Some local Cub Scout Troops are having information meetings this month. For those who do not have experience with the Cub Scouts, Cub Scouting is an important part of the Boy Scout Program, but is specifically designed and developed for boys in grades 1-5. The Cub Scout program is family and neighborhood-centric, with programs and activities designed specifically to meet the needs of young boys.
Boy Scouting originated in the beginning of the 20th century, when Englishman Lord Baden-Powell developed a handbook to teach basic first aid and elementary outdoor survival techniques to soldiers. He was surprised to learn that his handbook caught the attention of young English boys, who were using it to play at scouting. Baden-Powell then wrote Scouting for Boys, and scouting took off across the world. At the same time in the U.S., boys were also taking an interest in outdoor skills and forming groups. One day, a businessman from the U.S. got lost in a fog in England and was helped by a boy who refused payment because he was a "Scout," doing a "Good Turn." Intrigued, the businessman, William Boyce, met with Baden-Powell and returned to the U.S. to incorporate the Boy Scouts of America in 1910.
Cub Scouting in the U.S. is for boys in grades 1-5, with first graders being known as Tiger Cubs. Cub Scouting is centered on the family and community, and includes a variety of activities suitable for this age group, different from what they will encounter at the Boy Scout level. Many terms used in Cub Scouting, such as "law of the pack," "Wolf Cub," "grand howl," "den," and "pack," come from The Jungle Book, which Baden-Powell used to develop the younger boys' program in Europe, while other emblems are taken from our Native American heritage.
Would you like to find out more about the Cub Scouts? Two local area troops are holding open houses this month so that you and your son can get to know scouting and all the wonderful opportunities it can bring.In Warren, Pack 182's Cub Scout "Open House" will be held on Thursday, May 12 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm in the Woodland School All Purpose Room. The event is open to all Warren boys currently in grades K-2. For questions, contact Liz Peterson, 908-604-8783 or Jennifer Nuzzi, 908-604-0418.
In Long Hill, Cub Scout Pack 56 will be having an informational/sign-up meeting on May 25th at 7pm in the Gillette School All Purpose Room. Parents and boys in grades K-1 are invited to attend and learn more about scouting. Siblings are invited and activities will be provided. There will also be cub activities and display.
Green Brook's Pack 129 Cub Scout activities have wound down until September, but contact K. Humphrey at gdhumphrey@gmail.com for information.
Watchung's Cub Scout season is also ending, but will be starting up again in September. For more info about scouting in Watchung, go to www.ppbsa.org.
The Cub Scout Promise
I promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.
Boy Scout/Cub Scout info courtesy of www.scouting.org.
