The Promise: What Do Cub Scouts Want From Scouting?

Cub Scouting is supposed to be "fun", "exciting", "vigorous", and most importantly "outside". Why is "being outside" the most important element of Cub Scouting? It is the most important element because Scouting is deliberately designed to happen outside. But this "outside element" of Scouting is ignored on a frequent basis for many different excuses. Excuses like.........

• It's too cold outside.
• It's too windy outside.
• It's too hot outside.
• It's too dark outside.
• It's too light outside.
• It's raining.
• It's snowing.

I could go on and on and on with excuses people, especially parents, have told me as why they don't want or won't let their Cub Scout go outside. But if the "outside" is the most important element of Cub Scouting, then why do we deny them of this element?

We deny them because of fear. We deny them because of worry. We deny them because of anxiety. We deny them because the world is a dangerous place. We deny them because they could get hurt. We deny them because their is too much risk involved. We deny them because we don't want them to get hurt. We deny them because they will get dirty. We deny them because they will make a mess. We deny them because we don't want to go outside. We deny them because we don't want to be cold. We deny them because we don't want to get wet. We deny them because we will get dirty. We deny them because we don't like nature. We deny them because we don't understand what the outdoors does for kids.

But yet...............We complain when they can't concentrate.

But yet................We complain when they can't focus.

But yet................We complain when they don't have self-discipline.

But yet.................We complain when they lack self-control.

But yet.................We complain about lack of self-esteem.

But yet.................We complain about lack of self-confidence.

But yet.................We complain when they are loud.

But yet.................We complain when they are rowdy.

But yet.................We complain they are obnoxious.

But yet.................We complain they are rude and inappropriate.

But yet.................We complain they can't sit still.

But yet.................We complain that they won't go outside.

But yet.................We complain that they are lazy.

But yet.................We complain that they are not physically fit.

But yet.................We complain that they don't like rain.

But yet.................We complain that they don't like snow.

But yet.................We complain that they don't enjoy the outdoors.

But yet.................We complain that they don't respect the environment.

But yet.................We complain that they don't enjoy mother nature.

There are many more complaints I could come up with but I think you get the picture. So now that we know what the problem is, how do we solve it? For now I leave you with that question to ponder yourself.

And for now.............."May the Great Scoutmaster of all the Scoutmaster's be with you until we meet again."

Blessed are the Cub Scouts who are taught to see beauty in all things around them.........................For their world will be a place of grace and wonder.


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark West
Eagle Scout
ASM Troop 1316/Troop 0669
Council Aquatics/Outdoor Ethics
Council Program/Training/Camping

If you are paid to do Scouting, you are called a Professional. If you are not paid to do Scouting, you are called a Volunteer. If you pay to do Scouting, then you are called a Scouter.