Children's Programs: Scouting

Scouting and the Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian congregations have used the Scouting program in conjunction with other phases of youth ministry for over 80 years. The program has served as a catalyst for strengthening relationships among youth, families, and congregations. It also serves as an outreach ministry for youth and families that may not have a church home. A recent survey revealed that 11% of all Scouts get their first church contact through Scouting.

More than 145,000 youth members are involved in more than 4,000 Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews in Presbyterian Churches.

Since 1920, Presbyterian congregations have recognized that the Scouting program not only renders a service to their youth but also is extremely beneficial as an outreach ministry.

The First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla charters Cub Scout Pack 300.

Cub Scouting is a family- and home-centered program for boys in the first through fifth grade. Cub Scouting's emphasis is on learning new skills and strengthening relationships in the family. First Grade boys are called Tiger Cubs, 2nd Grade is Wolf, 3rd Grade is Bear and fourth- and fifth-grade boys are called Webelos (WE'll BE LOyal Scouts). Webelos participate in more advanced activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts.

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight

Cub Scout Law

Cub Scouts always do their best
Think of others before themselves
And do a good turn every day.

Cub Scout Promise

I, (name), promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people,
and To obey the Law of the Pack.

Law of the Pack

The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.

Cub Scout Motto

Be Prepared

Religious Growth

Every Scout and leader pledges to do their duty to God. The Twelfth Point of the Scout Law is "a Scout is Reverent."

Scouts of all faiths are welcome and can earn awards that help strengthen the understanding of their faith. The God and Country religious growth program is provided for Presbyterian youth in Scouting and includes the following recognitions:

Character

Cub Scouting works toward three aims. One is growth in character and ethical decision making. We may define this as what the boy is himself: his personal qualities, his values, his outlook.

Citizenship

A second aim is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boy's relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society he lives in, to the government that presides over that society.

Fitness

A third aim of Cub Scouting is development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect).

How can you get involved?

If you have a son that is the right age, encourage them to become a Cub Scout and join with them. You can also help out as a planning committee member, leader, or as a merit badge or activity badge counselor.

If you are an Eagle Scout, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is a fellowship of men who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank and who desire using their efforts and influence toward forming the kind of young men America needs for leadership.

We especially hope that whatever you do, you will include the Scouts and Leaders of First Presbyterian in your prayers.

Interested?

If you would like more information, call one of the numbers below and we will be glad to help you learn more about Scouting at First Pres.