Supplemental Cub Scout Awards
Cub Scouts can earn more than just ranks and adventure pins. They can also earn special Cub Scout awards. These awards focus on different skills and interests. They are a great way for Scouts to try something new.
These extra awards make Scouting even more fun. They help Scouts learn about science, teamwork, other cultures, and more. Some awards help Scouts grow in their faith. Others encourage good citizenship or trying new challenges.
Earning these Cub Scout awards builds confidence. Scouts learn valuable lessons while earning them. These awards also let Scouts show what they are good at. Each award is a chance to grow and be recognized.
Scouts and their families should explore these awards. Find ones that match your interests. You might discover something new you love. These awards make Scouting even more exciting and rewarding.
Do you know of an award which Cub Scouts can earn which is not listed here? Add it to the comments.
Share the Fun: Earning the Recruiter Strip
The Recruiter Strip is an award for Scouts who help grow their pack. It encourages Cub Scouts to invite friends to join Scouting. This simple Cub Scout award recognizes the important role Scouts play in sharing the fun of Scouting.
Earning the Recruiter Strip is easy. A Scout just needs to invite someone to join the pack. If that person joins, the Scout has earned the award. It’s a simple way to be recognized for helping the pack grow.
There are many ways to invite someone to Scouting. A Scout can talk to a friend at school or a neighbor. They can share their favorite Scouting activities, like camping, Pinewood Derby, or pack meetings. Sometimes, just showing excitement about Scouting makes others want to join.
When a Scout earns the Recruiter Strip, they wear it on their uniform. It shows they helped bring someone into Scouting. This small Cub Scout award reminds Scouts how their efforts help the pack grow and thrive.
Speak the Language: Interpreter and Morse Code Strips
Interpreter Strips show that a Scout knows another language. This includes spoken languages, American Sign Language (ASL), or even Morse Code. These strips are worn on the uniform to show communication skills.
To earn an Interpreter Strip for a language, a Scout must show they can speak, read, and write in that language. They also need to carry on a simple conversation. For ASL, they must show they can sign basic conversations. This Cub Scout award helps Scouts connect with people from different backgrounds.
Learn more about Interpreter strips here.
The Morse Code Interpreter Strip is for Scouts who know Morse Code. Scouts must show they can send and receive a message using Morse Code. This strip celebrates a unique skill and keeps an old form of communication alive.
These Cub Scout awards promote understanding and teamwork. They remind Scouts that communication is important in Scouting and in life. Learning another language or Morse Code helps Scouts connect with others and explore new opportunities.
Discover the World: The International Spirit Award
The International Spirit Award helps Scouts learn about Scouting around the world. It shows how Scouts from different countries share common goals. This Cub Scout award helps Scouts understand other cultures and traditions.
To earn this Cub Scout award, Scouts complete activities focused on global Scouting. They might learn about Scouting in other countries, participate in an international Scouting event, or talk to a Scout from another country. These activities show how Scouting brings people together.
Scouts also explore ways to connect with the worldwide Scouting movement. They might learn about the World Organization of the Scout Movement or the World Scout Jamboree. These opportunities show how Scouting is bigger than just one pack or council.
The International Spirit Award helps Scouts see the world in a new way. It teaches respect for other cultures and how we are all connected. Earning this Cub Scout award is a great way to celebrate the global community of Scouting.
Follow a Hero: The James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award
The James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award honors the life of James M. Stewart. He was a famous actor and a decorated pilot in World War II. He was also known for his strong values and good character. He set an example of what it means to be a good citizen.
Scouts who earn this Cub Scout award learn about James Stewart’s life. They also explore what it means to be a good citizen. To earn the Cub Scout award, Scouts visit the Jimmy Stewart Museum or learn about him online. They also complete activities related to good citizenship.
This Cub Scout award teaches Scouts about the importance of helping others and being responsible. It reminds Scouts that they can make a difference in their community. By following Stewart’s example, Scouts see how good citizenship can lead to a meaningful life.
James Stewart is an inspiring role model for Scouts. He showed courage, kindness, and dedication in everything he did. This award helps Scouts understand that they, too, can make the world a better place by living with honor and helping others.
Learn more about the James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award here
Growing in Faith: Religious Emblems in Scouting
Faith is an important part of Scouting. The 12th point of the Scout Law says, “A Scout is reverent.” This means Scouts respect and honor their faith and the beliefs of others. The religious emblems program helps Scouts learn more about their faith.
Religious emblems are awards Scouts can earn through their faith organizations. Each emblem program is created by a specific religious group. Scouts complete activities, learn about their beliefs, and grow in their faith. These programs are available for many different religions.
