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 Cub Scouting's 12 core values throughout all elements of the program—service projects, ceremonies, games, skits, songs, crafts, and all the other activities enjoyed at den and pack meetings
Cub Scouting's 12 Core Values
| 1. | Citizenship:
Contributing service and showing responsibility to local, state, and national communities. | | 2. | Compassion:
Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for the well-being of others. | | 3. | Cooperation:
Being helpful and working together with others toward a common goal | | 4. | Courage:
Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears, the difficulties, or the consequences. | | 5. | Faith:
Having inner strength and confidence based on our trust in God. | | 6. | Health and Fitness:
Being personally committed to keeping our minds and bodies clean and fit. | | 7. | Honesty:
Telling the truth and being worthy of trust. | | 8. | Perseverance:
Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it is difficult. | | 9. | Positive Attitude:
Being cheerful and setting our minds to look for and find the best in all situations. | | 10. | Resourcefulness:
Using human and other resources to their fullest. | | 11. | Respect:
Showing regard for the worth of something or someone. | | 12. | Responsibility:
Fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, and ourselves. | | 12 Core Values and
the Scout Law | | Boy Scouts learn and strive to live by the Scout Law: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent Many of the core values of Cub Scouting relate directly to the Scout Law: | | Core Value | Scout Law | | Compassion | Kind | | Cooperation | Helpful | | Courage | Brave | | Health and Fitness | Clean | | Honesty | Trustworthy | | Positive Attitude | Cheerful | |
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."
Cubmaster's Note: The Law of The Pack, and The Cub Scout Promise will be phased out in the future. BSA is adopting the Scout Law, and the Scout Oath universally. Changes will take effect in 2014 for Venturing, and 2015 for Cub Scouting.