Just a warning! The information here is not official. It is what I have learned from information available online and from talking to Scouters. So don’t start planning based on this information.
The Cub Scout program, dedicated to enriching the lives of young scouts through adventure, learning, and growth, is set to update in June 2024. These changes aim to enhance the scouting experience, making it more engaging, relevant, and fun for today’s youth. In this post, I’ll look into what’s new, what’s changed, and how these updates will help Cub Scouts and their leaders navigate the path of scouting.
Even though I don’t have complete information, I will say up front that I am excited about this new approach to the Cub Scout program.
The Cub Scout program has unveiled an updated advancement system for 2024, meticulously designed to simplify the achievement process while upholding the program’s core educational and developmental objectives. This approach aims to make the path to advancement more accessible and engaging for scouts of all backgrounds and abilities, ensuring that the journey through Cub Scouting is both rewarding and fun.
Significant modifications are also being made to the elective adventures, with a keen focus on inclusivity and flexibility. These changes are intended to embrace a broader range of interests and learning styles, allowing scouts to explore new areas of interest and develop diverse skills. So even if the adventure name is the same as before, the requirements are probably being modified or completely rewritten.
Notably, the inclusion of new skills pertinent to the digital age stands out, preparing young scouts for the future by integrating concepts of digital citizenship, online safety, and basic coding into the program. These updates are reflective of a forward-thinking approach, aiming to equip scouts with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the increasingly digital world confidently while fostering a sense of accomplishment and growth in their scouting journey.
Once again – this is not official BSA information. It might still change significantly. I do not have any information about the requirements for the new adventures, other than the Summertime Fun adventure. And requirements for existing adventures might be modified or rewritten.
The National Summertime Pack award will be replaced with a simpler elective Adventure called Summertime Fun, for Tiger through Arrow of Light ranks.
There is just one requirement: Anytime during May through August participate in a total of three Cub Scout activities. Earning this adventure is not dependent on other Cub Scout’s participation.
This change comes after recognizing the importance of encouraging summer participation in events like Cub Scout Day Camp and Resident Camp, while also addressing the fairness issues related to the previous award’s participation percentage requirements.
Lions, who start Cub Scouting in Kindergarten, are the only rank not included in this summer activity framework since they do not join until the fall.
The Cub Scout program now places a stronger emphasis on knife safety, introducing three new elective Adventures to ensure Scouts are appropriately instructed in handling knives safely.
To use a knife within Cub Scouting, a Scout must complete the knife safety Adventure for their rank, with the requirement to re-certify at each rank advancement. This new approach replaces Whittling Chip, promoting ongoing knife safety education.
After crossing over into Scouts BSA, Scouts will earn the Totin’ Chip certification, which certifies their knowledge in safely using knives, as well as axes and saws.
The resources for den meetings are undergoing revisions to enhance accessibility and flexibility. The traditional, bulky den leader handbook binder is being replaced with online resources that are open to everyone. This change allows parents with specific expertise to easily access the materials and assist with leading meetings. I think den leaders will appreciate how this makes it easier to engage other adults.
These online resources also offer various options for meeting activities, each tagged with details about location requirements, energy level, necessary supplies, and preparation time.
This means den leaders and assisting adults can tailor den meetings to fit the resources available, time constraints, and the scouts’ interests and energy levels more effectively.
I find myself filled with excitement for what lies ahead. These changes seem to be more than administrative tweaks. They appear to be an evolution aimed at making scouting more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for every young Cub Scout and their families.
The shift towards online resources is a game-changer, promising to streamline the planning process and promote involvement from parents and others in the community. Imagine the wealth of knowledge that can be tapped into when parents and guardians, each with their skills and experiences, can easily contribute to our dens. This not only lightens the load for our den leaders but also provides a wider range of experiences for our Cub Scouts
The introduction of new adventures means we have a program that’s growing right alongside our scouts. I’m trying to envision how these updates will help our Cub Scouts explore new interests, develop life skills, and deeper connections with each other, their communities, and the natural world.
Readers, what do you think of the 2024 updates to the Cub Scout program? Add your comments below.
JL VETERAN 37 MALANG