Resources

CULTURAL AWARENESS SUPPLEMENT

JANUARY

NOTABLE HISPANIC AMERICANS, PAST AND PRESENT

The purpose of this month's theme is to give the Cub Scouts an appreciation of the contributions made by some notable Hispanic Americans, past and present. Each week highlights a different culture.

Week 1

PUERTO RICAN

Preopening

As the Cub Scouts arrive, ask them to locate the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on a map and use the Internet or an encyclopedia to find out as much information as they can about Puerto Rico.

Opening

Have Cub Scouts form a straight line and recite the Cub Scout Promise while making the Cub Scout sign.

Cub Scout Promise

I, [your name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cultural Awareness Activity

Past:

Ramon Emeterio Betances (1827-1898)

After receiving his medical degree from the University of Paris in 1855, Dr. Betances founded a hospital in Puerto Rico where he worked to save the lives of Puerto Ricans from the ravages of a cholera epidemic. As a civil rights leader, he organized a society dedicated to the liberation of the slaves, for which he was exiled by the Spanish government. For his contributions to literature, the French government awarded him its Legion of Honor.

Present:

Dr. Antonia Novello (1944—)

The first woman and first Hispanic American to become the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Antonia Novello brought to her work a strong empathy for people without power in society and used her position to alleviate suffering, especially for women and children. She raised national awareness in the medical profession about the domestic violence epidemic in America, and worked to elevate public consciousness about underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

In an effort to help Cub Scouts gain an appreciation for these notable Hispanic American leaders, ask the boys to identify the things Drs. Betances and Novello had in common that helped them make their community a better place for everyone.

Cub Scouting Activity

Blue and Gold Ceremonies

THE LIGHT OF SCOUTING'S HISTORY

Personnel: Four readers (or prerecord narration on tape)

Equipment: Flashlight, four candles on a table

Setting: The room is completely darkened except for the flashlight held by the first reader, who passes it to the next reader, etc.

FIRST READER: In 1907, when Lord Robert Baden-Powell conducted an experimental camp for boys on Brownsea Island in England, the Scouting movement began as a tiny spark of light. (Lights the first candle.)

SECOND READER: On February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was born when William D. Boyce filed incorporation papers in Washington, D.C. (Lights the second candle with the first.)

THIRD READER: On June 15, 1916, the Boy Scouts of America was granted a federal charter by Congress. This was also the year when Baden-Powell introduced Wolf Cubbing in Europe. Fourteen years later, Cub Scouting began officially in the United States. (Lights the third candle with the second.)

FOURTH READER (lighting the fourth candle with the third): Just as the light in this room has grown as it was passed from one candle to the next, so the Scouting movement grew throughout the world. Today, it has millions of members in hundreds of countries. Let us take this light and spread it outward to others through our goodwill.

Will all Cub Scouts and former Cub Scouts please rise and repeat with me the Cub Scout Promise? (Lead the Promise.) Will everyone now please rise and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance?

THE STORY OF THE BLUE AND GOLD

Personnel: Eight Cub Scouts

Equipment: Blue flannel board, cards for flannel board (TRUTH, STEADFAST LOYALTY, SPIRITUALITY, WARM SUNLIGHT, GOOD CHEER, HAPPINESS), yellow sun for flannel board

CUB SCOUT 1: Back in the good ol' days, the waving of school colors gave people a feeling of school pride and loyalty. Today, the blue and gold of Cub Scouting helps to build this spirit among Cub Scouts.

CUB SCOUT 2 (pointing to blue flannel board): The blue reminds us of the sky above. It stands for truth, spirituality, and steadfast loyalty.

CUB SCOUT 3 (placing the "Truth" card in the upper left corner of the board): Truth means we must always be honest.

CUB SCOUT 4 (placing the "Spirituality" card in the upper right corner): Spirituality means being concerned with and sensitive to religious values.

CUB SCOUT 5 (placing the "Steadfast Loyalty" card across the bottom): Steadfast loyalty means being faithful and loyal to God, country, and your fellow human beings.

CUB SCOUT 6 (placing the sun in the center of the board): The gold stands for the warm sunlight. (Places the "Warm Sunlight" card across the top of the sun.)

