When most people think of Cub Scouts, they think of an outdoor-focused club that gives kids something to do while not in school. While this is certainly true, Cub Scouts is much more than merely an extracurricular activity.
Cub Scouts prepares young people to be leaders and individuals with strong character. The program uses a principles-based approach to engage kids and teach them through fun activities.
Here are just a few of the things your kids will learn to do in Cub Scouts
Build and Maintain Friendships
Having friends is a critical part of growing up. Friendships help kids with relationship building, patience, compromise, empathy, and so much more. Studies have shown that kids with healthy friendships have better mental and physical health and are less likely to suffer from conditions like anxiety.
Cub Scouts is a natural place for kids to meet peers their age with whom they have things in common. They’ll learn through activities how to work together and build their friendships over time.
Build Social Skills
Developing social skills takes a lot of practice throughout life. The lack of social skills can impact kids as they get older in their personal and professional lives. Cub Scouts exposes kids to various social settings and allows them to exercise their social skills in both comfortable and new environments.
Develop Interest in the Outdoors
If your kids haven’t had much exposure to the outdoors or outdoor activities, Cub Scouts is perfect for them. Cub Scouts has many outdoor-focused activities and camps that teach kids about the world around them.
Kids will learn everything from camping skills and how to care for the environment. For many kids, Cub Scouts provides an outlet to release energy, get fresh air, and develop a love of nature.
Be Exposed to New Experiences
One of the best parts about Cub Scouts is that it exposes kids to experiences they may not otherwise get in their daily lives. Cub Scout groups around the country plan a variety of engaging activities and experiences, including:
- Volunteering
- Overnight camps
- Banquets
- Sporting events
- Team building activities
- Historic exploration
- Cooking
- Archery
- Crafts
Exposure to new experiences helps create well-rounded adults and can spark interest in a new activity that can translate to a hobby, passion, or career. Kids and parents can be involved in the planning at their local group, so they have a stake in what new experiences and activities their group takes on next.
Enjoy Adventure
With so much technology at the tips of our fingers, sometimes kids aren’t exposed to adventure like previous generations. Cub Scouts is about getting out from behind the screen and into the real world to try new things. Kids get to go on excursions and overnight camps that offer a sense of adventure you can’t find at home.
Participate in Camping
Many Cub Scout groups across the country offer frequent camping trips for the Scouts. Some camps are overnight, while others are extended trips during the summer.
During the camping trips, Scouts learn valuable lessons such as how to cook outdoors, pitch a tent, and properly take care of the environment. These are skills that kids take with them throughout life and can come in handy in the future.
Develop Life Skills and Lessons
There’s no doubt that kids learn many life lessons from their parents or other influential adults. However, Cub Scouts can supplement this education and teach kids valuable life skills like cooperation, listening, and helping others.
In addition to life skills and lessons, Cub Scouts teaches kids practical skills, like outdoor survival and how to change a tire. Cub Scouts also has STEM programs that teach kids both basic and advanced STEM skills that can propel them forward and give them a leg up in school or a future STEM career.
Get Your Kids Started in Cub Scouts Today
Cub Scouts is a year-round club with opportunities for various age groups. You can simply sign your child up for their local pack (club) or get involved as a parent and help plan and support the group. Register now to get started!
