Since its origin, the Scouting program has been an educational experience concerned with values. In 1910, the first activities for Scouts were designed to build character, physical fitness, practical skills, and service. These elements were part of the original Cub Scout program and continue to be part of Cub Scouting today
Character development should extend into every aspect of a boy's life. Character development should also extend into every aspect of Cub Scouting. Cub Scout leaders should strive to use the 12 points of the Scout Law throughout all elements of the program—service projects, ceremonies, games, skits, songs, crafts, and all the other activities enjoyed at den and pack meetings
The Scout Law
|A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY
||A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
|A Scout is LOYAL
||A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
|A Scout is HELPFUL
||A Scout volunteers to help others without expecting a reward.
|A Scout is FRIENDLY
||A Scout is a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from him.
|A Scout is COURTEOUS
||A Scout is polite to everyone and always uses good manners.
|A Scout is KIND
||A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He never harms or kills any living thing without good reason.
|A Scout is OBEDIENT
||A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and pack. He obeys the laws of his community and country.
|A Scout is CHEERFUL
||A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
|A Scout is THRIFTY
||A Scout works to pay his way. He uses time, property, and natural resources wisely.
|A Scout is BRAVE
||A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He stands for what is right even if others laugh at him.
|A Scout is CLEAN
||A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He helps keep his home and community clean.
|A Scout is REVERENT
||A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Character can be defined as the collection of core values by an individual that leads to moral commitment and action.
Character development should challenge Cub Scouts to experience core values
in six general areas: God, world, country, community, family, and self.
Character is "values in action."
The goals of the Cub Scout leader are
- to seek out and maximize the many opportunities to incorporate character development
- to help the young Cub Scout understand that character is important to the individual, to his family, community, country, world, and God
Character development should not be viewed as something done occasionally as part of a separate program, or as part of only one area of life. For in reality, character development is a part of everything a Cub Scout does. Character development lessons can be found in every aspect of the Cub Scouting experience.
As Cub Scouts work on the adventures in their handbooks, they will notice the Character Compass symbol.
A compass is a tool that guides a person from place to place. Character is how we act, and it guides our entire lives. This compass will be a guide to one or more of the 12 points of the Scout Law.
Every time Cub Scouts check the compass, it will remind them of how the activities in each adventure are related to the Scout Law. This may also help them think about how the points of the Scout Law guide their way in Cub Scouting and in daily life. Those points are all different, and each one is a treasure for Scouts to find.