Cub Scout Sign

One of the first things your scout will learn in Cub Scouts is the Cub Scout Sign.

The Cub Scout sign is made with the right arm held high and straight up above the shoulder, with the index and middle fingers forming a V. The other two fingers are held with the thumb.

The two raised fingers stand for the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The fingers look like the sharp ears of the wolf ready to listen to Akela.

The Cub Scout sign should be given when repeating the Cub Scout Promise or Law of the Pack. It is also used in ceremonies.

The Cub Scout sign can be used to quiet a group of Scouts by their leader. The leader holds up the sign, and as people notice they should stop talking and also hold up the sign. As people notice that others are holding up the sign, they too will join in and the group will grow quiet. There is no need to say "sign's up" as if something is needed to be called out, it could simply be called out without making the sign. Overuse of this technique may tend to water down its ability to work.

Remember that Akela means "good leader" to a Cub Scout. Your mother or father or guardian is Akela. So is your Cubmaster or your den leader. At school, your teacher is Akela.

The Boy Scout sign is different than the Cub Scout sign.

Take note in the image that the 3 fingers represent the 3 points of the Scout Oath:

On my honor I will do my best…

• To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

• To help other people at all times

• To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

This image shows the Boy Scout sign and its meaning.