CUB SCOUT 7: Gold also stands for good cheer and happiness. We always feel better when the sun is shining, and so will those to whom we give goodwill. (Places the "Good Cheer" and "Happiness" cards on each side of the sun.)

CUB SCOUT 8: May the meaning of the blue and gold colors make us remember our Cub Scout ideals: the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack.

BLUE AND GOLD OPENING CEREMONY

Print in large bold letters, one letter per sheet, B-LU-E A-N-D G-O-L-D. Print the following script on the back of each card per page for Cub Scouts to read.

B is for BOYS—Tiger Cubs, Bobcats, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos Scouts.

L is for LEADER—The Cubmaster who guides us.

U is for UNDERSTANDING—We learn to help others.

E is for EXCELLENCE—We try to Do Our Best.

A is for ANNIVERSARY—Cub Scouting's [number] year.

N is for NEIGHBORHOOD—Where Cub Scout dens meet each week.

D is for DEN CHIEFS—Boy Scouts who help us in many ways.

G is for GOALS—For which Cub Scouting stands.

O is for OPPORTUNITY—For boys to learn and do fun and exciting new things.

L is for LIBERTY—In our country's great past and in the years to come.

D is for DEN LEADERS—Who love us and help us.

CLOSING THOUGHT

NARRATOR: Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, wrote: "While you are living your life on earth, try to do something good which may remain after you.

"One writer says: 'I often think that when the sun goes down the world is hidden by a big blanket from the light of heaven, but the stars are little holes pierced in that blanket by those who have done good deeds in this world. The stars are not all the same size; some are big, some are little, and some men have done great deeds and others have done small deeds, but they have made their hole in the blanket by doing good before they went to heaven.'

"Try to make your hole in the blanket by good work while you are on earth. It is something to be good, but it is far better to do good."

Think of Baden-Powell's words when you promise help other people.

IDEAS FOR BANQUET ADVANCEMENT CEREMONIES

Make a large papier-mache birthday cake. (See the appendix.) Use whipped soapsuds to ice the cake. Before soapsuds harden, insert candles (one for each year). Candles can be lit before the awards presentation and blown out after the ceremony.

Insert boys' award into birthday balloons (orange for Tiger Cubs, yellow for Wolves, blue for Bears, and red for Webelos Scouts) before blowing them up. Write each boy's name on the outside of his balloon with a marker. All boys pop them at once. Package individual awards in small boxes wrapped in blue paper and tied with gold ribbons. Ask boys to wait until all awards have been presented before opening their package. Then, while boys open their packages, the rest of the pack sings "Happy Birthday."

Closing

Close the meeting by forming the den in a circle around you and ask the Cub Scouts to share their reflections on what they can do as Cub Scouts to make their community a better place as Drs. Betances and Novello did for theirs.

Week 2

MEXICANS

Preopening

As the Cub Scouts arrive, ask them to locate Mexico on a map and use the Internet or an encyclopedia to find out as much information as they can about Mexico.

Opening

Have the Cub Scouts form a straight line and recite the Cub Scout Promise while making the Cub Scout sign.

Cub Scout Promise

I, [your name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cultural Awareness Activity

Past:

Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811)

Father Hidalgo is credited for making el grito, the shout that started Mexico towards its independence from Spain. Like George Washington, Father Hidalgo launched a colonial independence struggle against a European country that had become excessively oppressive. A great humanitarian, Fr. Hidalgo had compassion for the downtrodden. He is affectionately known as the father of Mexico.

Present:

Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)

Cesar Chavez was a Mexican American labor activist and leader of the United Farm Workers. During the 20th century he was a leading voice for migrant farm workers and brought national attention to their terrible working conditions through marches, hunger strikes, and rallies. The state of California has honored Cesar Chavez with a holiday celebrated on his birthday (March 31).

In an effort to help Cub Scouts gain an appreciation for these notable Hispanic American leaders, ask them to identify the things Father Hidalgo and Cesar Chavez had in common that helped them make their communities a better place for everyone.

