Cub Membership and Being Invested

Joining Cubs at 1st Midrand Scout Group is the start of an exciting adventure in learning, friendship, and personal growth. Here’s what you need to know about becoming a member and the special moment when you are officially invested as a Cub.

Our “Welcome to Cubs” booklet introduces new members and their families to the adventure of Cub Scouting. It explains what Cubs is all about, the values we live by, and the exciting activities that form part of Pack life.

What the document covers

• Life as a Cub: The fun, games, challenges, outings, and opportunities to earn badges.
• Advancement pathway: From your Membership badge to the Silver Wolf and Gold Wolf, and eventually the Leaping Wolf, the highest Cub award.
• The Cub Law, Promise and Motto: The foundation of everything we do – to do your best, show respect, and help others.
• Traditions and symbols: The left handshake, salute, Grand Howl, and the story of the Jungle Book that inspires our Pack.
• History of Scouting: How Lord Baden-Powell started the worldwide Scout Movement, and how Cubs became part of it.
• Pack organisation: How Cubs are grouped into Sixes with a Sixer and Seconder, leadership opportunities, and our tradition of earning “Beans” for good performance.
• Practical information: When and where our Pack meets, who leads us, and what to expect as you join.

The Investiture Ceremony

Before becoming a full Cub, each child first earns their Membership badge by learning the Cub Promise, Law, Motto, and basic traditions.

Once ready, they take part in a special Investiture Ceremony during a Pack meeting:

1. The Cub stands at alert before Akela (the Cub leader).
2. Akela asks if they want to be a Cub and if they know the Law, Promise, Grand Howl, salute, and handshake.
3. The Cub replies and demonstrates their knowledge.
4. The Cub makes the Cub Promise while giving the Cub salute.
5. Akela shakes their hand, presents the Cub badges and scarf, and formally welcomes them into the worldwide family of Scouts.
6. The new Cub salutes the Pack, and the Pack salutes back, before joining in the Grand Howl for the first time as a full member.

This moment is a milestone – the Cub officially becomes part of the Pack and the global brotherhood and sisterhood of Scouting.