Cubs
Introduction
Cub Scouting began in 1916, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Many Cub Scouts will have been Beaver Scouts, but some will join Scouting for the first time as Cubs looking for fun, adventure and friendship.
Who is Cub Scouting for?
Scouting is open to all young people aged between 6 to 25, regardless of gender, faith, ability or background.
Details of other sections at the 87th can be had from the Group Scout Leader, (GSL@87thscouts.org.uk) or the Group Chairman, Andrew Dean on 332 7446. Or email info@87thscouts.org.uk
How are Cub Scouts organised?
Wolf Cubs, as they were originally called in 1916, used Rudyard Kipling’s story The Jungle Book as their theme. Some Packs continue to do this today. They use characters and events as an inspiration for the names of Leaders (such as Akela for the Cub Scout Leader) and activities.
Cub Scouts meet together as a Pack and work within a variety of small groups called “Sixes”. A team of adults will run the Cub Scout Pack, usually led by an Akela. Some will be Uniformed Leaders, others may be informal Assistants or helpers. Explorer Scouts who are Young Leaders might also assist the Leadership team in the Pack.
What do Cubs do?
Cubs take part in a wide range of activities that are designed to be interesting and to challenge them. At the same time they have fun, adventure and make friends along the way. They do this through taking part in a programme of activities provided by the Leadership team such as: camping, playing games, trying new things and exploring the outdoors. The programme is tailored to the interests, needs and pace of each individual, but also recognises group achievement.
There are badges and awards for Cub Scouts to aim for during their time with the Pack. Badges and awards are given in recognition of the effort made by each young person at their own level.
The Cub Scout Uniform
Cub Scouts wear a green sweatshirt. The group neckerchief (royal blue scarf) is also worn with a woggle. When a young person makes their Promise they receive their neckerchief, woggle and the Membership badge. Dark trousers should be worn. Uniform should be worn to every meeting unless told otherwise (excuses like ‘it’s in the wash’, ‘I can’t find it’, or ‘I forgot’ are not allowed!)
Meeting times
The pack normally meets at the Scout Hut in Boswall Parkway on Monday nights from 6 to 7.30pm. You should be there and ready to start at 6pm. The pack does not meet during school holidays.
What do Cubs cost?
Pack meetings cost £1.50/week.
Term fees are £10/term.
Uniform is from £13 to £17
Some activities cost a bit more.
What is expected from the members?
To enjoy themselves, do the best they can and respect the other members, adults, property and equipment.
What is expected from parents?
Give your child positive support in their Scouting. Encourage them to attend activities and meetings, and let us know if they can’t be there. Let us know about any special needs that your child may have, dietary, medical or learning. It is essential that you inform the Section Leader if your son / daughter suffers from any medical condition or if they require any specialist medicines or treatment. Please complete the member details on My.Scout when you receive the link in an email so that we can contact you if we need to, and let us know if anything changes.
It is taken as understood that you give your permission for your child to take part in Cub activities during the normal meeting time.
Your permission is sometimes needed for specific events, camps and activities that may take place at a different place or time.
If you are able to help with fundraising, looking after the property or can offer help in any other way, please let us know. The leaders are all volunteers and appreciate any help that we can get.
What is expected from the leaders?
We will provide a varied and interesting programme of activities designed to suit all interests and abilities. We will treat all members equally regardless of their ability, including any of our own children who are members. We firmly believe that Scouting has much to offer young people as they develop and that taking part is more important than being good at something.
We will let members and their parents know about events by text, email, the website and by Facebook. We encourage parents to join our Facebook closed group. Go to www.facebook.com/groups/87thscouts/ or search for 87th Craigalmond and ask to join.
Leadership
All adults who deliver local Scouting are unpaid volunteers, who are required to undertake training or learning appropriate to their role. Section Leaders are responsible to a Group Scout Leader, who in turn is responsible to a District Commissioner.
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints please speak initially to the Section Leader. We will always be happy to discuss any worries that members or parents may have about Scouting (e.g. social, medical or financial).
If your concern is about the Leader please contact the Group Scout Leader. If not available, or if you are still not satisfied, please refer to the District Commissioner.
Safeguarding
It is the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm. The Scout Association takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through relevant procedures and training, members and adults taking part in Scout activities do so in a safe environment.
Cub Scout Promise
Scouting differs from many organisations in that it requires its Members to make a Promise, the wording for Cub Scouts is slightly simpler than that of the Scout Promise. It is:
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen
Help other people
And to keep the Cub Scout Law.
Different wordings of the Promise are available for those of different faiths who may prefer not to use the word ‘God’ and for those with special needs and circumstances.
By making the Promise a young person becomes a Member of the worldwide Movement; they become a Scout.
The Cub Scout Law
Every Cub should know their Cub Scout Law put simply it is something they should try to remember in their everyday lives. The Cub Scout Law is:
Cub Scouts always do their best
Think of others before themselves
And do a good turn every day.
The Motto
The motto for all Members of the Movement is:
Be Prepared.
