|
|
WHAT'S NEW IN CUB SCOUTING? |
JANUARY 2010
SAM HOUSTON AREA COUNCIL CENTENNIAL AWARD
Participate in all 5 of Sam Houston Area Council's Centennial events to earn all 5 segments of the Centennial patch! The middle of the patch (star) will be available for purchase at the Cockrell Scout Center soon. One of the five segments will be earned at each Centennial event.
- January 30 - Scouting for Food – door hanger drop off
- February 6 - Scouting for Food – food pick-up
- February 18 - Centennial Anniversary Celebration at Minute Maid Park
- April 24 - Scout Fair
- June/July - SHAC Summer Camping
- October 8-10 - SHAC Jam: Centennial Camping Adventure
DECEMBER 2009
CUB SCOUTS ACADEMICS & SPORTS - 13 NEW BELT LOOPS AND PINS
 The Boy Scouts of America is pleased to announce the introduction of 13 new belt loops and pins as part of the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. It has been more than 10 years since new topics have been added to the program, which is supported by the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide, No. 34299. Look for the new blue cover on this new edition, available for sale the end of January 2010 in stores and online at www.scoutstuff.org. Until then, requirements for these new awards may be found at the National web site: http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/awards/adults/sanda.aspx
| NEW SPORTS TOPICS |
NEW ACADEMICS TOPICS |
| Hiking |
Disabilities Awareness |
| Hockey |
Family Travel |
| Horseback Riding |
Good Manners |
| Kickball |
Nutrition |
| Skateboarding |
Pet Care |
|
Photography |
| |
Reading & Writing |
| |
Video Games |
In addition, a new feedback vehicle has been created for comments and suggestions on the new Program Guide. The Boy Scouts of America welcomes your comments and suggestions, which can be sent to academics&sports@scouting.org for consideration.
NEW ADULT AWARD: UNIT LEADER AWARD OF MERIT
The Unit Leader Award of Merit replaces the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, Varsity Team Coach Award of Merit, and Venturing Crew Advisor Award of Merit.This new recognition has revised requirements and can now also be earned by Cubmasters. For requirements, see http://scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-003_WB.pdf.
NOTE: Per BSA/Sam Houston Area Council guidelines, tenure for one adult award cannot be used toward another award in the same program area. As a result, a total of 3.5 years tenure in the Cubmaster position would be required for a Scouter to earn both the Cubmaster Award and the Unit Leader Award of Merit.
OCTOBER 2009
SPANISH-LANGUAGE RESOURCES
Reducing the language barrier allows Hispanic American parents to participate in Scouting while their children are still young. For this reason, a number of Spanish language resources -- including all Cub Scout youth handbooks -- have been produced electronically for download from the National web site. See http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/sitecore/content/HispanicInitiatives/Resources.aspx.
SEPTEMBER 2009
NATIONAL CENTENNIAL AWARDS
A Year of Celebration – A Century of Making a Difference is a National BSA awards program developed specially for the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. There are five awards, each based on one of the five core values of the Boy Scouts of America: one for Leadership, Achievement, Community Service, Character and the Outdoors. The award is a uniquely designed patch of the 100th Anniversary emblem with slots to hold special award markers for each pillar of the program. Individuals will be able to display all earned awards at the same time on their uniforms by attaching award markers to the patch.
Each award has different requirements depending upon age. Cub Scouts have a set of requirements, as do Boy Scouts, Venturers, adult volunteers and alumni. Yes, even adults can earn awards for a change. There are five requirements for each age group for each award. All you have to do is accomplish at least three of the five requirements to earn the award. You may want to do all five requirements, but three is all that you’ll need to qualify for the award.
Awards may be earned September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. For more information see, www.scouting.org/100years/100years/AYearOfCelebration.aspx.
A Sam Houston Area Council Centennial Award will also be available beginning in January 2010.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Anniversary Cub Scout Program Helps
 Looking for ways to get your Cub Scouts enaged in Anniversary activities? Get them excited about the history and the future of the BSA with the assistance of the 100th Anniversary Cub Scout Program Helps. Available only online, these special program supplements combine the monthly theme with activities to bring Cub Scouts awareness of the heritage of Scouting. New plans will be added monthly through May 2010. See www.scouting.org/100years/100years/CubScouts.aspx.