Cub Scouting Activity

Disabilities Awareness Day

Most Cub Scouts are in good health and are physically strong and mentally alert. But according to the Bureau of the Census (1997), one in eight children between the ages of 6 and 14 has some kind of disability. A disabilities awareness day will help boys understand that some people have special needs different from their own. Through activities, the boys will be able to see some of the challenges people with special needs might face, and they may ask questions. Be prepared to answer and explore their questions.

A disabilities awareness day will help boys understand that some people have special needs different from their own.

BLINDFOLDED OBSTACLE COURSE

Set up a course along a string guideline with stations every 20 feet. Run the string guideline between posts, with the string 30 inches off the ground for the boys to hold on to as they go. (Make posts from PVC pipe set in No. 10 cans filled with plaster. Drill holes through the PVC pipe at 30 inches from the bottom of the can to run the string through the pipe.) Remind the boys that they need to move slowly for safety reasons. Have adults at each station to direct the activities. Boys are blindfolded and move along the string from station to station.

• Station 1: Boys must find a chair, sit on it, stand up, and then continue.
• Station 2: Boys must pick up wads of paper on the ground and put them in a trash can. Tell boys how many wads of paper there are so that they can try to find all of them.
• Station 3: Boys peel an orange and eat it. Then they must place the peels in a trash can.
• Station 4: Boys pour a glass of water from a small pitcher and drink it.

WHEELCHAIR MANEUVERING

Borrow or rent a manually operated wheelchair. Set up a course that includes a left and right turn, a bump to negotiate over, and a transfer point for boys to move from the wheelchair to a bench and back without using their legs. Tie boys' legs together for added realism.

LIFE WITHOUT SOUND

Use heavy-duty headphones to cover the ears of each participant. Show each boy a written message that he must convey to another individual some distance away who also has his ears covered.

I CAN'T USE THIS HAND

Each boy writes his name first right-handed and then left-handed. Have him put his dominant hand behind his back and make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with only one hand.

HEAD COACH'S MINUTE CLOSING

Head Coach: How many of you had fun today? Well, for many people, activities like these aren't so much fun. They are a necessity every day of their lives. You have had the opportunity to experience some of the challenges that other people face day to day. So now you have an idea of what might be helpful to someone in that situation. But always remember that people who have special needs aren't necessarily incapable. In most ways, they may be just like you. They might not want or require any help. So always ask whether someone wants help--don't assume he or she needs it.

Closing

Close the meeting by forming the den in a circle around you and asking the boys to share their reflections on what they can do as Cub Scouts to make their community a better place, as Father Hidalgo and Cesar Chavez did for theirs.

Week 3

CUBAN

Preopening

As the Cub Scouts arrive, ask them to locate Cuba on a map and use the Internet or an encyclopedia to find out as much information as they can about Cuba.

Opening

Have Cub Scouts form a straight line and recite the Cub Scout Promise while making the Cub Scout sign.

Cub Scout Promise

I, [your name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cultural Awareness Activity

Past: Jose Marti (1853-1895)

Considered one of the great writers of the Hispanic world, Jose Marti is revered by many as a patriot and martyr for Cuba's independence from Spain. After he was exiled from Cuba, his writing inspired others to fight for and eventually win independence for Cuba. The popular song "Guantanamera" is based on "Simple Verses," one of his poems. He believed that freedom and justice should be the cornerstones of any government. Jose Marti's memory lives forever in the hearts and minds of Cuban Americans as their greatest hero and the "Apostle of Cuba."

Present: Senator Mel Martinez (1947—)

Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Senator Mel Martinez was born in Cuba in 1947., At the age of 15, along with his brother, Mel was among 14,000 children evacuated from Cuba just before the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The evacuation effort was known as Operation Pedro Pan. Martinez went on to receive his education at Florida State University Law School and became an active participant in the community. He courageously took a public stance during the Elian Gonzalez conflict, asserting that the child should remain in the U.S. He is currently a United States senator.

In an effort to help the Cub Scouts gain an appreciation for these notable Hispanic American leaders, ask the boys to identify the things Jose Marti and Senator Mel Martinez had in common that helped them make their communities a better place for everyone.

Cub Scouting Activity

Bicycle Safety Day

This event will help make all the families in the pack more aware of bicycle safety. Adults will need enough time to set up each area before the boys arrive. If possible, ask a Boy Scout troop to help set up and run activities. You will need a large flat area, and chalk, flour, or powdered lime to set up the events.

