Remember the belt loops are for the scout doing their best to learn about the sport or academic activity, and by putting the new techniques to practice with fellow scouts, in their community, or working with an adult.

1. Develop a list of jobs you do around the home. Chart your progress for one week.

2. Make a poster showing things that you can do to be a good citizen.

3. Participate in a family, den, or school service project.

The World Conservation Award

Earning the Cub Scout World Conservation Award is a great way for a boy to show he cares about his community and to learn about the environment. Requirements can be found in the Cub Scout Leader Book and in the Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scout handbooks.

Good Citizenship

The role of citizen is complex even for adults. Our democratic nation is always addressing complex issues and presenting its citizens with difficult choices. Rights and freedoms of individuals need to be balanced against those of the majority. Consideration for the common good is an enduring issue. Often, our personal values play an important role in the decisions we make and the actions we take.

• Model good citizenship. This can be the most powerful assistance you can give a child.

• Encourage your child to express his ideas on the issues related to the projects even if they differ from your own.

• Subscribe to newspapers  or news magazines and select articles of mutual interest to read and discuss together.

• Take your child with you to a PTA or PTO meeting, school board meeting, community hearing, or similar activity.

• Discuss with your child about national holidays and why they are important and celebrated.

• Check books out from the library about the community, region, nation, or world.

• Visit historical places during family vacations.

• Don't let racial, ethnic, or gender slurs go unnoticed.

• Share family stories with your child.  Look through old photo albums or scrapbooks altogether.

• Help your child learn about people who live in other places. We live in a global society.

• In the face of the many problems that plague our world, it important that adults convey a sense of hope and a belief in the ability of human beings to solve problems.

Check out your local library and schools for information about citizenship.  You can find magazines and books for children that focus on concern for the community, the environment, history, and other people.  Another resource is Boy's Life magazine.  Leaders can find more ideas for citizenship activities by reading the merit badge pamphlets for Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community and Family Life.