Cub Aged Youth Today
At the age of 9, most Cub Scouts are more so worried about the spelling test they have with words like “before”, “boxes”, “spell”, “laugh” and “mother”. These kids are in grades 1-3. The grade 2 curriculum is comprised of; Arts, Physical Education, Math, Science and Social Studies. Arts is pretty basic stuff. Physical Education, think playing soccer. Math is their addition and subtraction. Science is about animals and how relate to them. Social Studies is learning about Canada’s Traditions and Celebrations. While looking at it simply, this is what the base goal of a grade two’s education is.
When you bring up stuff like “Working” or “jobs” or “goals”, Cubs will not be able to reason yet what you mean. They’ve yet to learn about the majority of life’s lessons that will actually shape these concepts. Sure, we can use the stereotype that all kids want to grow up to be a ballerina, doctor, firefighter or cook, but that doesn’t help with the youth’s journey to who they will become.
I will direct you to “The Middle Years” for a moment. Simply put:
Experiences in the middle years, ages 6 to 12, have critical and long lasting effects. They are a powerful predictors of adolescent adjustment and future success. During this time children undergo important cognitive, social, and emotional changes that establish their lifelong identity and set the stage for adolescence and adulthood.
A child’s overall health and well-being affects their ability to concentrate and learn, develop and maintain friendships, and make thoughtful decisions. It is important to understand and have information on how children are doing at this stage of their development.
What does that mean? It means that Cubs is just shy of the MOST important part of a kid’s life.
Take a moment.
Think about it.
You’re cognitive ability is in full gear. You can reason. You can remember. Your sense of right and wrong is strong. You are learning boundaries. You are growing mentally, emotionally and physically at rates that some times can be overwhelming.
This is why Scouting for Cubs makes such a big difference. Lessons from the Jungle will follow with these youth. Echoing the Law and Motto over these years will come back to them, even if they don’t realize it.
While the Motto is simple, it’s weight is heavy. Encourage them to do their best, even when they fail miserably. Any effort could be a signal of something else. Cub doesn’t want to draw? Maybe their hand eye coordination isn’t strong. Encouragement will help them to work on their weakness.
What’s the best way to help Cubs? Having safe fun. Teaching morals (respect, right, wrong). Different forms of learning.
This is the beauty of the SPICES. We encourage social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual opportunities to youth that will help guide them.
Just something to think about…
