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Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program
The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program is one method
of addressing the third aim of Scouting: the development
of physical, mental and emotional fitness.
Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy),
the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the
emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect).
As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant
to be a highly competitive program, instead, the boys
are encouraged to DO THEIR BEST.
The Academic and Sports Program is an optional program
for all Cub Scouts. It is not part of the normal requirements
towards ranks (except where used in obtaining the Webelos
Sportsman and Athlete activity badges). Its purpose
is to assist the Scouts in learning a new skill, or
improving one they already posses.
A variety of recognition items are available for the
boys (Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, or Webelos Scouts) who
participate in the program. (Adults are NOT awarded
with belt loops or pins.)
Belt loops are awarded to boys who complete the three
belt loop requirements in an academic subject or sport.
Academic belt loops are gold, and Sports belt loops
are silver (except for the Archery and BB-gun Shooting
belt loops, which are brass colored) Pins are awarded
to boys who choose to continue their involvement in
an Academics or Sports area and earn the pin by meeting
the appropriate requirements.
Pins are worn on the Cub Scout Academic and Sports letter.
The Academic and Sports letter (pictured above) is available
to boys for displaying Academics and Sports pins that
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts earn. The
letter, a large Blue and Gold "C", representing Cub
Scouts can be worn on a sweater or jacket, or displayed
or framed. It does NOT go on the uniform. There are
NO specific requirements for earning the letter, as
it is designed merely to display the pins.
There are also Pocket Certificates, Activity Medals,
and Trophies, and the Participation Emblem (pictured
above), which can be awarded as the Pack decides.
The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is a supplemental
enrichment program that complements the existing Cub
Scout program. The Academics subjects and, Sports activities
allow boys to learn new techniques, increase scholarship
skills, develop sportsmanship - and have fun. Boys participating
in the program will be recognized for enjoying teamwork,
developing physical fitness, and discovering and building
new talents. The Academics and Sports program encourages
a boy to do his best.
Concepts and Guidelines
The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is based
on the following concepts and guidelines:
The program supplements the existing advancement and
recognition program for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and
Webelos Scouts; it does not replace it. The program
is one element of Cub Scouting, as are den and pack
meetings, day camp, and other activities. All registered
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts have an opportunity
to participate in the Academics and Sports program.
Participation may take place at home, with the family,
or within a den, a pack, or the community. Adult participation
by a parent or adult relative, if possible, is strongly
recommended for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts and is
required for Tiger Cubs.
Emphasis is placed on introducing a boy to a sport or
academic subject, allowing him to participate in it
and encouraging him to do his best. The Academics and
Sports program focuses on learning and skill development,
not winning.
The primary focus of the program is on scholarship and
sportsmanship.
Each Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout will be
presented with the appropriate recognition item for
completing the requirements, whether he does so as an
individual Scout, with his family, with his den or pack,
or in his school or community.
The Academics portion of the program covers a variety
of subjects, including art, chess, citizenship, communicating,
computers, geography, heritages, mathematics, music,
science, weather, and wildlife conservation.
The Sports portion of the program includes summer and
winter sports, indoor and outdoor sports, active and
less-active sports, and team and individual sports.
Cub Scouts who have disabilities may select their own
activities and design their own fitness or academic
program with the help of a physician, teacher, or parent.
The Purposes of Cub Scouting
The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program relates directly
to the nine purposes of Cub Scouting:
* Positively influencing a boy's character development
and encouraging spiritual growth;
* Helping boys develop habits and attitudes of good
citizenship;
* Encouraging good sportsmanship and pride in growing
strong in mind and body;
* Improving understanding within the family;
* Strengthening the ability to get along with other
boys and to respect other people;
* Fostering a sense of personal achievement by helping
boys develop new interests and skill;
* Showing how to be helpful and do one's best;
* Providing fun and exciting new things to do; and
* Preparing boys to become Boy Scouts.
Cub Scout Academics Program
Currently, recognition can be earned for the following
12 academic areas:
Art, Chess, Citizenship, Communicating, Computers, Geography,
Heritages, Mathematics, Music, Science, Weather, and
Wildlife Conservation.
Cub Scout Sports Program
Currently, recognition can be earned for the following
21 sports:
Archery, BB Shooting, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball,
Bicycling, Bowling, Fishing, Golf, Gymnastics, Marbles,
Physical Fitness, Skating (both roller and ice), Skiing,
Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Ultimate,
and Volleyball.
The Archery and BB Shooting belt loops and pins can
only be earned under BSA range trained supervision.
The BB shooting loop and pin MUST be earned at a BSA
facility range.
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