History

In 1984, the Utah National Parks Council Cub Scout Committee recognized the need for enhanced training for Cub Scout Leaders within the Utah National Parks Council. A dedicated committee was established to determine the necessary training components. They diligently wrote, revised, and refined various classes designed to help leaders fully understand and implement the Cub Scout program.

In May of 1987, the first course took place at Camp Maple Dell, featuring 28 participants over a duration of 4 1/2 days. Each night during the staff meeting, the team would revise the program to better suit the needs of the participants.

The success of the program can be attributed to its pioneering leaders. Each course underwent adjustments to better meet the evolving needs of future leaders. Whenever new programs were created by the national BSA, they were seamlessly integrated into the existing curriculum. Participants not only gained knowledge beyond their expectations but also developed a profound commitment to the program and forged friendships that would last a lifetime. The program has consistently demonstrated its resilience, enduring through snow, wind, rain, hail, and fire. It is poised to thrive for many years ahead, driven by the necessity for all leaders to receive additional training and the unwavering dedication of those early leaders who had the foresight to implement what was essential for the Cub Scout Program's success. ~ Jeannette Jensen 1997 Cubmaster AC-9

The first eleven Akela’s Council courses took place at the beautiful Maple Dell Scout Camp in Payson Canyon, which has been a cherished location since its establishment in 1945. Each campsite within Maple Dell was thoughtfully named after a different Native American Tribe. During the inaugural Akela’s Council, each den was designated with the name of the campsite they occupied. For over three decades, Akela’s Council has respectfully honored the rich traditions and history of indigenous peoples by naming dens after some of these tribes.

Akela's Council courses often included BSA Outdoor certification for Cub Scouts and lasted four and a half days. Each day was filled with a variety of presentations and engaging activities. One memorable day, the Kitchen staff staged a strike, prompting the dens to embark on a treasure hunt to find the food necessary for preparing their own meals. As Scouting and society evolved, the decision was made to shorten the course, leading to various changes. The dens no longer create their own den flags, and some activities have been modified. However, the staff has adapted by finding more efficient ways to present the essential information. They consistently ensure that all presentations remain energetic and fun.

As the Cub Scout program evolved over the years, Akela's Council worked diligently to keep pace with the changing times. Den Mothers transformed into Den Leaders, marking the end of arrow heads and tracking beads on uniforms. Belt loops from sports and academics were replaced by Adventure Loops. With these enhancements, the program expanded, leading to an increase in the number of participants receiving training.

For over a century, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) maintained a robust partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This collaboration led to the chartering of thousands of packs, troops, and crews, contributing to more than 95% of all scouting units in Utah. With the church's expanding international membership, they opted to create their own programs for children and youth, concluding BSA charters at the end of 2019. If you happen to come across any old Akela's Council materials, you will likely discover terminology specifically tailored to that demographic.

The Tiger Cub program was first introduced in 1982, but for several decades, there weren't many participants in the Intermountain West region. In the fall of 2016, the Lion Cub Pilot made its debut, and by 2018, Lions were officially available for all packs. That same year marked the significant change of allowing girls to join Cub Scouts. 

Throughout these transitions, Akela's Council was always prepared with recommendations, explanations, ideas, and support to help new dens thrive on the Cub Scout Trail.

The Crossroads of the West Council was established in April 2020 through the merger of the former Great Salt Lake, Trapper Trails, and Utah National Parks councils. Over the years, most Akela's Council courses have featured participants from all three of these previous councils as well as from other councils nationwide. From its inception, the Crossroads of the West Council has taken pride in hosting Akela's Council as Utah's premier Cub Scout training event.

In 2021, with the newly established Council, it was determined that this was an opportune moment to introduce a fresh and distinctive theme for Akela’s Council. We sought inspiration from the foundational elements of Cub Scouts and looked back to the legacy of Sir Robert Baden-Powell. In 1914, Baden-Powell announced the creation of a junior section for Scouting, and in 1916, he published his innovative plan called Wolf Cubbing. To enhance the Cub Scouting experience, Baden-Powell reached out to his friend Rudyard Kipling, seeking permission to incorporate characters from Kipling's beloved Jungle Book into the motivational framework for Cub Scouting, and Kipling graciously agreed.

Rudyard Kipling derived the name 'Akela' from Hindi, which translates to 'alone.' In Cub Scout packs, Akela represents wisdom, authority, and leadership. This figure can be anyone who takes on a leadership role for the Scout, including a Cubmaster, Den Leader, parent, or teacher, depending on the context of guidance. In den meetings, the Den Leader embodies Akela, while during pack gatherings, it is the Cubmaster who fulfills this role. At home, parents take on this crucial leadership position.

At Akela's Council, we proudly retain our original logo featuring a teepee and feathers, which have held significant meaning for Akela's Council since our inception. In the Jungle Book, Rann the Kite dropped his feathers to mark the path of the playful Bandar-log monkeys who took Mowgli away. Mowgli’s friends, Bagheera, Baloo, and Kaa, followed the feather trail to rescue and safeguard Mowgli. Similarly, at Akela’s Council, we view feathers as important markers on our personal journeys, guiding us to become the best Cub Scout leaders we can be.

The Tipi, Teepee, Lavvu, Chum, Goahti, Yurt, Kota, Wigwam, and Wikiup are unique types of conical dwellings that were originally developed by the indigenous peoples of North America, Europe, and Asia. These conical homes are also found in Africa and across many Pacific islands, although the traditional Pacific Island hut tends to be more triangular than conical. Various cultures around the globe have utilized structures similar to the teepee. While tents are the most common choice for camping, many outdoor enthusiasts prefer the advantages of the Teepee design when selecting their own camping gear.

In the Akela’s council logo, the Teepee symbolizes home. A Cub Scout's most vital social structure is their own family. American homes differ greatly in shape, size, and material. Some families may reside in apartments or condos, while others might live in town homes or single-family homes. There are also those who call mobile homes their residence, and some may have multiple homes due to shared custody or other circumstances. The Teepee serves as a universal symbol of home, representing a simple, small, triangular shelter that transcends cultures and continents, bringing families together in various meaningful ways.