To get started, families can contact their place of worship. They can also ask their pack leaders for information. Each religious group sets its own requirements for earning the emblem. Once completed, the Scout receives the emblem to wear on their uniform. They may also wear the purple youth religious emblem knot.
Earning a religious emblem helps Scouts deepen their faith. It also teaches the importance of respect and understanding for others. Scouts are encouraged to explore this opportunity to grow spiritually and show their commitment to living reverently.
Marking the Years: Service Stars in Scouting
Service stars show how long a Scout has been in the program. Each star represents one year of participation. Scouts wear them on their uniform to show their dedication and commitment. The stars are small and have different colored backgrounds to represent different levels of Scouting.
Scouts earn their first service star after one year in the program. Each year after that, they can earn another star. For example, a Scout with two years of participation will wear a two-year star. Adults in Scouting can also wear service stars to show how long they have been involved.
The stars encourage Scouts to stay active in the program. They remind Scouts of their journey and the progress they have made. Service stars are also a way to celebrate milestones in Scouting and recognize long-term dedication.
Scouts can continue earning service stars as they move into Scouts BSA, Venturing, and even as adult leaders. This creates a sense of pride and shows their commitment to the values of Scouting. Service stars are a simple but meaningful way to celebrate years of growth and achievement.
Service stars are available at your local Scout Shop or at ScoutShop.org.
Explore STEM with Nova and Supernova Awards
The Nova Awards help Cub Scouts learn about STEM. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These awards encourage Scouts to explore these subjects through fun activities. The program helps Scouts see how STEM is part of everyday life.
Each Nova Cub Scout Award has its own theme. Some focus on things like space, technology, or energy. Scouts complete projects, watch videos, and try hands-on activities. The activities are age-appropriate and designed to make learning fun.
The Supernova Award is a step up from Nova Awards. It is for Scouts who want an extra challenge. To earn this award, Scouts complete more advanced STEM activities. They also work with a mentor who guides them through the program.
The Nova and Supernova programs are run by local councils. Before starting, families should check with their council. They can help you learn what is available in your area. These awards are a great way for Scouts to explore STEM and try new things.
Frequently Asked Questions about Supplemental Cub Scout Awards
What are supplemental Cub Scout awards?
Supplemental Cub Scout awards are extra awards Scouts can earn beyond ranks and adventures. They focus on special skills, interests, and personal growth.
Can a Cub Scout earn more than one supplemental Cub Scout award?
Yes, Scouts can earn as many supplemental Cub Scout awards as they want. Each award has its own requirements.
What is the purpose of service stars?
Service stars show how many years a Scout has been in the program. They are a way to celebrate and recognize dedication to Scouting.
How do Scouts earn the Recruiter Strip?
To earn the Recruiter Strip, a Scout needs to invite someone to join Scouting. If that person joins, the Scout earns the award.
Can all Scouts earn Interpreter Strips?
Yes, any Scout can earn an Interpreter Strip by showing they know another language or Morse Code.
How do families start the religious emblems program?
Families should contact their place of worship or talk to pack leaders for information about their faith’s program.
What is the Nova program about?
The Nova program helps Scouts learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Scouts complete fun activities to earn Cub Scout awards in this program.
Do Scouts need their leader’s approval to work on supplemental Cub Sccout awards?
Some awards may require leader approval or guidance, but many can be worked on with help from parents or guardians.
Can a Scout earn the James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award online?
Yes, Scouts can learn about James Stewart and complete the requirements online or by visiting the Jimmy Stewart Museum.
Are supplemental Cub Scout awards required?
No, supplemental Cub Scout awards are optional. They are extra opportunities for Scouts to learn and grow.
More Than Badges: Fun Extras for Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts can earn more than ranks and adventure loops. Supplemental Cub Scout awards give Scouts a chance to explore new skills and interests. These awards add variety and fun to the program. They also help Scouts grow in areas like science, communication, and good citizenship.
Some awards, like the Nova and Supernova Awards, focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Scouts complete hands-on activities and projects to earn them. Other Cub Scout awards, like the Interpreter Strip or Morse Code Strip, celebrate communication skills. Scouts can even earn the International Spirit Award by learning about Scouting around the world.
Awards like the Recruiter Strip encourage Scouts to invite friends to join. Service stars recognize Scouts for staying in the program. Religious emblems help Scouts grow in their faith. Each award has a unique focus, but they all encourage Scouts to try new things and have fun.
These Cub Scout awards are optional, but they make Scouting even more rewarding. They help Scouts learn valuable lessons and celebrate their achievements. Families should explore these opportunities to make the most of their Scouting journey. Supplemental Cub Scout awards let Scouts shine in their own special way.
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