SEPTEMBER 2009
InSTEP with Cub Scouting:
In Support of Scouters, Teachers, Educators, and Parents
InSTEP with Cub Scouting den meeting plans have been created by volunteers of Sam Houston Area Council. The program is designed to assist Cub Scout den leaders who have boys of different grades/ages/ranks in the same den. The den meeting plans show how each Cub Scout can complete work on his own grade-appropriate advancement requirements during the same den meeting.
New packs with only a few boys of each age group may find these InSTEP plans useful in getting started. As membership grows and indvidual grade-based dens can be forms, den leaders may then prefer to use traditional Cub Scout resources such as Cub Scout Program Helps.
Leaders should by following this plan, badges of rank will not be earned until the end of the school year.
AUGUST 2009
CUB SCOUT SPECIFIC AT COCKRELL SCOUT CENTER
In order to make training readily accessible to all Cub Scout leaders, six sessions of Cub Scout position-specific training will be held at the Cockrell Scout Center during the months of September and October:
|
DATE |
HOST DISTRICT |
CONTACT |
PHONE |
EMAIL |
|
September 19 |
Mustang |
Clifford Lee |
713-962-2738 |
cub.scouts@live.com |
|
September 26 |
Skyline |
Rita Ferguson |
713-864-4325 |
sheblabritaur@att.net |
|
October 3 |
Eagle Trail/ Raven |
Donna Bernelle |
281-458-6921 |
bernelle@sbcglobal.net |
|
October 17 |
W.L. Davis |
Raquel Collins |
713-644-1925 |
rcollins17@comcast.net |
|
October 24 |
Golden Arrow |
Dale Sawyer |
713-522-2085 |
dale@rice.edu |
|
October 31 |
Soaring Eagle |
Daniel Haymond |
281-374-0877 |
dehaymond@sbcglobal.net |
Please pre-register by contacting the host district. There will be no charge for this training, but we want to be sure that there are enough handouts available.
JUNE 2009
CUB SCOUTS 2010
 Beginning September 2010, BSA will introduce a new method of program delivery for Cub Scout dens. Den meetings will be handbook-based rather than planning meetings around a monthly theme. Advancement will primarily take place in the den rather than being family-centered. Cub Scout roundtables will focus on one of the twelve core values of Cub Scouting rather than a monthly theme.
Program and training materials are in development, but you keep up with information released by National at http://www.scouting.org/CubScouts%202010.aspx.
MARCH 2009
"THIS IS SCOUTING" TO REPLACE NEW LEADER ESSENTIALS
Effective immediately, New Leader Essentials has been replaced with new online course - This Is Scouting - accessible via www.MyScouting.org. With this revised course, the requirements for a Cub Scout leader to be trained now include completion of the following courses:
Cub Scout Leader Fast Start (for the registered position) - available online
Youth Protection Training - available online
This Is Scouting - available online
Position-Specific Training (in the registered position)
DECEMBER 2008
FUN FOR THE FAMILY AWARD
The BSA Family Award and BSA Family Activity Book have been replaced by an exciting new program called "Fun for the Family." With activities based on the twelve core values of Cub Scouting, activities will connect family fun with important values that build character. 
To earn the Fun for the Family Award, family members must work together to complete two activities from each of five categories. Upon completion of the award, the family may be presented the BSA Fun for the Family Award certificate and each family member may be presented the BSA Fun for the Family Award patch, according to the requirements that they have met.
The BSA Fun for the Family! Activity Book (No. 33012, available at the Scout Shop) gives all the requirements as well as step-by-step instructions for earning the award.
SEPTEMBER 2008
CUB SCOUT PROGRAM HELPS AVAILABLE ONLINE
The annual Cub Scout Program Helps is such an important resource for Cub Scout leaders that it has often been called "the foundation for successful Cub Scouting." These program helps provide a detailed, easy-to-follow program to assist leaders in planning meetings.
The Cub Scout Program Helps book, containing an entire year's worth of program planning assistance, is available from your local council service center. Ask for item number 34409. For your convenience, an individual month's or the entire year's program helps may also be downloaded as Acrobat PDF files at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/CubScoutHelps.aspx.
JUNE 2008
AKELA'S TRAIL -- formerly known as Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow
First Saturday in November
Sam Houston Area Council has taken the opportunity to change the name of our annual Cub Scout training event. No longer "Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow," our Cub Scout training event is now know as Akela's Trail.
What's in a name?
- Reduction of confusion - New prospective attendees sometimes wondered whether this was an American Indian-related or Order of the the Arrow event. Having "Akela" in the name makes the event immediately recognizable as Cub Scouting, and sets a mind-frame with recognizable stories and morals.
