WHAT'S NEW IN CUB SCOUTING?
FEBRUARY 2005
AQUATICS SAFETY: Safe Swim Defense & Safety Afloat
Internet-Based Training 
Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader in attendance at the activity must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan.
Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat training, No. 34159C, have a commitment card, No. 34242A, with them, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat. (NOTE: Some of boating activities listed above are NOT age-appropriate for Cub Scouts. See Guide to Safe Scouting for further information.)
Click here to complete these training courses online. Keep a copy of your certificate of completion for use at appropriate activities.
DECEMBER 2004
VENTURING: CSI
Venturing: Cub Scout Initiative
Venturing: CSI is a pilot program of Sam Houston Area Council, conducted in conjunction with the National Venturing Committee and the National Cub Scout Committee. The program will partner Cub Scout packs with Venturing crews, whose members agree to assist on a short-term basis with a pack’s fall round-up and the first month’s den meetings of a new den leader.
Click here for more information on how your pack can participate in this special membership program to improve Cub Scout recruiting and retention.
NOVEMBER 11, 2004
TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE BADGE
A new Texas Criminal Justice Badge is being offered in cooperation with the Criminal Justice Center of Sam Houston State University. Click here for requirements. This badge may be earned by any Cub Scout or Boy Scout in the state of Texas.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2004
CUB SCOUTING’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Click here for promotional information and award requirements on the Sam Houston Area Council web page.
Click here to see the announcement in September 2004 Scouting magazine.
2005 marks the 75th Anniversary of Cub Scouting. All packs are encouraged to plan special celebration events throughout the year, which could also be used for membership recruitment and/or community awareness.
Special 75th Anniversary awards are may be earned by individual Cub Scouts, leaders, families, and packs. Requirements must be completed between September 1, 2004 and December 31, 2005.
ADDED JANUARY 2005: Click here to read more about the history of Cub Scouting and 75th Anniversary celebrations in this article from January-February 2005 Scouting magazine.
CUB SCOUT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AWARD
Click here to see the announcement in September 2004 Scouting magazine.
Click here for a copy of the award flyer.
The new Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is for Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cub Scouts, Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts. Those who earn the award can wear a special patch on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. This is the first time in Cub Scouting history that a pocket flap patch for the uniform has been authorized.
Individual requirements may not be completed before the effective date of September 1, 2004. This includes attendance at a day camp or Cub Scout/Webelos resident camp. Click here to see award requirements on the National web site.
Although released with the short-term 75th Anniversary awards, the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award is a permanent award. Boys may earn the award in each rank year if they complete the requirements within the year for which the award is given. A pocket flap patch is presented the first time the award is earned, and a wolf footprint pin added to the flap each successive time the award is earned.
AUGUST 1, 2004
NEW TIGER CUB UNIFORM
Click here to see the announcement in the September 2004 Scouting magazine.
Click here for new Tiger Cub uniform illustration.
The new official Tiger Cub uniform includes an orange-and-blue hat with Tiger Cub insignia; orange-and-blue neckerchief and slide; blue Cub Scout shirt with council shoulder insignia and unit number on the left sleeve and U.S. flag and den number on the right sleeve; blue Cub Scout trousers or shorts; and Tiger Cub belt and socks. The Tiger Cub immediate recognition kit is worn on the right shirt pocket.
The orange Tiger Cub T-shirt can still be worn as an activity uniform and continues to be the official uniform for adult Tiger Cub partners.
MAY 15, 2004
BOY SCOUT AGE CLARIFICATION
Click here to read announcement in September 2004 Scouting magazine.
The BSA National Executive Board has amended the rules and regulations to clarify that no boy may join Boy Scouting until he reaches the age of 10.
Previously, the requirement stated that to be a Boy Scout a boy must have completed the fifth grade or be age 11 or have earned the Arrow of Light Award.
The new requirement says he must have completed the fifth grade and be at least 10 years old or be age 11 or have earned the Arrow of Light Award and be at least 10 years old.
The new clarification became effective May 15, 2004.
The change in requirements is reflected on the most recent printing of the Application to Join Boy Scouts.
NEW CUB SCOUT RECRUITING WEB SITE
Click here to read announcement in September 2004 Scouting magazine.
A new Web site for Cub Scout recruiting, www.joincubscouting.org, is available on the Internet. The interactive site provides information for boys, parents, and potential chartered organizations.
Boys are introduced to games, videos, and challenges to excite them about becoming a Cub Scout, while parents learn about the character development and family building components of the program. Potential chartered organizations are shown the benefits of organizing a pack.
The site also includes a pack locator function that parents can use to locate existing packs in their neighborhood and to link directly to a local council Web site for more information on how to join Cub Scouting.
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