The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. Today we look at how character development is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA.
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts also have lots of character development material incorporated into the program.
- Some activities help Cub Scouts think about how they can make the right choices in their everyday lives
- Religious emblem programs help develop their spiritual lives
- Cub Scouts learn the basics of what to do in an emergency and how to get help
- The Cub Scout motto – Do Your Best – serves as a guide for their actions and participation
Character development is such an important part of a youth’s education. I’m glad that we can do our part teaching our youth through the Scouting program.
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Scouts BSA
The Scouts BSA advancement program provides lots of opportunity for character development:
- The Scout Law is basically a roadmap for character development: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, clean, brave, and reverent
- Opportunities for leadership help develop confidence
- Instruction in first aid and emergency preparedness help Scouts prepare to take care of themselves and others when their help is most needed
- Religious observance is a regular part of the Scouts BSA program
Venturing
Character development is an integral part of the Venturing program:
- Venturing is based on the ALPS model. The P in ALPS stands for Personal Growth. Venturers learn to set goals to develop character.
- Venturers develop leadership skills by planning their program
- With the program emphasis on teaching skills to others, Venturers learn to see through a perspective other than their own.
- A Venturer lives by the Scout Oath and Law.
- The TRUST Award helps Venturers explore their own faith and respect the beliefs of others.
Ideas and resources for building character:
Top ideas for Character Development
A Scout Is Thrifty
Scouts understand the value of money and other resources. Scouts know that by conserving resources, there will be enough for the future. Here are some ideas for the ninth point…
Thank You Ceremony
This Thank You ceremony is based on one I found in some old program helps. It goes well with the older Cub Scouts Give Thanks supplemental program theme.
April Pack Meeting Plan – Soaring the Skies (Reverent)
BSA has a Cub Scout pack meeting plan called Soaring the Skies related to Scout Law point of reverent. The Soaring the Skies meeting plan features ideas for the value…
Fresh Start Scoutmaster (or Cubmaster) Minute
The New Year is traditionally a time for beginning again. The thoughts below can be used as a Scoutmaster or Cubmaster Minute to encourage Scouts to look forward to a…
Germ Transfer Demonstration
The video below provides a great demonstration for how to show kids how easily germs spread. The powder is a safe way to simulate germs. Like germs it cannot be…
Recruiter Strip Requirements
Have you invited a friend neighbor, relative, or classmate to join Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA? If so, you might be eligible to wear the Recruiter Strip.
The Outdoor Code
Every Scout who is spending time outdoors should be familiar with the Outdoor Code. It is especially important for Webelos, Scouts BSA, and Venturers who are out camping regularly.
Prayers and Graces for Scouts
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. She respects the beliefs of others. Find prayers and graces for use in your program below.
A Scout Is Courteous
Being courteous means treating others with respect. Scouts show courtesy to everyone, regardless of age, social status, faith, gender, or other traits. Here are some ideas for the fifth point…
Even more resources for Character Development
Do you ever feel like you are repeating yourself when you are teaching your kids table manners? Your Cub Scouts can make Good Manners napkins for their holiday table or…
A Scout understands the purpose of rules and laws. But a Scout also tries to change unjust rules, so that things can be better for everybody. Here are some ideas…
Tigers or Eagles Cubmaster Minute (Responsibility)
This is a Cubmaster minute which is based on one of the old program helps plans. It goes well with this month’s core value of responsibility.
A reader asks if a Scout may wear the religious emblem knot if he earned a religious emblem as a Cub Scout. Yes, he may.
Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath
Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath are rapidly approaching. Scout Sunday is always the Sunday preceding February 8, or February 8 if it is a Sunday. The Saturday following Scout Sunday…
Cub Scouts love to help out at den meetings! A den job chart will help you spread the jobs around. Ideally each member of your den would have at least…
Here is a Scoutmaster Minute which reminds us not to focus on the big insurmountable problem. Instead, just do what you can.
A reader asks for ideas for the troop gift exchange. I’ve listed a few of my own. Readers, add your ideas also.
Cub Scout Gathering Activity – Core Values Crossword Puzzle
The 12 Core Values of Cub Scouting were replaced by the 12 points of the Scout Law a few years ago. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still use the…
Four Facts game is an icebreaker game. It would also work well with any activity relating to personal history or storytelling. I think it could also be worked into a…
Abracadabra Theme for Positive Attitude
The Abracadabra theme focuses on magic and positive attitude. BSA has a pack meeting plan for this theme and I have some other ideas to go along with it.
Kids Against Crime Cub Scout Theme (Honesty)
Here is how the BSA plan suggests tying together this crime prevention based theme with the value of honesty. “Crime is often an act of dishonesty. Kids Against Crime focuses…
