Cub Scout Purposes – In a continuing series we are taking a look at some of the reasons WHY Cub Scouting is important and relevant as well as HOW we achieve those purposes. This week’s article will be about Good Citizenship – (Click on links below to read about the other purpose of Cub Scouting)
1. Character Development
6. Respectful Relationships
2. Spiritual Growth
7. Personal Achievement
3. Good Citizenship
8. Friendly Service
4. Sportsmanship and Fitness
9. Fun and Adventure
5. Family Understanding
10. Preparation for Boy Scouts
What does it mean to be a good citizen? What or how can Cub Scouts (ages 7-10) be good citizens? And how can we as Cub Scout leaders help them? I don’t think boys will care much about citizenship very much until they actually understand that they are a part of something and feel like they are important too.
First I want you to notice that its not just citizenship but it says good citizenship. Like I talked about in my Respectful Relationship article Cub Scout age boys are part of a family, part of a school class, church class, sports team, etc. and helping them see how they are a part of a bigger whole can help them start thinking about what it means to be a citizen. A citizen of their town/city. A citizen of their state, country and of the world. Citizens have a responsibility as individuals to the whole. When we go on a hike we don’t leave our trash. Not only because we don’t want to pollute the environment but because we want to leave nature beautiful for the others coming along after us. If each person picked up and took care of their own trash on the trail what a nicer trail (or park, or school, or local rec center – whatever) it will be for everyone.
Being a good citizen often means we learn about our community (be it local or state or country) and how it came to be. Who worked hard and sacrificed for us to have what we have today. Who continues to work to keep our town/state/country thriving and enjoyable. But the BSA doesn’t want them just to sit and learn about it – let’s leave that to the school teachers. The BSA wants the boy to learn participatory citizenship. That means we need to find way for them to participate.
How can Cub Scouts participate in citizenship? The first thing that came is that every time they say the pledge of allegiance at school or at Scout meetings they are participating in that because they are a citizenship of this country. Same thing applies if they have a school motto or pledge that they recite – just like the Scout Oath and Law indicate that they are citizens of Scouting. And similarly they can help provide flag ceremonies to PTA meeting, city council meetings etc. Many Communities have annual flag retirement ceremonies that can be very moving. Spanish Fork has one every July (Kick off for Fiesta Days) and they let the boys help with the ceremony. This is participatory citizenship! Food Drives, Clothing drives, raking a neighbors leaves… there are many ways to be a good citizen. As I list things it seems that I am listing many of the same things I did when I wrote about friendly service. Giving service is a great way to be a good citizen. Learning and living by the Outdoor Code and Leave no Trace principals are ways to be a good citizen too.
Not only should we find ways for them to participate, but we should point out the participation of others. A kindergarten teacher at our local elementary school is the wife of our current Mayor. Just pointing this out – because sometimes its different when it’s someone you actually know – has mad a difference in our boys who attend that school. They feel like they have a connection to the Mayor and seem to wonder more about what he does as Mayor. His wife told me that they attend a lot of Eagle Courts of Honor. In fact, local government personnel should be among those you might want to invite to your Blue and Gold banquet. Learning how the police and firefighters are an important part of the community is citizenship.
I also think they need to understand that you don’t have to be a part of something big to be a good citizen. The little things they do to help their family and neighbors is of great worth. We need boys to grow to be the kind of men that do great things.
What have been some of your favorite participatory citizenship activities with your Cub Scouts? Share your ideas with us in the comment section below.
Author: Annaleis Smith is a “stay at home” mother of 5 children (3 boys, 2 girls). She has been a Cub Scout leader (Cubmaster, Den Leader, Pack Trainer, Roundtable Commissioner, Akela’s Council staff & more) for over 12 years. She is currently a Cubmaster (2nd time), a Unit Commissioner and Assistant Council Commissioner for Cub Scouting in the Utah National Parks Council.
The post Cub Scout Purposes – Good Citizenship appeared first on The Boy Scout | Utah National Parks Council Official Blog.