• Every boy should bring his own bicycle. (But it is a good idea to have one or two spare bicycles for boys who may not have one.)
• All boys must wear a helmet whenever they are riding a bicycle.
• Plan for the event to take most of a morning or afternoon.
• The event committee should follow all guidelines for planning and running a special pack activity (see page 6-1).
• If your group is large, you may want the dens to have staggered starting times. This will allow each boy to attend the safety inspection station before beginning the course.

BICYCLE INSPECTION

If possible, include the local police department in your bicycle inspection, with a representative demonstrating the parts of a bike and how they work. Each boy should have a safety check before starting the safety course. Boys must show that they know proper hand signals and basic safety requirements before they get their "license" to ride in the bicycle safety event.

BICYCLE SAFETY COURSE

A sample bicycle safety course is shown, and the possible events described below.

Start: Mount the bike and coast, while turning your head to the left and right--but not the bike.

Intersection: Use arm signals. Obey traffic lights and signs. Make stop signs from cardboard cut into an octagon and painted for realism. Make signal lights from holiday lights or lamps with colored cellophane coverings.

Steering Course: This tests your ability to hold a straight course. Ride at a comfortable speed.

Circle Riding Area: Ride the Figure 8 1 1/2 times.

Steering Control/Zigzag Course: Tests your ability to shift balance while changing direction.

BRAKES: Check the brakes before you ride. They should brake evenly, with no slippage. Inspect them regularly and maintain them. Make sure the brake pads don't rub on the wheels.

HANDLEBARS AND GRIPS: Adjust handlebars as needed for comfort and growth. Replace worn grips as needed.

BELL OR HORN: It should be loud and clear.

LIGHT: Always use a light if riding at dusk or night! The headlight should be visible from 500 feet.

SPOKES: Replace broken spokes immediately.

PEDALS: Pedals should have reflectors for safety at dusk and night. The shoulder of the pedal axle must be securely tightened against the crank arm.

SADDLE: Adjust for comfort and growth. Always tighten nuts securely, leaving at least 21/2 inches of seat post in the frame.

REFLECTORS: You should have reflectors at the front and rear and in the spokes of both wheels. Replace damaged or lost reflectors immediately for safety.

TIRES: Inspect frequently for wear and tear. Remove imbedded stones, nails, glass, etc. Keep inflated to the correct pressure, which is stamped on the sidewall.

WHEELS: Wheels should rotate smoothly without wobbling from side to side. Realign if necessary. Axle nuts should be tight.

CHAIN: Check the chain frequently for damage and stretch. Lubricate it often with light oil.

Riding the Spiral: Ride at any speed, trying not to touch the lines. Place your foot down at the "X." Braking Area: Keep pedaling at a comfortable speed until a whistle blows. Then stop without skidding. The leader should blow the whistle when the rider is even with any flag. The rider should stop before the next flag.

Turtle Speed Area: Ride as slowly as possible, keeping your balance on the bike.

Start 12' 3'
Mounting
Area
Empty
cans
6'
6'
Intersection
Stop sign
Traffic light
Steering Course
4'
30'
Empty cans
26"
29" Make a figure 8 11/2 times.
Circle Riding Area
10'
Zigzag
Course
Riding the Spiral
30"
Flags
Braking Area
Turtle Speed Area
Finish
Dismounting Area
Steering
Control
Area

Closing

Close the meeting by forming the den in a circle around you. Ask the Cub Scouts to share their reflections on what they can do as Cub Scouts to make their communities a better place, using the contributions of Jose Marti and Senator Mel Martinez as an example.

Week 4

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN

Preopening

As the Cub Scouts arrive, ask them to locate Central America and South America on a map and use the Internet or an encyclopedia to find out as much information as they can about a Central American and a South American country.

Opening

Have Cub Scouts form a straight line and recite the Cub Scout Promise while making the Cub Scout sign.

