The History of Cub Scouts in America

[@geogeorge5970]

Hey all, I’m currently a life scout on my way to eagle and have been expressing interest to my father/scoutmaster about being a den chief. This seemed appropriate seeing as in our old council area, my den slowly dwindled until I was all alone, but then here, in our new council, the local pack completely shut down. Recently, there has been the creation of a brand new pack which is so very lively and doing everything they should be, so thanks for the lesson and I’ll keep trying to become the newest den chief!

[@gcondes]

Interesting stuff. I am a Cubmaster for a great pack of over 70 Cub Scouts and watched this while making my pinewood derby car. You are right, the pandemic was hard on Cub Scouts. Thanks to my spectacular leaders, our Pack made it through and we are still going strong.

[@ScouterStan]

Keep up the good work. YIS⚜

[@karenrich9092]

Thank you for this history lesson! I'm a background scouter who doesn't work directly with the young people, but I did at one time, and I'm a real history nut on just about anything. When you mix scouting and history, I'm there!

[@brianhurt3570]

As always I appreciate the useful information! ❤

[@ScouterStan]

You are so welcome! YIS⚜

[@funker419]

I have great memories of being a Cub Scout. I was in 3rd grade in 1973, my father was the Club Scout Leader. Meetings were once a week at the Den Mother’s house. On those’s days we would all wear our CS uniforms to school. This was a big deal wearing the uniform and there were many of us in uniform. I believe our numbers increased just because we were wearing it, We headed directly to the meeting after school on the school bus. It’s a shame there are no pictures of those days. I would have really liked to see a picture of my father and I in the uniform together. People just didn’t carry cameras around like they do now.

[@flahiker]

interesting info! I was gifted from a friend a "How book of Cubbing" that was her grandfather's cub scout book. It was written in 1943 and in their pack ceremonies section, they discussed the ranks Wolf, Bear, Lion, and Scout. They had pictures of Den mothers and how pack ceremonies were held by Akela surrounded by his Den Chiefs. This was very interesting stuff. Going to share this video with our other pack leaders as I did not know the history of the Lions.

[@ScouterStan]

Den Chiefs are still important even today. So many Cub Scout Packs and Dens don’t have them and can't seem to find the connection to a Troop. Troops all too often rely on “feeder” Packs for new membership and get upset when the AOLs crossover to another Troop. The other Troop installed Den Chiefs and made the connection as the Troop sat back and expected the Pack to just feed them, new members. Scouting History is important to us. It's fascinating to look back and see what worked and what failed. Den Chiefs and all Den Leaders back then and now are Akela. Glad you found the video interesting. Thanks for your comments here. YIS⚜

[@hydracdxv]

Good to know

[@nimroddiaries_]

Late to this video. This sort of talk would make a great key part of aa Blue and Gold. Yes, it is on my to do for ours next year.. ✌️ Thanks again sir.

[@ScouterStan]

Good call! YIS⚜

[@bernardguzman1938]

Scouter Stan...can you do an episode on NYLT? Specifically, what happens there and how does it develop leadership skills?

[@ScouterStan]

Check out my video - NYLT is the YOUTH Wood Badge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqmyaneChsatosU What would you like me to add to the update. YIS⚜

[@rustyb4090]

When was the cub master role introduced?

[@ScouterStan]

That is another really good question. When Seton was working on Cub Scouts of America (1911ish) at the beginning of the Boy Scouts of America. It was originally intended by Seton that Dens would be part of a Scout troop. But by the time it was officially introduced in 1930 the structure changed. So it's quite possible that when Cub Scout Packs were formed, they had Cubmasters. Although the record is not quite clear. Thank you so much for the questions. It's always appreciated. YIS⚜

[@rustyb4090]

Interesting that men weren’t den leaders till later

[@ScouterStan]

Yes, until 1971 Men were not allowed to be “Den Mothers”. Allowing for a new position of Den Leader in a Packs Dens was considered very progressive in the day. YIS⚜

[@rustyb4090]

Very much so.