Lester Literate

Lester who? What! You don't know about Lester Literate? Well let me introduce him.

Lester the bookworm was launched in 1998 by the Victorian Cub Scout Council to assist out Cub Scouts with their reading and writing and is still available. But he seems to have forgotten.

With authors such as Paul Jennings, J.K. Rowling and R.L. Stine renewing the interest in literature in our youth, this is great time to remind you of Lester. As part of the AIM of Scouting we should be encouraging the intellectual section within our Cub Scout programs.
Why not have a pack night at your local library, talk to the librarian before hand to see how they can assist you. Read the start of a story (real or imaginary) and get the Cub Scout to write the next part and bring it the following week. Don't underestimate the imagination of your Cub Scouts, not only will they surprise you but also it could be a lot of fun.
The theme of Cub Scouting is base on a book, The Jungle Book, so why have most of our Cub Scouts not read The Jungle Book? Sure they have seen the movies but they are nothing like the book. Come to think of it, why have a lot of our Cub Scout Leaders not read The Jungle Book? There are many publications of The Jungle Book on the market, from the original by Rudyard Kipling to an easier reading book published by Scholastic. What a fantastic way to start the Cub Scouts on their way to a Lester Literate Badge than with The Jungle Book.

Requirements:

1. Read six books, all by different authors, approved or recommended by your local librarian or school teacher.
2. Write an original story or write a different ending to one of the above books you have read.
3. Write a thank you letter to thank someone:
· For a gift you have received
· For a visit to your pack
· For an outstanding you really enjoyed
· For help they gave you or for the help they gave someone else

4. Visit your local library and ask librarian to assist you to find four books in different categories such as Art, Sport, Mystery, Romance, Biography, Travel, Gardening, Craft or any subject, which is of interest to you.
5. Do two of the following:

a) Describe in writing an interesting event
b) Be able to tell the tester three things you can do to care for books
c) Make a book mark
d) Find out the date of the next Childrens Book Week the theme of the week and an event that will be happening during that week.
e) Read the childrens "Book of the Year" or a book from a recommended list of books issued for the year.
f) Show your examiner how to find information in an encyclopedia or dictionary.

The Lester Literate Cub Scout Badge is a colourful strip badge that can be worn on the Cub Scout uniform on the lower edge of the right sleeve below the special badges.

For more information on Lester Literate or to order booklets and test sheets contact Dian Sheedy at Victorian Branch 03 8543 9800, email:dians@vicscouts.asn.au The cost of each badge is $1.00.

David Fairclough
ABC Cub Scouts
Victorian Branch