My son turned nine yesterday and as such is now a Bear in the Cub Scout program. He began at the age of eight as a Wolf, and completed all the requirements to receive his Wolf badge. He also earned his World Conservation Badge and many of the belt loops, and now, as a Bear, he will have the chance to earn many more awards.
The Bear program is somewhat different than the Wolf program. In Wolves, the boys are given twelve requirements with steps under each requirement to be fulfilled. They must do each thing on the list in order to get their badge, and then there are extra tasks they can do for additional credit. In Bears, there are twenty-four categories to choose from, and the boys and the leaders can decide which twelve they would like to fulfill in order to get the badge. The ones they don’t choose, they can do later, and get extra credit for them.
I served as the Wolf leader for just shy of a year, and am now the Bear leader. I like the way both programs are set up. When a boy is eight, he likes to have things laid out in a straightforward fashion. He likes to go down the list and check everything off. I think the twelve Wolf requirements are perfect for the Wolf age group. When a boy is nine, he’s ready to start making more decisions and deciding in what areas he would like to excel. The variety found in the Bear program is perfect for the Bear age group.
Another way in which the Bears differ is in the level of responsibility. Bears are taught leadership skills. They begin to learn how to use a pocketknife. They learn more about using tools, saving and spending money, and how to aid local law enforcement. They are truly being trusted with more than before, which gives a nod to their increasing maturity.
I’m excited to work with my son in the Bear program. I have seen him grow and learn as a Wolf, and I know this growth will continue during his year as a Bear. I’m so grateful for the Cub Scouting program – we’re not just earning badges, we’re creating men.