- Target audience - This is an event for all Akelas, whether a registered leader, a parent, or an interested community member. We have tried to broaden the selection and maerial of courses to be more appealing to a wider range of participants. In the process, participants will be more educated about exactly who Akela is and what roles different Akelas play in different stages of the Scouting program.
- Destination vs. Process -- This is a trail, not a one time event where you learn all there is to know. You are invited and encouraged to come back year after year for another piece of the journey. Similarly, Cub Scouting is only one piece of the trail for the boys. Completing the Webelos Scout program does not mean the end of the Scouting path.
MAY 2008
NEW RECOGNITION ITEMS FOR NATIONAL SUMMERTIME PACK AWARD
A Cub Scout pack's summer program should be different each year -- and now the award is, too! When an individual Cub Scout earns the National Summertime Pack Award pin, he will receive recognition that matches the neckerchief slide of his program area. The new pins will be available in the fall of 2008. Click here for more information.
APRIL 2008
NEW LOCAL TOUR PERMIT
A new Local Tour Permit Application is now available on the Forms section of the Sam Houston Area Council Web site or via the National Web site. The form is user-friendly and easy to fill in, save to a computer, and print. There are two new items that will become mandatory in January 2009:
- Youth Protection Training must be current within two years, and
- At least one adult on the outing must have completed the Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather online training module, available through the MyScouting portal.
Updates to the Local Tour Permit Application include:
- A single matrix to help units plan for qualified supervision for specified activities such as swimming, boating, and shooting sports, which includes expiration date of required training.
- Revised certification requiring more of tour leaders than just having a copy of the Guide to Safe Scouting in their possession.
- Space for both phone and e-mail contact information for leaders.
JANUARY 2008
CHANGES TO "TRAINED" STATUS FOR CUB SCOUT LEADERS
The definition of a Trained Cub Scout Leader has changed to include Youth Protection Training:
From Leadership Training Committee Guide (2007 printing):
Cub Scout leaders must complete Fast Start, Youth Protection, Leader Specific Training, and New Leader Essentials for their position to be eligible to wear the "Trained" leader emblem. Because of the many positions in Cub Scouting, both Fast Start and Leader Specific Training are tailored to the needs of the individual leader.
 All four pieces of training must be completed to be considered "trained" and to wear the Trained Leader emblem.
SEPTEMBER 2007
PHILMONT TRAINING CENTER 2008:
A CUB SCOUT LEADER EXTRAVAGANZA
Cub Scout leader conferences at Philmont Training Center, BSA's national training center in Cimarron, New Mexico, will take on a new format in the summer of 2008. Rather than attending a single conference all week, participants will rotate through a series of classes on topics timely to Cub Scouting. Topics will include:
• Creating power-packed and fun meetings – for dens, packs, districts and councils
• Open the door and get out (side)
• Its an electronic world – how’s your Scouting tech savvy?
• Where do I find…?
• Having fun with values and character
• The Webelos connection and interaction with Boy Scouts
• Finding ways for Cub Scouts and demonstrate their duty to God
• Cub Scout Camping
• New and revised ideas for recruitment and retention
• Guest experts on selected subjects
• Dynamic Derby Days Daze
• Getting everyone involved including those with disabilities
• Managing and maneuvering marketing
• A special group seminar session based on your role in Cub Scouts
Cub Scout Leader Extravaganza will be offered June 22-28 and August 10-16, 2008. For information on Philmont Training Center and how to request an invitation, go visit www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/PhilmontTrainingCenter/.
Make it a family vacation -- programs are available for the entire family to enjoy!
JULY 2007
NEWSLETTER, CALENDAR, & POSTER TEMPLATES
Communication is the key to involving Cub Scouts and their families in the activities of the pack. A monthly newsletter and an annual pack calendar can be two of the most important tools in publicizing the pack's excitement and fun year-round. At pack meetings, you can put up a poster-style version of the newsletter to keep everyone informed.
Templates for these communication pieces are now available on the National web site. These tools should make it easy to have up-to-date newsletters and calendars ready when you need them.
See http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/resources/newslettertemplate.aspx.
APRIL 2007
CUBCAST - monthly podcasts for Cub Scout leaders
Looking for a new Cub Scout resource? Try Cubcast! Cubcast is an audio podcast produced by BSA featuring a variety of how-to hints and information topics for Cub Scout leaders and parents. Click here to listen to the first show of this new monthly format-- or download the show to your computer or portable media player to listen at your leisure. Topics of the first podcast include:
- May 2007 theme: Cubs and Bugs Galore
- Cub Scout camping
- National Summertime Pack Award
Check back each month for tips on the upcoming monthly theme as well as other timely topics for Cub Scout leaders. Or use the link on the Cubcast web site to subscribe to the feed and automatically receive updates when new podcasts are available.
