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Citizen

Citizenship is more than just knowing the words to oaths and pledges. It is putting into practice the spirit of those words and ideas. There are outward signs of our country that we are all aware of. The map, flag, and the national anthem are some of these signs. The Citizen Activity Badge relates directly to developing responsible citizens. This is one of the prime purposes of Cub Scouting and the Boy Scouts of America. This badge is one of the requirements for the Arrow of Light Award. Just how much importance does the Scout program attach to Citizenship?

One of the nine purposes of Cub Scouting is "developing habits and attitudes of good citizenship".

One of the three aims of Boy Scouting is "Citizenship - used broadly this means the boys' relationship to others".

The one of the required Activity Badges for the Arrow of Light award is the Citizen Badge.

On the trail to First Class rank the Boy Scout must learn more about citizenship skills rights and responsibilities

To become an Eagle Scout, the boy must earn a total of 21 merit badges. Three of these stress citizenship - Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World - and are Eagle required merit badges.

So for a boy on the road to Eagle Scout, the Citizen Activity Badge is one of most important step in his Webelos year.

The Webelos Leader must plan carefully so that the boys get a feeling for the real meaning of citizenship without spending a lot of time in study. One of the best ways to stress the meaning of citizenship is by practicing citizen ship skills and stessing doing a good turn. The appeal of this badge to the boys will be determined in large part by the method used by the Webelos Leader in presenting it. It can be exciting, fun and informative; or it can be just some more stuff to cover. Because of its importance, the leader is encouraged to make a special effort in planning it. Hopefully the ideas presented below will make this task easier.

Citizen Requirements
Do 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6, and two of numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16.

1. Know the names of the president and vice president of the United States. Know the names of the governor of your state and the head of your local government.

2. Describe the flag of the United States and give a short history of it. With another Webelos Scout helping you, show how to hoist and lower the flag, how to hang it horizontally and vertically on a wall, and how to fold the American flag.

3. Explain why you should respect your country's flag. Tell what special days you should fly it in your state. Tell when to salute the flag and show how to do it.

4. Know the Pledge of Allegiance and repeat it from memory. Explain its meaning in your own words. Lead your Webelos den (or patrol) in reciting the pledge.

5. Tell about the meaning of our National Anthem and how it was written.

6. Explain the rights and duties of a citizen of the United States. Explain what a citizen should do to save our resources.

7. Tell about two things you have done that will help law enforcement agencies.

8. Visit a community leader. Learn about the duties of the job or office. Tell the members of your Webelos den (or patrol) what you have learned.

9. Write a short story of not less than 50 words about a former U.S. president or some other great American. Give a report on this to your Webelos den (or patrol).

10. Tell about another boy you think is a good citizen. Tell what he does that makes you think he is a good citizen.

11. List the names of five people you think are good citizens. They can be from any country. Tell why you chose each of them.

12. Tell why we have laws. Tell why you think it is important to obey the law. Tell about three laws you obeyed this week.

13. Tell why we have a government. Explain some ways your family helps pay for government.

14. List six ways in which your country helps or works with other nations.

15. Name three organizations, not churches or synagogues, in your area that help people. Tell something about what one of these organizations does.

16. Alone or with your Webelos patrol or pack, do a special Good Turn or service. Help your church or synagogue, school, neighborhood, or town. Tell what you did.

Craftsman Ideas for Citizen Activity Pin:

     Flag Stand
     Neck Slide

Artist Ideas for Citizen Activity Pin:

    Old Paper and Feather Pen

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