Membership in the Cub Scouts has some very positive effects on young boys and their families. The Cub Scouts were designed to make the boys more social, self confident and independent.
             First of all, membership in the cub scouts has very positive social experiences. The boys are able to make strong friendships because they have fun and work closely together on projects and games. Since teamwork is needed on several activities and on their camping trips, the scouts interact with other adults, such as parents and leaders. The scouts go on lots of field trips to police and fire departments, television and radio stations, and museums etc. They meet many people around the community and see for themselves what people do and how they work.
             The Cub Scouts also try to make each boy more self-confident by learning as a group. The boys are divided by age and put into dens. The dens work together to learn their pledges, mottos, songs and plays. Both learning in a group and standing in front of an audience makes them more confident. They receive patches, pins, belt loops and different color beads to add to their uniform based on activities and goals met. When the boys are givens these awards, they are proud of themselves for what they have achieved.
             When the boys gain confidence in them selves, they become more independent. Working in groups, getting in front of audiences and receiving their awards, makes them feel they can do these things on their own. Each year there is a Pine Wood Derby Contest, the boys have to make their derby car from a kit that includes a block of wood and wheels. They make these cars on their own with a few tips from their parents. When they enter the derby car in the contest and see what they have made, they feel a sense of accomplishment. The Cub Master and Den Leaders are their to help support and make sure the boys feel secure by letting them know what a good job they are doing. This gives
             ...