Cub History
Wolf Cubs (Cubs as we know them today) were introduced in 1916.
In November/December 1924, Mr. Archie Ferguson (at that time 2nd Renfrew’s Scoutmaster) obtained permission from the Kirk Session of Trinity Church to start a Wolf Cub Pack, which was to cater for boys under Scout age. In 1924 the age of Wolf Cubs was 9 to 12, although with the approval of the Scoutmaster a boy could become a Scout at the age of 11.
We have a copy of the original Pack Registration Certificate, which is signed and dated 26 November 1924 by Mr. Ferguson and other applicants; officially stamped and approved by the Scout Association on 5 December 1924.
Information regarding the number of members of the 2nd Renfrew Wolf Cub Pack for the early years is very scant, however, on reading the extracts from the Church Annual Report in 1924, we noted that at December 1924 there were 22 Cubs on the Roll.
Cubs as we know them today are very different from the first Wolf Cub Units. When the Wolf Cub Units were created Baden‑Powell agreed with his friend Rudyard Kipling that these Units could be based on the theme of the Jungle Book. We’ve moved away from that now, but the ethos of the Wolf Cubs still remains.
As you’ll see on the Uniform Section, the Cub uniform has not gone through many changes. However there have been changes to the age range, in that it’s now 8 to 10½ years, and changes to the programme and badge requirements.
Like the Scouts (before and now), the Wolf Cubs took part in external activities and badgework. They also had ranks of:
- Young Tenderfoot or Young Cub
- One Star Cub
- Two Star Cub
The Cub Tenderfoot Test was very straightforward in that the boy had to show his Scoutmaster that he knew the Scout signs and Young Scout’s salute. The Young Scout’s salute was not what it is now. The previous salute was two fingers rather than three, the thinking being that two fingers was to represent the ears of a wolf cub.
After confirming his knowledge of the signs and salute, the young Scout made his promise (see Emblem, Promise, Law & Motto section for more information).
The One Star and Two Star tests were obviously a little more demanding, but less so than the Second and First Class Tests the Scouts had to undertake.
The Cub programme has changed over the years, either to make the requirements more modern, or change them completely. Having said that, much of what Cubs did in years gone by is still with us today, as we continue take part in camps, nights away indoors, badgework and all manner of things in between.
The picture on the left is from our archives and shows that Cubs of yesteryear did ‘out of the hall’ activities, as this one is of the pack visiting the ‘Renfrewshire Gazette’ newspaper (sadly, we’re not sure of the date, so if anyone knows it, please tell us. The gentleman in the picture is John Graham, a former member and former leader.)
We’re delighted that our archive also had photographs of Cubs from the past, including a picture of some of the leaders.
The picture below is of three of our early Cub Leaders. They are (L to R): Molly McLaren, Betty Henderson, Agnes Craig.
We then have the ladies with their Cubs
and last (for now, as memorabilia is still being donated), we have the Cubs on parade in Fauldshead Road, Renfrew.
This section is all about our past, so if you’d like to find out what we’re up to now, please visit the Cub Info section of our website.