CUB SCOUT LEADER FAST START TRAINING
Fast Start Training for the members of the pack committee is now available online. This Fast Start module is the first step of the training continuum for the pack committee chair, pack committee members, and the pack trainer. Other online modules are available for the positions of Tiger Cub den leader, Cub Scout den leader, Webelos den leader, and Cubmaster -- and their assistants. The training is also available via videocassette or CD-ROM.
When new leaders are selected in Cub Scouting, it is essential that they receive immediate information that will help them get started. Fast Start Training is meant to provide all the information and resources for new leaders to conduct their first meeting, along with guidance for the meetings that follow.
All new leaders should receive resources for Fast Start as soon as they are recruited. The Cub Scout Leader Fast Start Viewer Guide should be provided for use with the training to enhance learning and provide an additional resource that stays with the leader.
The online training is available at the BSA Online Learning Center. Sam Houston Area Council Scouters should acess this site through the council web site in order to insure local credit for course completion.
AUGUST 2006
PACK TRAINER AWARD
In recognition of the importance of the pack trainer position, a new square knot has been introduced. The Pack Trainer Award will be royal blue and bright yellow. Pack trainers may begin working on this new award on September 1, 2006. Requirements for tenure and performance are not retroactive. Therefore, no Scouter shall be eligible to receive the Pack Trainer Award prior to August 31, 2008.
Click here for a complete list of requirements for the Pack Trainer Award.
JULY 2006
METHODS OF CUB SCOUTING - Revised
Cub Scouting uses specific methods to achieve Scouting’s aims of helping boys build character, learn the responsibilities of citizenship, and develop personal fitness. These methods are incorporated into all aspects of the program. By using these methods, leaders positively impact the lives of boys and their families. An eighth method -- using Character Connections -- has been added to include the process of teaching the core values of Cub Scouting.
-
Living the Ideals - Practices such as the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, the Cub Scout sign, handshake, motto, and salute help establish and reinforce shared values and ideals of Cub Scouting.
- Belonging to a Den -Boys need and want to belong to a group. The den is the place where belonging is created though practicing skills, exploring interests, learning values, and forming friendships. In the den, boys are given opportunities to work with others, to do their best, and to have fun.
- Using Advancement - Positive recognition is important for boys and their families. The advancement plan provides fun and challenging experiences, by helping boys gain self-motivation and a sense of personal achievement, while strengthening family relationships.
- Involving Family and Home - Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting. Parents, guardians, siblings, and other family members provide leadership, support, and resources. Active family participation ensures that boys have a successful experience in Cub Scouting.
- Participating in Activities - Boys participate in a variety of den and pack activities, such as games, projects, skits, songs, outdoor activities, and service experiences. Cub Scout activity programs provide opportunities for growth in character development, citizenship training, and physical fitness.
- Serving Neighborhood and Community - Boys are connected to their neighborhoods and communities through their activities and service. In turn, this network of resources supports the growth and development of the boys.
- Wearing the Uniform - Scout uniforms help build pride, loyalty, and self-respect. Wearing the uniform encourages a neat appearance, a sense of belonging, and a shared identity for both the boys and the leaders.
- Making Character Connections - Throughout the program, leaders learn to identify and utilize character lessons in activities, so that boys can learn to know, commit, and practice the twelve core values of Cub Scouting. Character Connections are included in all the methods of Cub Scouting.
MAY 2006
TIGER CUB ADVANCEMENT NEWS
Beginning June 1, 2006, a Tiger Cub must earn the Bobcat badge as the first badge of rank after joining a pack. See the announcement in the May-June issue of Scouting magazine (http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0605/d-news.html).
Tiger Cubs will still earn the Tiger Cub Immediate Recognition Emblem prior to earning the Bobcat badge, However, in a move to fully align Tiger Cubs with the rest of the Cub Scout program, they will now learn the Cub Scout motto rather than the Tiger Cub motto. While "Search, Discover, Share" is being phased out as the Tiger Cub motto, it will still be used as the basis for Tiger Cub den meetings.
It is anticipated that Tiger Cubs will take longer to earn the Bobcat badge than other Cub Scouts. While Wolf, Bear, and Webelos-age boys will likely earn the Bobcat badge at their first pack meeting after joining, Tiger Cubs will most likely be presented their Immediate Recognition Emblem at that time.
