Teaching citizenship is one of the Aims of Scouting. So here are some ideas for promoting knowledge of the United States of America and encouraging participatory citizenship.
Aims of Scouting – Citizenship
The aims of Scouting are character development, citizenship training, personal fitness (both mental and physical), and leadership development. Here are some ideas about how citizenship training is incorporated into the Scouting programs offered by BSA. I've also included some helps and activities which are specifically designed to engage Scouts of all ages in participatory citizenship.
Respect Ceremony for Cub Scouts
This is a simple ceremony which can be used as an opening or a closing for a Cub Scout meeting with the theme of "Respect" which ties in with the Scout Law point of "Courteous".
Wolf Council Fire (Duty to Country) Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Ideas
Council Fire (Duty to Country) is one of the Wolf required adventures. For this adventure, Wolves learn about being a member of a community. They plan a service project, look for ways they can help in their area, and actively participate in making their community better.
Make a Difference to One
This can be used as a Cubmaster/Scoutmaster/Advisor Minute or it can be used with adults to encourage more participation in the Committee.
A Simple Flag Retirement Ceremony
When retiring a United Stated flag, some people will say that you must do it this way or that way, but according to the Flag Code, it just needs to be done with dignity.
Simple Indoor Opening Flag Ceremony
Many of our kids have not been exposed to flag etiquette before their first flag ceremony, so take the time to give them some basic instruction. This is a very simple flag ceremony for Cub Scouts to use at Den and Pack meetings.
Veteran’s Day Military Cadence
Today is Veteran's Day. I'd like to thank all of the veterans who have kept us safe and free over the years. If you have a Scouting event today, this is the perfect opportunity to teach your Scouts to thank these heroes.
Lion King of the Jungle Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Ideas
For the King of the Jungle adventure, Lions learn about how to handle the US flag and about responsibility and leadership.
Red White and Blue Bread Braid Recipe
This is a recipe for cooking with Cub Scouts. This is a little more involved than some recipes I used with my Cubs, but they really enjoyed kneading the color into the bread. And even if the colors don't come out bright red, white, and blue, Cub Scouts will enjoy eating fresh baked bread.
Wolf Hometown Heroes Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Ideas
Hometown Heroes is one of the Wolf Cub Scout elective adventures. For the Hometown Heroes adventure, Wolves learn about citizens who are heroes in their local communities.
Raising and Lowering the US Flag
These are some basic rules for raising and lowering the US flag. The most important rule to remember is to always treat the US flag with dignity and respect. It is the symbol of the United States of America. Remember that many men and women have given their lives defending the liberty and freedom it represents.
Webelos/AOL Build My Own Hero Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Documents
Build My Own Hero is one of the Webelos/Arrow of Light elective adventures. For the Build My Own Hero adventure, Webelos learn how to be a hero in their own communities, recognize real life heroes, and design their own superhero.
Tiger Earning Your Stripes Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Documents
Earning Your Stripes is one of the Tiger elective adventures. For this adventure, Tiger Cubs and their adult partners practice loyalty and good manners. They also do a service project.
Lion Animal Kingdom Adventure: Cub Scout Helps and Ideas
The Animal Kingdom adventure introduces Lions to the concepts of service, responsibility, and citizenship. Here are a few ideas to help you with this achievement. and some checkoff sheets .
Memorial Day Good Turn
Yesterday we went out to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery and participated in the 61st annual Memorial Day Good Turn. This event really seems to help our Scouts understand what Memorial Day is all about.
Simple Indoor Closing Flag Ceremony
Basic instructions for a very simple closing flag ceremony. This simple closing flag ceremony is appropriate for a den, pack, or other meeting.
State Capitals Bingo Cards
One theme for teaching citizenship is the Fifty Great States theme. State capitals bingo would be a fun game or gathering activity to go with this theme. You can play this game with states or capitals on the bingo cards or the call cards. You can choose which combination of bingo cards and call cards you would like to use.
The Flag Remembers Christmas
You need to highlight the flag during this ceremony. Put a spotlight on it or have two scouts hold it up, or something like that.
Scoutmaster Minute – Cheerful Service
With Order of the Arrow elections approaching in the coming months, I though I'd share this Scoutmaster minute about cheerful service. It will help the troop remember what they should be basing their votes on and it should help current OA members remember the ideals they should be trying to live up to.
Scoutmaster Minute – Only One
Here is a Scoutmaster Minute which reminds us not to focus on the big insurmountable problem. Instead, just do what you can.
Displaying the US Flag with Other Flags
The US Flag is the symbol of our country. Scouts should know how to fold it, fly it, and handle it. Flag etiquette is part of many of the Scout requirements. In many cases, the rules are pretty straightforward. But in other cases, you just need to know the rules. For example, it gets more complicated when you are flying the US flag with flags from other nations. Here are the basics.
How to Fold the US Flag
The US flag is the symbol of our country and every Scout should know how to handle it. One thing I emphasize when working with Scouts on flag etiquette is that the most important thing is respect. Scouts are going to make mistakes from time to time, but they should always do their best to be respectful.
Flag Etiquette for Kids – Our American Flag
Looking for information on flag etiquette for kids? This book covers why countries have flags, the history and requirements of US flag designs, and flag etiquette.
Citizenship Football Game
The purpose of the game is to reinforce the ideas which are discussed in the Webelos Citizen activity badge.
Flag Retirement and Grommets
A reader asks about what to do with the grommets after a flag retirement ceremony. What are your opinions?
Cubmaster or Scoutmaster Minute: Threads and Flags
The US flag is a symbol of our country. When we honor it, when honor all of those who have protected our freedom through the years, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberty. The flag also helps us focus on our national unity. We might not agree on everything, but we recognize that there are core principles which bring us all together.
History of the United States Flag Cootie Catcher
Barb sent in this template and instructions for making a cootie catcher to help Cub Scouts learn the history of the US flag. A cootie catcher, also called a fortune teller, is an orgami construct which can be used to ask and answer questions.
How to Raise an American
How to Raise an American: 1776 Fun and Easy Tools, Tips, and Activities to Help Your Child Love This Country is a book for adults interested in instilling citizenship and a love of our nation in kids.
Patriotic Napkin and Utensil Holder
Independence Day is a fun holiday for making decorations. Here is a simple craft for your Fourth of July celebration which is actually functional. This one is best for the younger scouts.
The USO’s Tips for Sending a Care Package to Troops
Does your unit want to send a care package to our troops? This article will help you locate a USO center to get started and has some ideas for what to put in the perfect care package.
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Mosquito Netting for Summer Camp
How do Scouts and Scouters survive buggy nights in open-air platform tents? The A-frame canvas tents have been used by generations of Scouts but are open to bugs and lots of other critters.
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