The "Cubbing Program" was introduced by the Boy Scouts of America in 1930, but its roots go all the way back to the first days of Scouting. With the early success of the Boy Scouts for boys 12 and over, there was popular demand for a "younger boy program" for the siblings of Scouts. Because of concerns that a younger boy program might have a negative effect on the fledgling Boy Scouts program, the BSA was very careful in their dealings with this "younger boy problem." (See Scouting Magazine article on "Cubbing" June 1930) of Scouting.
In 1916, Sir Robert Baden-Powell introduced the "Wolf Cub" program for younger boys. This program soon found its way to numerous communities in the Americas. There were also other 'younger boy' organizations such as the "Little Lodge" of the "Woodcraft Indians," the "Boy Pioneers," and the "Boy Rangers." Some BSA Boy Scout Troops were also sponsoring unofficial "Junior Troops" and "Cadet Corps."
Finally, after 20 years of Boy Scouting in America, "Cubbing" was introduced! What has followed has been nothing short of phenomonal! Boasting over 50,000,000 members since its inception, no program in history has had the far ranging impact on American youth than Cubbing and Cub Scouting have! |