A revised Tiger Cub Handbook reflecting the above changes is expected to be available prior to June 1, 2006.
JUNE 2005
DUTY TO GOD PROMOTION PATCH
“Duty to God” is at the heart of the Scouting movement. Religious emblems reinforce this spiritual component and promote many of the values found in the Scouting program. A new “Duty to God Promotion Patch" has been established to encourage youth and adults to learn about and promote the religious emblems programs. Requirements include attending or coordinating a presentation or information seminar on religious emblems and making an individual commitment to fulfill one’s own Duty to God.
The Duty to God Promotion Patch is a four-segment puzzle. Only one segment will be offered in any given year. For this year, the "Scout" segment will be available. Participants are encouraged to earn all four segments over a four year span. Patches are ordered through the P.R.A.Y. website (www.praypub.org).
For more information on requirements and ordering patches, see www.praypub.org.
FEBRUARY 2005
AQUATICS SAFETY: Safe Swim Defense & Safety Afloat
Internet-Based Training 
Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader in attendance at the activity must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.
Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat training, No. 34159C, have a commitment card, No. 34242A, with them, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat. (NOTE: Some of boating activities listed above are NOT age-appropriate for Cub Scouts. See Guide to Safe Scouting for further information.)
Click here to complete these training courses online. Keep a copy of your certificate of completion for use at appropriate activities.
NOVEMBER 2004
TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE BADGE
A new Texas Criminal Justice Badge is being offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Center of Sam Houston State University. Click here for requirements. This badge may be earned by any Cub Scout or Boy Scout in the state of Texas.
SEPTEMBER 2004
CUB SCOUT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AWARD
Click here to see the announcement in September 2004 Scouting magazine.
Click here for a copy of the award flyer.
The new Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is for Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cub Scouts, Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts. Those who earn the award can wear a special patch on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. This is the first time in Cub Scouting history that a pocket flap patch for the uniform has been authorized.
 Individual requirements may not be completed before the effective date of September 1, 2004. This includes attendance at a day camp or Cub Scout/Webelos resident camp. Click here to see award requirements on the National web site.
Although released with the short-term 75th Anniversary awards, the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is a permanent award. Boys may earn the award in each rank year if they complete the requirements within the year for which the award is given. A pocket flap patch is presented the first time the award is earned, and a wolf footprint pin added to the flap each successive time the award is earned.
AUGUST 2004
NEW TIGER CUB UNIFORM
Click here to see the announcement in the September 2004 Scouting magazine.
Click here for new Tiger Cub uniform illustration.
The new official Tiger Cub uniform includes an orange-and-blue hat with Tiger Cub insignia; orange-and-blue neckerchief and slide; blue Cub Scout shirt with council shoulder insignia and unit number on the left sleeve and U.S. flag and den number on the right sleeve; blue Cub Scout trousers or shorts; and Tiger Cub belt and socks. The Tiger Cub immediate recognition kit is worn on the right shirt pocket.
The orange Tiger Cub T-shirt can still be worn as an activity uniform and continues to be the official uniform for adult Tiger Cub partners.
MAY 2004
BOY SCOUT AGE CLARIFICATION
Click here to read announcement in September 2004 Scouting magazine.
The BSA National Executive Board has amended the rules and regulations to clarify that no boy may join Boy Scouting until he reaches the age of 10.
Previously, the requirement stated that to be a Boy Scout a boy must have completed the fifth grade or be age 11 or have earned the Arrow of Light Award.
The new requirement says he must have completed the fifth grade and be at least 10 years old or be age 11 or have earned the Arrow of Light Award and be at least 10 years old.
The new clarification became effective May 15, 2004.
The change in requirements is reflected on the most recent printing of the Application to Join Boy Scouts.
NEW CUB SCOUT RECRUITING WEB SITE
Click here to read announcement in September 2004 Scouting magazine.
 A new Web site for Cub Scout recruiting, www.joincubscouting.org, is available on the Internet. The interactive site provides information for boys, parents, and potential chartered organizations.
Boys are introduced to games, videos, and challenges to excite them about becoming a Cub Scout, while parents learn about the character development and family building components of the program. Potential chartered organizations are shown the benefits of organizing a pack.
The site also includes a pack locator function that parents can use to locate existing packs in their neighborhood and to link directly to a local council Web site for more information on how to join Cub Scouting.
| 
Home
Print
E-mail
