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Cub Scouting Awards Are Earned, Not Given
We read every day in the papers about how our
schools have failed our children by not giving them the
right amount of self-esteem. In my opinion, this is not
something we can or should give our children, but
something they must earn.
The Cub Scout program is based upon a series of
monthly themes that encourage the boys to explore new
ideas. They are also expected to follow the achievement
trail for their particular rank, and are expected to
grow in self-confidence and self-esteem only when they
are successful in completing these tasks, to the best
of their ability. Many Scouting programs reward the
boys for doing their best, not just the winner. The
boys will also become successful when the adults around
them teach them how to be responsible and trustworthy
by their behavior.
Cub Scouting also teaches the boy to live by a set
of rules. Rules that are relatively simple and easy to
follow. Some children will always resist these rules,
but when the parents help with their support and
encouragement the boy will usually get the message. All
children need discipline when rules aren't followed.
This does not mean physical discipline but an honest
and fair explanation of the consequences for their
actions. If it means that they will miss the next field
trip, or not earn that next badge, that needs to be
explained and adhered to.
Children always know when we are not honest with
them. If they did not complete the requirements for a
badge but are awarded it anyway, they lose respect for
us and themselves. In the same way if they don't
fulfill their obligations at home or at school and
still get all the rewards, they become confused. It is
not the children that have the problem but the adults
that have the problem. We are afraid our kids won't
like us or be our friends.
By living up to fair standards set by adults, the
child will respect us. We have to communicate these
standards by what we do and what we say. Only then will
they know what we stand for. When they are successful
at reaching these standards they will gain the self-
confidence and the self-esteem that we think the
schools must give them. They will also have learned the
feeling of pride at having done their best, a Scouting
tradition.

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