Symbolic Framework

The symbolic framework in the Scout Method is intended to make Scouting activities more appealing to the Cub Scout and more effective as they build upon the Cub Scout s' imagination. A symbolic framework also provides a sense of identity for an individual and a sense of solidarity for the group. Symbolic Framework is the formalization of a process that happens naturally within a society. In a society things are given meaning by people and this meaning greatly effects how people think about a given thing. A Symbolic Framework refers to all those elements with a meaning (symbols) such as the name of a section, the uniform, badges, songs, stories and ceremonies. All theses elements help to form a setting, an atmosphere and bears' the values of the Scouting Organisation. Scouting's educational purpose would fail if the meanings that the Cub Scout s attached to its messages where negative. In order to avoid the attachment of negative meanings, Scouting provides a set of meanings for its messages. The meanings are designed to be both attractive to young people and consistent with Scouting values. The Cub Scout Programme is based around a journey of discovery through various lands with the main characteristic of each land focusing on an element of the SPICES. The Cub Scout is by no means tied to having to complete the SPICE associated with the land - this is where the travel cards come into play. There are also six travel cards based on the SPICES so if you are going to a land that focus's on e.g. the social spice, the Cub Scout may choose to do something that relates more to character building than social. The Cub Scout chooses the "character" travel card and has this card clipped when they have completed their chosen task. Before they begin their journey they must first complete their investiture award. When they are being invested the Cub Scout is awarded with a toggle (piece of leather that goes around the neck) and a compass - this is to help them on their journey.

Each Land of Adventure that we visit with the Cub Pack has its own symbolic framework. Click the Icons below to see what they are.