"Keep in mind in all your teaching that the whole...object...is to form character in the boys."

Robert Baden-Powell
Scouting for Boys, 1908

The National Cub Scouting Character Connections Program was introduced in 2002. The key elements of the program are 12 core values, several of which relate directly to points in the Scout Law. The character-building process is called Character Connections, which connects the values to the activities and advancement of Cub and Webelos Scouts.

The Cub Scouting Character Connections Program identifies 12 core values which are incorporated into the advancement requirements for the Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light ranks, as well as the Webelos Activity Badges. Boys are encouraged to "KNOW," "COMMIT," and "PRACTICE" each Core Value as follows:

1. Citizenship: Contributing service and showing responsibility to local, state, and national communities. (Related requirements: Tiger Cub: 2 - Where I Live, Bear: 3j - What Makes America Special, Webelos: Citizen Activity Badge)


2. Compassion: Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for the well-being of others. (Related requirement: Bear: 24f - Be a Leader)


3. Cooperation: Being helpful and working together with others toward a common goal. (Related requirement: Wolf: 10a - Family Fun)


4. Courage: Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears, the difficulties, or the consequences. (Related requirements: Wolf: 12a - Making Choices, Bear: 11g - Be Ready, Webelos: Readyman Activity Badge)


5. Faith: Having inner strength and confidence based on our trust in God. (Related requirements: Tiger Cub: 5 - Let's Go Outdoors, Wolf: 11a - Duty to God, Bear: 1a - Ways We Worship, Webelos: 8 - Faith)


6. Health and Fitness: Being personally committed to keeping our minds and bodies clean and fit. (Related requirements: Tiger Cub: 3 - Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe, Webelos: Health and Fitness Activity Badge)


7. Honesty: Telling the truth and being worthy of trust. (Related requirements: Bear: 18h - Jot it Down, Arrow of Light: 7)


8. Perseverance: Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it is difficult. (Related requirement: Webelos: Athlete Activity Badge)


9. Positive Attitude: Being cheerful and setting our minds to look for and find the best in all situations. (Related requirements: Wolf: 6a, Start a Collection, Webelos: Scholar Activity Badge)


10. Resourcefulness: Using human and other resources to their fullest. . (Related requirement: Bear: 21g - Build a Model)


11. Respect: Showing regard for the worth of something or someone. (Related requirements: Tiger Cub: 4 - How I Tell It, Wolf: 7a - Your Living World, Bear: 8g - The Past is Exciting and Important, Webelos: Naturalist Activity Badge)


12. Responsibility: Fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, and ourselves. (Related requirements: Tiger Cub: 1 - Making My Family Special, Wolf: 9a Be Safe at Home and on the Street, Webelos: Handyman Activity Badge)

For more information, see the March, 2003 Scouting Magazine (introductory) article entitled: Of Cub Scouting And Core Values