JustAnotherScouter

[deleted duplicate post](This message has been edited by JustAnotherScouter)

The relationship between our pack and the COR's troop was pretty frosty when my first son joined six years ago. It's since improved to the point where one or our former DLs is their CC and our former CM is likely to be the next SM.

Despite that recent connection, our pack continues the tradition of encouraging Webelos and their parents to visit with as many troops in our area as time permits. When it comes to introducing the pack's Cubs to Boy Scouting we've invited all the troops in the area to provide Scouts for Den Chiefs and to attend our pack meetings to do presentations for the boys and assist at our events.

We support our COR and work with the troop at COR events. But there's no sense of obligation to focus all the pack's attention on any one troop. The relationship with our neighbors is definately not frosty anymore, but they are just one among equals when it comes to troops in our area. In the end it's where the Webelos Scout and his friends find they want to go.

I'm going to put in a plug for attending Roundtable, because it's been my experience that it's there that the pack and troop leaders have an opportunity to meet each other and set in motion what may lead to a den crossing over into their troop. YMMV.

Just because they can't doesn't mean they don't think they already know what I think.

I have to agree with the earlier comments that this seems like a solution looking for a problem.

As far as Webelos programs and the transition to Boy Scouts, that's more dependant on the parents, kids, and leaders than any oath. I've had dens of Webelos in my pack that started camping as a den and visiting troops as first-year Webelos, and dens that wait until after crossover to find out what Boy Scouting is about. No amount of pushing, prying, cajoling, demonstrating, banging of heads against walls, etc, could get those dens that didn't want to shake the Cub program off to change.

Needle and thread. Hold the fabric taught with an embroidery loop. Pin the patch or use a small piece of masking tape to hold it in place.

Before plastic backings on the patches sewing was so much easier.

"When I was a Den Leader..." That's what I'm lamely attempting to say. A certificate and little patch with an embroidered knot on it can mean a lot at a certain stage in the experience of a Scouter. Perhaps as the Scouter grows older, wiser, and maybe more cynical, then maybe not so much and the reward system can adapt to that.

Sometimes, too, rewards aren't only for the person on the receiving end, but are meant to show the organization's desire to recognize hard work towards specific standards.

I guess that's why I don't understand what problem the committee sees that needs fixing. Messing with awards for Cub Scouters and handing out inconvenient tiny pins to try and differentiate the same knot just seems to make it not worth the time. And if awards become inconvenient then I suspect there will be fewer official awards handed out to the folks that earned them, especially in Cub Scouting.

Those are good points, TT. I understand the bling and patches fascination, but I don't think this is just that. At least not to the madness that makes us question whether some Scouters are "wannabe generals." The current awards program offers a way to recognize volunteers for trying to master a skill-set and at the same time encourage them to continue.

I don't know that blending the awards for adult leaders in Cub Scouting will directly hurt the program, but it may cause those packs looking for a way to recognize leaders to turn to other means that won't be as lasting and that are less connected to the Scouting program. Many if not most Cub Scouters come with no previous scouting experience. Hopefully they'll be encouraged to continue volunteering right into Boy Scouting. Perhaps they'll find more knots there, but it's more likely they'll find their rewards in good campfires and experiences. Cub Scouting begets Boy Scouts, it can also raise up good leaders. We sometimes regret the boys that don't or won't crossover, we shouldn't forget the adults whose help and support we lose along the way as well.

As far as explosions of knots, there will still be ways to do that if that's what one's goal is. It'll just be easier to do it in Boy Scouting rather than through, or with less actual involvement in, Cub Scouting.

I'm not sure why the committee is looking to change things. From reading this forum it would seem to be in response to folks who like to thump their chests and show off their awards. But, as a long-time Cub Scouter I see this as doing a disservice to the Cub Scouting program and the Cub Scout leaders who put time and effort into their positions.

I would point out that in a well-run pack the Tiger Cub, Wolf and Bear, and Webelos Den Leader positions are specialties with different duties. As well, the Pack Trainer, Committee Members, and Assistant Den Leaders each have duties that don't really overlap yet would not be differentiated in the planned award system. While I'm sure there are many instances of pencil-whipping the awards for people filling positions, the checksheets for the awards demonstrate the work involved to serve in one of these Cub Scouting positions and where someone meets the requirements in their area of service they should be so recognized. The different awards and knots do that and allow the pack's leaders a way of rewarding adults who have stepped up and gone above just showing up.

Perhaps the committee felt there was a need to seek the lowest common denominator for awards. I get the feeling from the different things passed down from the National office that that may be where Cub Scouting will be in the next 5 or 10 years.(This message has been edited by JustAnotherScouter)

Why would the question be only rhetorical? We had a Tiger Den start late last month - had to wait for football to end before the kids had time.

This video may prove helpful

http://boyslife.org/video-audio/7437/how-to-fit-a-backpack/

As a CC for four years and a current CM, I can't think of too many "issues" that would make me think about removing a DL. Integrety of the BSA/Cub Scouting program and safety (not in that order) are about it. It's about the kids, not my ego.

CO/COR may just be names on a charter application and not active in pack operations. Some will just defer to the Cubmaster without question. I'd advise you to contact your Unit Commissioner or District Executive for advice. As mentioned earlier, you may not have a Commissioner, but you will have a DE. Call your council office for the names and contact info.

Right now it's just a local effort. I think the National Headquarters should be fronting these ad campaigns on the big 3 networks, Fox News, and CNN. Think of campaigns you've seen at different times from LDS, Episcopal Church, Methodists, even Scientology.

From here:

http://ideas.scouting.org/akira/dtd/23153-2119

cshelley 8 days ago

In the Philly media market we've pooled our resources and you'll see ads all over local and national morning shows as well as an occasional primtime show on network and cable. It's helped with new parents, but more importantly galvanized volunteers who are excited to see us advertising (Finally! They say).

We'll be on the radio al through October focused on popcorna nd Scouting generally (it is Poptober,afterall).

Our share of the cost? Less than $2,000. Thanks to Chuck Eaton & Marc Ryan in Cradle of Liberty for leading the charge on this. I guess a long way to say if you want it to happen, you can make it happen locally if you collaborate with other Councils that share your media market.

Craig Shelley, SE, Jersey SHore Council

Tracking forms, both PDF and Word, are found under the button on the webpage for posters.

http://ww2.scouting.org/100years/100years/content/PromotionalTools.aspx