Belt Loops and Pins

About the program

The Cub Scouts Academics and Sports Program (aka Belt Loops and Pins) is one method of addressing the third aim of Scouting: the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect). As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a highly competitive program, instead, the boys are encouraged to DO THEIR BEST!

The Academic and Sports Program is an optional program for all Cub Scouts. It is not part of the normal requirements towards ranks, except where used in obtaining various Webelos activity badges and Wolf Elective 20 (Sports). Its purpose is to assist the Scouts in learning a new skill, or improving one they already posses.

Boys can earn these awards at any stage while in Cub Scouts, and do not have to wait until any specific ranks are attained. However, the activities for these awards should be performed while the boy is an Active Cub Scout; as an example, any fishing activity performed prior to the boy joining Cub Scouts would not be considered eligible for obtaining the Fishing Belt Loop.

Concepts and Guidelines

The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is based on the following concepts and guidelines

  • The program supplements the existing advancement and recognition program for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts; it does not replace it. The program is one element of Cub Scouting, as are den and pack meetings, day camp, and other activities.
  • All registered Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts have an opportunity to participate in the Academics and Sports program.
  • Participation may take place at home, with the family, or within a den, a pack, or the community.
  • Adult participation by a parent or adult relative, if possible, is strongly recommended for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts and is required for Tiger Cubs.
  • Emphasis is placed on introducing a boy to a sport or academic subject, allowing him to participate in it and encouraging him to do his best. The Academics and Sports program focuses on learning and skill development, not winning.
  • The primary focus of the program is on scholarship and sportsmanship.
  • Each Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout will be presented with the appropriate recognition item for completing the requirements, whether he does so as an individual Scout, with his family, with his den or pack, or in his school or community.
  • The Academics portion of the program covers a variety of subjects, including art, chess, citizenship, communicating, computers, geography, heritages, mathematics, music, science, weather, and wildlife conservation.
  • The Sports portion of the program includes summer and winter sports, indoor and outdoor sports, active and less-active sports, and team and individual sports.
  • Cub Scouts who have disabilities may select their own activities and design their own fitness or academic program with the help of a physician, teacher, or parent.

Pack 106 Program Promotion

Pack 106 strongly supports this program, and we are always on the look-out for opportunities for boys to earn these awards. We encourage parents to participate in this program with their boys, and have prepared a helpful PDF-formatted reference guide/criteria check-list that you can print and use for your tracking purposes. Here’s another excellent link to all the requirements and worksheets, too .

Some of the awards do require Den or Pack presentations, and we’re absolutely dedicated in encouraging these activities: please get in touch with your Den Leader to schedule a presentation.

We also hope that our boys strive to “Do their Best” in achieving these awards, and have special Achievement Awards for boys who go the extra mile with participation in this program. For details, see the “Banner of Achievement” information page.

New Awards for 2010!

Several new awards were added in 2010, including the very popular Hiking one.

  1. Disabilities Awareness
  2. Family Travel
  3. Good Manners
  4. Hiking
  5. Hockey
  6. Horseback Riding
  7. Kickball
  8. Nutrition
  9. Pet Care
  10. Photography
  11. Reading and Writing
  12. Skateboarding
  13. Video Games