Cub Scouts are boys and girls between the ages of eight
and ten and a half / eleven.
The objective of the Cub Scout program is to provide a group environment
which is intellectually stimulating, physically vital and directed
towards satisfying
the child’s basic need to face and overcome
challenges
The activities are based on the natural sense of fun and enthusiasm of
the age group and thus the training is achieved largely through games,
interaction in small groups and activities.
Cub Scouts comprise a Pack which is limited to 24 Cub Scouts
of four
Sixes except in special circumstances. Cub Scout Sixes are led by a
Sixer. A Sixer is generally one of the older Cub Scouts and is appointed
by the Cub Scout Leader in
consultation with other Leaders because of
known leadership qualities. The Sixer is liked and respected by others
in the
Six. A Sixer is identified by a stripe on their pocket with the word 'Sixer'
on it. Similarly a Second is identified by the same badge with ' Second'
on it.
A Second is also one of the older Cub Scouts and is appointed
by the
Leaders in consultation with the Sixer concerned. Some leadership
qualities have been shown by the Second to be appointed, and he/she
stands in for the Sixer and benefits from working with the Sixer.
Cub Scout adult Leaders are known by names such as Baloo
and Bagheera
which are derived from the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Since
children of Cub Scout age have a lively imagination believing in things
from Superman to Red Indians, the program of the Cub Scouts Section has
its background in Kiplings’ Jungle Book. Unlike many things that
children believe in the " Jungle Book" provides excitement and
action combined with a strict moral code of the Jungle Law. There is
development from one skill to another (training expressed in all stories
of Mowgli), there is physical fitness, love of nature, self-reliance,
obedience, loyalty and courtesy. Therefore all parts of Scouting
philosophy can find illustration in the" Jungle Book".
THE CUB SCOUT PROMISE
There are two versions of the Cub Scout Promise. Individuals (with the
assistance of parents) may choose to use either of the following
Promises
On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to my God, and
To the Queen of Australia
To help other people, and
To the live by the Cub Scout Law
On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to my God, and
To Australia
To help other people, and
To the live by the Cub Scout Law
Types of Activities
Cub Scout activities should be short and wrapped up in the
spirit of
make-believe. Games of every sort should be played
to ensure balanced
training. Leaders use general Pack games, inter-Six games,
sense-training games, relays and games that help in the practice of
Boomerang tests. Stories, in particular Kipling’s Jungle Book as
mentioned above and other similar
stories that involve adventure,
romance, humour, history, religious stories etc., are used and help Cub
Scouts to more easily understand the meaning of their Promise and Law
through analogy, stories and plays. Play acting such as charades also
allows the children to use their imagination freely. Handcrafts
are
another important activity of Cub Scouts and aim to help children use
their fingers and their head to satisfy their creative instinct and to
encourage hobbies in their spare time at home.
Program Style
The major feature of the Cub Scout program is catering for the tastes
and enthusiasm of the small child presenting a program that is based on
their natural developments tied together with a code of morals.
Pack Meeting
This is held once a week in the Group Hall or Church or other hall by
arrangement and starts with the Grand Howl and flag ceremony and may be
followed by a short talk, a jungle play, a yarn, games and prayers. The
Grand Howl is a universal yell used by Cub Scouts all over the world. It
is a greeting to their Leader and a challenge for each Cub Scout to do
their best to keep the Cub Scout Promise. It is also the highest form of
appreciation a Pack can pay to any visitor or friend.
Ceremonies
Aside from the Grand Howl as mentioned before, other ceremonies include
a flag parade which is conducted at the opening and closing of a Pack
meeting. There is also an investiture for new Cub Scouts that involves
them reciting the Cub Scout Law and then making the Scout sign and
repeating the Cub Scout Promise after the Pack Leader. Other ceremonies
include Badge presentations and a "Going Up Ceremony" from the
Cub Scout Pack to the Scout Troop.