Jungle Book Background

Why the Jungle Book?

When Lord Baden-Powell first started the Wolf Cubs in 1916, he wanted younger children to share in the excitement of Scouting. To make the Cub Pack magical and meaningful, he turned to Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book for inspiration.

The story of Mowgli and the Wolf Pack gave Cubs a world full of adventure, animals, and lessons about courage, loyalty, and friendship. Just as the wolf cubs in the story follow their leader, Akela, our Cubs learn to follow their leaders and the Law of the Jungle.

Stories We Share

Cubs are introduced to The Jungle Book through the story “Mowgli’s Brothers.” In this tale, Mowgli is welcomed into the wolf pack by Akela, Baloo the bear, and Bagheera the black panther, despite the threat from the tiger Shere Khan. The story includes the famous “Night Song in the Jungle,” which reminds all Cubs of their duty to live by the Jungle Law and to do their best.

Traditions from the Jungle

Many of our Cub traditions come from The Jungle Book:

• Akela, Baloo, and Bagheera are the names given to Cub leaders.
• The Cub Law is inspired by how young wolves obey the Old Wolf.
• The Cub Promise reminds us to care for others and do our best every day.
• The Grand Howl comes from the way the wolves greet Akela at Council Rock.

Part of a Worldwide Family

The Jungle Book stories not only give our Cubs a sense of fun and imagination, but they also connect us with Cubs all around the world who share the same traditions. Every Cub belongs to a global family that values friendship, respect, and adventure.