Miscellaneous Ceremony

SCOUT BADGE TRANSLATED INTO

CUB SCOUT LANGUAGE

The Scout Badge was adopted from the north point of the old mariner's compass. The design is often referred to as a FLUER-DE-LIS, but it goes so far back in history that it is uncertain whether originally it was meant to represent a flower or an arrowhead. With slight changes, the trefoil Scout Badge is used in countries around the world as a mark of the Scout brotherhood of friendliness and good citizenship. Also, with slight changes, we will translate the Boy Scout description of the six parts of this badge into Cub Scouting language.

FIRST:

The main part of the Scout Badge signifies that a Scout is able to point the right way in life as truly as the compass points in the field. Cub Scouting points the way by teaching a Cub Scout respect for his God, his country, his home and his fellowmen. The ideals and activities of Cub Scouting contribute in the best possible way to the fullest appreciation of American citizenship. Cub Scouting gives opportunities to take part in activities - games, handicrafts, nature lore, collections, stunts, hobbies - - in his own backyard with trained sympathetic leaders and natural boy companions. Cub Scouting offers opportunities to do things for others (a vital part of good citizenship), to take responsibility for and find satisfaction in carrying his share of the load.

SECOND:

The eagle with the shield is the national emblem of the United States of America. It stands for freedom and readiness to defend that freedom. There can be no translation for this part of the badge because this meaning is universal in both the Boy Scout Program and the Cub Scout Program.

THIRD:

The three points, like the three fingers in the Scout sign, stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath to which a boy pledges himself as a Scout. In Cub Scouting the three points represent a program to use for boys 8, 9 and 10 years of age. Also, each Cub Scout pledges in his Promise that he will do his duty, help people and obey the Law of the Pack.

FOURTH:

The two stars symbolize the ideals of truth and knowledge of the Scout movement. They guide a Scout by night and suggest his outdoor life. In Cub Scouting these stars represent, the most significant attribute in the program - - the parents - - Mom and Dad. Most of Cub Scouting takes place in the home, therefore, it is clear that parents are very much involved in Cub Scouting. They help the boy with his advancement work, they take part in some den and pack activities and they go with him to pack meetings. Parent involvement runs like a thread throughout the whole Cub Scout Program. Without their involvement the thread is broken and so is the Cub Scout Program.

FIFTH:

The Scroll with the Scout motto is turned up at the ends to suggest the corners of a Scout's mouth raised in a smile as he does his duty. The Cub Scout also wears this smile because his program (as planned by his pack leaders) is a year round program which has enough variables to meet his and other Cub Scouts needs and desires. This program has variety, action and purpose and most importantly, it is fun.

SIXTH:

The knot attached to the bottom of the scroll is a reminder that, as a Scout, he has promised to do a Good Turn to someone else every day. The Cub Scout's pledge is similar where in his motto he says that he will do his best. The real purpose of the long-range plan of the Boy Scouts of America is to give more boys the lasting benefits of Scouting, character development, citizenship training and mental and physical fitness. This happens in your patrols and troops, in your dens and packs through games, skits, songs, crafts, advancement, ceremonies and outdoor activities - - the fun of Scouting.