Scouting (or the Scout Movement) has the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society. During the first half of the 20th century, the movement grew to encompass three major age groups each for boys (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing.)
Scouting began in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant general in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment on Brownsea Island in England. Baden-Powell wrote the principles of Scouting in Scouting for Boys (London, 1908), based on his earlier military books, with influence and support of Frederick Russell Burnham (Chief of Scouts in British Africa), Ernest Thompson Seton of the Woodcraft Indians, William Alexander Smith of the Boys' Brigade, and his publisher Pearson.
The movement employs the Scout method, a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports. Another widely recognized movement characteristic is the Scout uniform, by intent hiding all differences of social standing in a country and making for equality, with neckerchief and campaign hat or comparable headwear. Distinctive uniform insignia include the fleur-de-lis and the trefoil, as well as merit badges and other patches.
In 1930, Cub Scouting was formally launched, with 5,102 boys registered at the end of that first year. By 1933 the time had come to promote Cub Scouting throughout the country as a part of Scouting. All experimental restrictions were removed, and the first national director of Cub Scouting was appointed.
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America has helped younger boys through Cub Scouting. It is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the purposes of Cub Scouting. Currently, Cub Scouting is the largest of the BSA's three traditional membership divisions. (The others are Boy Scouting and Venturing.)
The 10 purposes of Cub Scouting are:
-
Character Development
-
Spiritual Growth
-
Good Citizenship
-
Sportsmanship and Fitness
-
Family Understanding
-
Respectful Relationships
-
Personal Achievement
-
Friendly Service
-
Fun and Adventure
-
Preparation for Boy Scouts
During each year, boys belong to Dens based upon their age/grade level. Each respective Den works on various achievements from their Handbook. Detailed information on what each Den may do during the year can be found on the "Advancement Trail" public page in the left hand column.
To be part of the Boy Scouts of America, each Scout Pack or Troop is sponsored by an organization. Pack 347 is proud to be chartered by Queens Creek United Methodist Church, in Hubert NC. and we are part of the White Oak River District in the East Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America.