Figure 1.--This photograph shows what an early English Cub pack. Not all the boys wear the full uniform, but the boys that are in uniform wear show a style which lasted for decades and influed Cub uniforms all over the world. This was a Darlington pack photographed on the River Tess.

The English Wolf Cub uniform remained essentially unchanged for many years. It was very similar to scout uniform, the main differences being a cub cap rather than a scout hat and a jersey rather than the scout shirt. At this time shorts were commonly worn by boys of all ages, including scouts and indeed their scoutmasters, and these were much favoured by Baden-Powell. Much of the influence on scout uniform came from smarter schools, but scouting also influenced school uniform where, for boys up to 11 in particular, shorts were the norm until relatively recently.

Cubbing Created

Cub Scouting began officially in England during 1916. Prior to that date many younger boys participated unofficially in Scout troops, but in 1916 Wolf Cubs were officially recognised as a younger section of the scouting movement. Wolf Cubbing were for boys aged 7 to 11 years of age. There had been a growing need for a special section for them as they were keen to join the scouts but were too young to join in the adventurous activities. The Wolf Cubs were a program especially geared for younger boys with their own distinctive uniform came officially into being.

Chronology

Cubbing was created in 1916. The uniform was designed o be quite destinctive from the Scout uniform. Often older boys do not want to be associated with younger boys. Thus the Cub and Scout uniforms were purposefully meant to be destinctive. The Cubs had a destinctive cap, green jumper grey shorts and grey kneesocks. Many boys beginning in the 1920s wore sandals with their uniform. The uniformhas essentially remained the same for nearly a century. Minor differences in the length of the shorts, type of kneesocks, and gootwear is all that have differentiated Cubs theough the 1980s. Hair styles of course also varied. We know of no other Scout/Cub uniform that has remained unchanged over such an extended period of time. Caps were dropped in the 1990s and increasing numbers of Cubs wore long trousers.

Activities

Cubing activities often involved the parents, adult leaders, and friends of Cub Scouts in largely home centered programs that teach a wide range of life skills, values, and attitudes consistent with those of the the sponsoring organization. Cubbing involved awide range of activities. As it was for younger boys the activities were mote home based. There were skills to learn like knot tying. There were a variety of projects like model building. Thre weekly pack meetings always had games which were very popular with the boys. There might also be skits. Outings and field trips were an especially popular activity. Cubbing activities are designed to encourage character development, physical skill, family unity, and enjoyment of learning. English Cub program based on Rudyasrd Kipling’s book, Jungle Book. This was quite different than the American program which for rather racist reasons was not willing to embrace Africa and influenced by Seaton focused more on Indian Lore.

Figure 2.--This closeup shows most of the Cubs are in the new uniform with short pants. One boy wears knickers. Oddly one boy appears to be wearing a smock and beret. Perhaps he is a visting French boy.

Cub Uniforms

Baden Powell chose a theme based on Kiplings Jungle Book, it proved wildly popular with the boys--even if it is now often made fun of in our more cynical age. The English Cub uniform spread around the world. Some countries used it virtually unchanged. Others like America changed it significantly. One comstant in most countries was the Cub cap, just as Scouts in most countries used the original Scout hat for decades. The uniform adopted for English Cubs in 1916 was worn by English boys for decades virtually unchanged. It was adopted by Cubs all over the world although it was gradually modified and changed. In England, however, it has continued virtually unchanged. The only major change has been in the pants and kneesocks the boys have worn. The Wolf Cubs began operating in 1916. The uniform designated for Cubs in 1916 was worn by English boys for decades virtually unchanged. It was subsequently adopted by Cubs all over the world although it was gradually modified and changed. In England, however, it continued virtually unchanged.

Salute and Handshake

Scouts and Cubs have their own special salutes and handshake. The Cubs salute with two fingers rather than with all five fingers as in a military salute. Thev hand shake is the famous left hand shake. The same conventions are used by Scouts around the world. These are someof the first things a new Cub learns.