also Pocket Certificates, Activity Medals, and Trophies, and the
Participation Emblem (pictured above), which can be awarded as the Pack
decides.
The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is a supplemental enrichment
program that complements the existing Cub Scout program. The Academics subjects
and, Sports activities allow boys to learn new techniques, increase scholarship
skills, develop sportsmanship - and have fun. Boys participating in the program
will be recognized for enjoying teamwork, developing physical fitness, and
discovering and building new talents. The Academics and Sports program
encourages a boy to do his best.
Concepts and Guidelines
The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is based on the following concepts
and guidelines
- The program supplements the existing advancement and recognition program
for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts; it does not replace it. The
program is one element of Cub Scouting, as are den and pack meetings, day
camp, and other activities.
- All registered Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts have an
opportunity to participate in the Academics and Sports program.
- Participation may take place at home, with the family, or within a den, a
pack, or the community.
- Adult participation by a parent or adult relative, if possible, is
strongly recommended for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts and is required for
Tiger Cubs.
- Emphasis is placed on introducing a boy to a sport or academic subject,
allowing him to participate in it and encouraging him to do his best. The
Academics and Sports program focuses on learning and skill development, not
winning.
- The primary focus of the program is on scholarship and sportsmanship.
- Each Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout will be presented with the
appropriate recognition item for completing the requirements, whether he does
so as an individual Scout, with his family, with his den or pack, or in his
school or community.
- The Academics portion of the program covers a variety of subjects,
including art, chess, citizenship, communicating, computers, geography,
heritages, mathematics, music, science, weather, and wildlife conservation.
- The Sports portion of the program includes summer and winter sports,
indoor and outdoor sports, active and less-active sports, and team and
individual sports.
- Cub Scouts who have disabilities may select their own activities and
design their own fitness or academic program with the help of a physician,
teacher, or parent.
The Purposes of Cub Scouting
The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program relates directly to the nine
purposes of Cub Scouting:
- Positively influencing a boy's character development and encouraging
spiritual growth
- Helping boys develop habits and attitudes of good citizenship
- Encouraging good sportsmanship and pride in growing strong in mind and
body
- Improving understanding within the family
- Strengthening the ability to get along with other boys and to respect
other people
- Fostering a sense of personal achievement by helping boys develop new
interests and skills
- Showing how to be helpful and do one's best
- Providing fun and exciting new things to do
- Preparing boys to become Boy Scouts
Currently, recognition can be earned for the following 17 academic areas:
Art, Astronomy,
Chess, Citizenship,
Collecting, Communicating,
Computers, Language and Culture,
Geography, Geology,
Heritages, Map
and Compass, Mathematics, Music,
Science, Weather,
and Wildlife Conservation
In September, 2002, awards for Astronomy,
Collecting, Language and Culture,
Geology,
and Map and Compass, were added.
Currently, recognition can be earned for the following 23 sports:
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
In September, 2002, awards for Flag
Football were added, plus Skating
(roller and ice) was replaced with separate awards for Ice
Skating and Roller
Skating, and Skiing
was replaced with Snow
Ski and Board Sports. In addition, the requirements for
Swimming
and Bicycling were revised.
The Shooting Sports belt loops and pins (Archery
and BB Shooting)
can only be earned under BSA range trained supervision. The BB Shooting loop and
pin MUST be earned at a BSA facility range.
|