Cub Scout Promise

I, [your name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

Cultural Awareness Activity

Past: Simon Bolivar (1783-1830)

Born in Venezuela in 1783, Simon Bolivar is known as the "Liberator of South America." He organized and led a military force of less then a thousand men to free the northern portion of South America from Spanish rule in the early 19th century. His heroic action resulted in the independence of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. He is often referred to as the "George Washington of South America."

Present: Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917-1980)

Born in El Salvador in 1917, Archbishop Oscar Romero was an outspoken opponent of injustice and a defender of the poor. His campaign for human rights in El Salvador won him many national and international admirers as well as a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Archbishop Romero is affectionately remembered as the "voice of the voiceless."

In an effort to help Cub Scouts gain an appreciation for these notable Hispanic American leaders, ask the boys to identify the things Simon Bolivar and Archbishop Oscar Romero had in common that helped them make their communities a better place for everyone.

Cub Scouting Activity

Welcome to the Midway

The Cub Scout midway is a series of simple games that can be played for small prizes--or just for fun. Use the midway activities described below for a Cub Scout fair, circus, festival, or any other special event. With a few balloons and some crepe paper you can make each activity into a midway spectacular.

• Bounce a ball into a wastebasket.
• Toss beanbags at a target on the floor or through holes in a tossing board.
• Turn a chair upside down. Make rings from plastic lids with the centers cut out and toss them over the legs.
• Mark a target on the floor. Pitch painted jar lids at the target.
• Mark a shuffleboard on the floor. Use a broom to push plaster-filled jar lids onto the board.
• Snap tiddlywinks disks into shallow cups or muffin tins.
• Bounce table tennis balls on a table into small bowls.
• Bounce tennis balls into a target of No. 10 cans tied together.
• Roll balls to knock down a child's bowling pins, quart milk containers, or water bottles set in a row or triangle.
• Throw an inflated paper bag for distance.
• Toss cards into a hat.
• Guess the number of beans in a jar.
• Take three tries to toss a hat onto a hat rack.
• Drive a 1-inch nail into a 2-by-4 board in five swings.
• Glue numbered paper cups onto a cardboard box.
• Toss checkers and give prizes according to the points scored.

OTHER MIDWAY ACTIVITIES

Hat-Making Booth: Have a good supply of paper hats and old felt hats along with plenty of buttons, ribbons, feathers, and other items to decorate hats. Have needles, thread, and glue on hand for the decorating.

Portrait Gallery: Draw life-sized folklore or comic figures on a piece of 6-by-10-foot wall board, such as shown. Cut out circles for the customers' heads. Use an instant camera to take pictures.

Paint or sketch figures on wood backdrop using the grid method to enlarge them.

Splash 'em: Toss west sponges at an agreeable volunteer.

Lookie Loos: Cut a small hole in one end of several shoe boxes. Make a slot about 1/2 inch wide on the top near the other end of the box. Paint or decorate the boxes. Put an "attraction" in each box near the slot and arrange along a table so the end holes are at eye level. String Christmas lights into the slots to illuminate the attractions. Add a sign to identify each attraction. Examples:

• A Diamond in the Rough (a lump of coal)
• A Tear Jerker (an onion)
• A Real American Hero (a hero sandwich)
• Ancient Ruins (a broken dish)
• The Amazing Aquanaut (a rope overhand knot floating in a glass of water)
• The World's Smallest Dog (a cocktail frank)
• The Best Cub Scout on Earth (a mirror)
• Rare Invisible Fish (bowl of clear water)

Marble Golf: For golf holes, bury baby food jars in the soil to the brim. Mark the holes with flags made from tiny paper triangles glued to craft sticks and numbered. Add water hazards and sand traps if you wish. Make "golf shots" in the approved knuckles-down way as for regular marbles. The winner is the player who takes the fewest shots to go around the course. This game can be played outdoors or indoors, filling a large box with 4 or 5 inches of potting soil.

Closing

Close the meeting by forming the den in a circle around you. Ask the Cub Scouts to share their reflections on what they can do as Cub Scouts to make their communities a better place, using the contributions of Simon Bolivar and Archbishop Oscar Romero as an example. (If this is hard for them, mention that injustice can occur anywhere, even in the schoolyard or on the soccer field, and that they can speak up for anyone who is bullied or treated unfairly.)