The "Cubbing Program" was introduced by the Boy Scouts of America in 1930, but its roots go all the way back to the first days of Scouting. With the early success of the Boy Scouts for boys 12 and over, there was popular demand for a "younger boy program" for the siblings of Scouts. Because of concerns that a younger boy program might have a negative effect on the fledgling Boy Scouts program, the BSA was very careful in their dealings with this "younger boy problem."

In 1916, Sir Robert Baden-Powell introduced the "Wolf Cub" program for younger boys. This program soon found its way to numerous communities in the Americas. There were also other 'younger boy' organizations such as the "Little Lodge" of the "Woodcraft Indians," the "Boy Pioneers," and the "Boy Rangers." Some BSA Boy Scout Troops were also sponsoring unofficial "Junior Troops" and "Cadet Corps."

Finally, after 20 years of Boy Scouting in America, "Cubbing" was introduced! What has followed has been nothing short of phenomonal! Boasting over 50,000,000 members since its inception, no program in history has had the far ranging impact on American youth than Cubbing and Cub Scouting have!

The Roots of Boy Scouting in the United States

The history of the Boy Scouts of America began on a foggy day in London, England when a boy did a Good Turn. Many years ago, an American businessman named William D. Boyce lost his way in the fog. A boy walked up to Mr. Boyce and asked if he could be of assistance. After Mr. Boyce explained to the boy where he wanted to go, the boy led him to his destination. Mr. Boyce offered to pay the boy for his assistance, but the boy said, "No, thank you, sir. I am a Scout, I won't take anything for helping."

William Boyce so impressed with the boy's kindness, he decided to meet with Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts in Great Britain. Once Baden-Powell told Mr. Boyce about Boy Scout, Mr. Boyce decided boys in United States would be interested Scouts too.

Mr. Boyce and other businessmen, educators, and political leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. Scouts celebrate February 8 as the birthday of the Boy Scouts of America.  The Blue & Gold Dinner is held in February to celebrate the birthday of the Cub Scouts.

No one knows what happened to the scout who lead Mr. Boyce through the fog that day but he will never be forgotten. Like many acts of kindness, what was done proved to be far more significant that who did it. The boy's Good Turn helped bring Scouting to America.