Lions, Tigers, and Bears — Oh My: Why Your Child Should Join Cub Scouts

The Cub Scouts may well be the best-known and most comprehensive program for kids in America, and for good reason. First, it welcomes children to Scouting during a key stage of development, as it allows kids as young as five years of age to join Cub Scouts as Lion Scouts. Six-year-olds can join as Tiger Cub Scouts; seven- and eight-year-olds as the eponymous Cub Scouts; nine-year-olds as Webelos Cub Scouts; and ten-year-olds as Arrow of Light Cub Scouts.?

Each rank participates in age-appropriate training, activities, and events that prepare them for the next, until they graduate from the program and become Boy Scouts.?

For generations, Cub Scouts programs have been molding children into capable, responsible, caring, and high-achieving youth — and as a national organization, Scouting America is more inclusive and impactful than ever . Enrolling young children in Cub Scouts offers numerous benefits for kids, families, and communities.

Why Join Cub Scouts??

Here are some excellent reasons parents should consider enrolling their children in Cub Scouts today.

Character Development

Being a Cub Scout has been proven to promote positive character development in children. In fact, a three-year Tufts University study found that children who joined Cub Scouts became more trustworthy, hopeful, kind, obedient, helpful, and cheerful than those who did not. That’s because Scouting America conscientiously works to:

• Build strong moral values. Cub Scouts emphasizes the importance of strong moral values and ethical behavior in young children. The program focuses on honesty, integrity, and respect. Scouts are encouraged to live by the Scout Oath and Law, which promote values such as kindness, loyalty, and bravery.

• Develop leadership skills. Through various activities and responsibilities, Cub Scouts learn to take on leadership roles at a young age. This builds not just decision-making and direction-giving skills, but the confidence they need to be effective leaders throughout their lives.

Social Skills and Friendship

Joining Cub Scouts is a great way to help your child to make healthy social connections. As a Cub Scout, your child will have low-pressure opportunities to:

• Make new friends. Cub Scouts provides a platform for children to meet peers from diverse backgrounds. The camaraderie and teamwork in Scouting help children develop strong social skills and build lifelong friendships .

• Learn teamwork and cooperation. Scouting activities often require working in teams, which teaches children the value of cooperation and collaboration. They learn to appreciate different perspectives and work towards common goals.

Outdoor Adventures and Physical Fitness

Naturally, Cub Scouts also learn to appreciate and function in the great outdoors. The program offers expert guidance so that kids can:

• Explore nature. Cub Scouts offers numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures, including camping, hiking, and nature exploration. These activities help children develop a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for nature.

• Engage in healthy physical activity. Regular physical activity is a core component of the Cub Scouts program. Engaging in outdoor activities helps children stay active, develop physical fitness, and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Educational Benefits

Yet Scouting isn’t just about learning wilderness skills. Cub Scouts also benefit from developing practical and academic abilities that will serve them well throughout grade school and the rest of their lives. Your child will:

• Learn useful life skills. Cub Scouts introduces children to a variety of essential capabilities, including first aid, cooking, and knot-tying. These hands-on experiences enhance their practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

• Benefit from STEM programs. Many Cub Scouts programs include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities . These programs encourage curiosity and a love for learning, preparing children for future academic and career success.

Community Involvement

Cub Scouts will also develop closer and more caring connections to their community through activities related to:

• Service projects. Cub Scouts participate in community service projects, which teach them the importance of giving back and helping others. These projects foster a sense of responsibility and empathy, and they demonstrate the positive impact that individuals can have on their communities.

• Civic engagement. By participating in community events and learning about citizenship, Cub Scouts develop a sense of civic duty and pride . They learn the importance of being active and informed members of society.

Family Bonding

Parents know all too well how quickly precious childhood years fly by — which is why it’s worth taking time to bond as a family and make cherished memories through these Scouting benefits:

• Family involvement. Cub Scouts encourages family participation in its programming, creating opportunities for parents and children to bond through shared activities and experiences. Family camping trips, Pinewood Derby races, and other events allow families to spend quality time together.

• Parental support. The program offers parents a supportive community where they can connect with other families, share experiences, and encourage each other's children in their Scouting journey.

Personal Growth and Resilience

Being a Cub Scout helps show kids how to become more independent and get through life’s challenges. Scouting teachings and activities provide a nurturing yet empowering environment in which children can:

• Build confidence. Cub Scouts helps children build self-confidence through achievements and recognition. Earning badges and awards for their accomplishments boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to take on new challenges.

• Develop resilience. The challenges and adventures in Cub Scouts teach children to persevere and overcome obstacles. They learn that failure is a part of growth and that persistence and effort lead to success.

Enrolling young children in Cub Scouts with Scouting America offers a wealth of benefits that contribute to their overall development as students, peers, family members, and citizens. By enrolling their children in Cub Scouts, parents can help them build character, essential academic and life skills, and create lasting memories — all through one thoughtfully structured, time-tested extracurricular program.

Enroll Your Child in Cub Scouts With Laurel Highlands Council

If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, enrolling your child in the Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council is an excellent way for them to reap all the benefits Scouting offers and achieve personal success.?

The Laurel Highlands Council serves youth members and volunteer adult leaders throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and portions of the Potomac region in Maryland and West Virginia. We aim to beneficially involve every eligible child and their families in the fun and adventure of our programs. We provide extraordinary youth development programs that teach and strengthen the values of the Scout Oath and Law.?

Contact us to learn about our Cub Scout, Scout, and Eagle Scout programs for your child, and join now !