Scouts Canada Cub badges

Scouts Canada's Wolf Cub program offers badges to youth members as a mark of achievement in an interest area. The badges are divided into six activity areas as described in "The Cub Book" (Scouts Canada, 2005). While youth experience fun and excitement presented by the program, each activity area focuses on a specific purpose and goal, intended to be relevant to modern children while meeting developmental needs.

Each activity area offers a variety of badges that youth may earn:
* A uniquely coloured "Star", awarded for completing a set of introductory requirements in the area. The requirements for a star are flexible, allowing youth to select activities that align with their personal interests, or present an exciting challenge to them.
* A number of "Activity Badges", which focus on a variety of challenging activities in the activity area. Requirements for activity badges vary, and many may be tailored for youth's interests and talents. These activities may be completed individually or with others.
* One or two advanced badges known as "Awards". Typically, youth may only aspire to acquire the awards after first earning the star and a number of badges in the activity area.

The six activity areas are outlined in separate sections below.

The Canadian Wolf Cub Uniform

The full uniform consists of a tan dress shirt with epaulets, a sash worn on the right shoulder (red with yellow edge), dark trousers or shorts, and a necker indicating the youth's group membership.

The activity badges described here are generally worn on the front and back of the Sash, with the exception of Language Strips which are worn on the uniform itself.

A diagram of the uniform, including placement of awards and crests, is provided on the [http://www.scouts.ca/media/documents/Cubuniforms.pdf Scouts Canada Website] .

There is active interest in collecting Canadian Scouting Memorabilia, even after youth have completed their years in the program. In addition to merit badges and awards that are worn on the uniform, youth often collect souvenir patches that may be displayed off the uniform; for example, they are often sewn onto Campfire blankets or ponchos. Uniform badges will frequently find their way onto these items as well, as youth progress through the program, and are popular conversation pieces at Jamborees and campfires.

The Natural World - Black Star Activities

The Natural World activities are intended to create a feeling of care and concern for the natural world, and an interest in nature study. Activities in this area provide opportunities for youth to explore the wonders of nature, learn about the connections between the environment and the life it supports, explore and develop an understanding of the effects people have on the environment, and give direct ideas about how to help the environment in everyday situations. ("Scouting and the Family", p.vi)

The badges awarded in this activity area are:
* Black Star
* Astronomer Badge
* Gardener Badge
* Naturalist Badge
* Observer Badge
* Recycling Badge
* World Conservation Badge
* Canadian Wilderness Award

The Outdoors - Green Star Activities

The Outdoor activity area exists to develop self-confidence and early leadership skills through basic camping and outdoor interests. Activities in this area instruct youth on how to safely enjoy the outdoors, and encourage learning and participation in a variety of outdoor pursuits. ("Scouting and the Family", p.vi) These activities also serve to prepare Cub aged youth to progress to the outdoor activities that are central to Scouting.

The badges awarded in this activity area are:
* Green Star
* Camping Badge
* Cooking Badge
* Fishing Badge
* Hiking Badge
* Trailcraft Badge
* Watercraft Badge
* Winter Cubbing Badge
* Canadian Camper Award
* Canadian Heritage Trails Award

Creative Expression - Tawny Star Activities

The purpose of the Creative Expression activity area is to encourage youth to creatively explore and express themselves through activities applying imagination and innovation. Activities are intended to provide creative outlets for children's interests through the use of music, arts, and crafts, increase awareness of how modern technology can be used for creative expression, and promote literacy and reading skills. Youth can also develop a sense of accomplishment by pursuing a project from start to finish. ("Scouting and the Family", p.vi)

The badges awarded in this activity area are:
* Tawny Star
* Artist Badge
* Carpenter Badge
* Collector Badge
* Computer Badge
* Entertainer Badge
* Handicraft Badge
* Musician Badge
* Photographer Badge
* Reader Badge
* Canadian Arts Award

Health and Fitness - Red Star Activities

Having an active lifestyle is the first step in being fit and healthy! These activities teach youth the basics of fitness, and encourage physical activity.

The badges awarded in this activity area are:
* Red Star
* Athlete Badge
* Cyclist Badge
* Skater Badge
* Skier Badge
* Snowboarder Badge: This badge was recently created at the request of a Cub who designed the badge himself and sent it to Scouts Canada for approval.
* Swimmer Badge
* Team Player Badge
* Canadian Healthy Living Award

Home and Community - Blue Star Activities

The activities in this area encourage youths' involvement in their homes and communities.

The badges awarded in this activity area are:
* Blue Star
* Disability Awareness Badge
* Family Helper Badge
* Family Safety Badge
* First Aider Badge
* Guide Badge
* Home Repair Badge
* Law Awareness Badge
* Pet Care Badge
* Canadian Family Care Award

Canada and the World - Purple Star Activities

The activities in this area explore themes of national and international relevance. Additional activies (Specialty Badges) encourage youth to set special challenges for themselves as individuals and as a group.

The badges awarded in this activity area are:
* Purple Star
* Aboriginal Awareness Badge
* Canadian Heritage Badge
* International Trade Badge
* World Cubbing Badge
* Space Exploration Badge
* World Religions Badge
* Cub Individual Specialty Badge
* Pack Specialty Badge
* Language Strip(s): Awarded for fluency in a language, is worn on the uniform, not the sash.
* Religion in Life: Various badges are awarded for various religions based on the requirements set in conjunction with those groups.
* World Citizen Award

References

* Scouts Canada. [http://www.scouts.ca/catalogue.asp?cmPageID=318&action=showProd&productID=468 "The Cub Book"] .(2005), ISBN 1-894187-14-8
* Scouts Canada. [http://www.scouts.ca/inside.asp?cmPageID=547 "Bylaw, Policies and Procedures"] , Sections 5000, 8000. (2007)
* Scouts Canada. "Scouting and the Family, A Grownup's Guide to the Wolf Cub Program", 2005. (Appendix to "The Cub Book".)

ee also

External links

* [http://www.scouts.ca Scouts Canada] , and their [http://www.scouts.ca/cubs.asp?cmPageID=89 "Cubs"] page.
* Details of requirements for the various badges are provided in "The Cub Book" (see References). Additionally, some Packs have provided on-line resources that reflect the content of "The Cub Book". The "Cub Badge Requirements" page provided by the [http://www.scoutingpages.org/ca/1easthill/cubs/allstars.html East Hill Scouts] and the "Cubs" page from [http://www.14thgloucesterscouting.ca/cubs.htm 14th Gloucester Scouts] are such examples.