Newbie Den Leader

kraut-60, There's really nothing you can do about it. The adult leader will be accountable to G2SS at some point in time. This scout could be a "work-in-progress" and the boy scout program may be just what he needs to develop his character. His cigarette problem may be his last "vice" to overcome and put him on a path to healthier living. If you're a praying man (reverent), then pray for this Scout that he will grow to be an outstanding young man. As for BSA Policy? In my NLE course, adults who must smoke at Scout Events are advised to go to an area that's far away from the boys

"One of them had a tan shirt on, but with only the U.S. flag patch on. My thinking was, that the adult leaders should be setting the correct example. What are your thoughts???" He may be a new leader and is currently a "work-in-progress". Maybe he just bought the shirt and did not have the time to sew on the patches before the meeting. Maybe his leader position in the troop is yet to be clearly defined and he is waiting until later to purchase his position patch. In any case, he made the effort to be in uniform and is trying to be an example for the boys. However, if hi

Then every single item in the Scout Shop and in the catalog could be considered a "fund raiser". Nothing is sold at vendor cost. Yes, I understand that. Scout shops provide fund raising revenue for the BSA. Thats fine and I have no problem with that. My point is if National Supply is paying less to the suppliers, then they can pass that savings on to customer and still raise funds for the BSA. Still, I have a feeling that people would still complain about the cost of the uniform even if it was sold for 1/4 or 1/3 of the prices they have now.

"I'd have liked to see a training staff place emphasis on the cub program not only as a means (to stock boy scout troops) but also as an end in itself. We don't run the program only to feed troops." Amen! If membership statistics are correct, many Cub Scouts will probably not continue into Boy Scouts. With that in mind, it's important that I help deliver a meaningful and purposeful program for the Cubs right now. There is no benefit to Cub Leaders to spend an excessive amount of training time discussing the details of Boy Scouts or Venturing. Trainers should remind Cub Leaders t

I wear the 100% cotton shirt short-sleeve. It's only $5.00 more than the poly/cotton and the material quality is far better. The material is heavier weight which gives it a nicer, more classic appearance. It does require ironing but it irons easy.

I would expect at lease a 25% decline in price. If that does not happen, then National Supply is basically doing a "fund raiser".

QUOTE: "Here's my idea.... As a GS troop leader, I could blend what I've learned from being a Webelos leader with the expectations of a Junior Girl Scout troop -- up the bar scoutcraft-wise. As a Cub Master, why couldn't I invite the GS troop to our pack meetings, if not every one, at least periodically? Since a pack isn't "boy led", I think it could work and not be disruptive to either program. What do ya'll think?" Go for it! It's not uncommon to invite guests to a Pack meeting. Have them give a talk about what they do or make some kind of presentation/demonstration t

Greg, It's nice to meet a fellow Circle 10 camper! I'm glad you and your son had a good time. I agree with you - the camp was well run and high quality. I'm not sure why the cost was $90, but I'm sure it was to cover the cost of the 4 meals and possibly (i'm guessing) provide a little fund raiser for the camp. The families in our Pack are not poor, but a $90 price tag and a 90 mile drive does cause folks to think twice. We did not get any verbal objections about the price of Dad N' Lad, but I think some parents were hoping for a "family camp" that would cost much less and invol

We promoted the Dad N Lad/Mom N Me in our Pack but the response was low. Out of 35 registered boys, we had 4 go. Initially, we had a strong response of interested parents, but things dropped off quickly when the baseball season began of which many of our Cubs participate. Even with our issue, these events require more commitment from the parents because of travel time, cost, and the desire to camp outdoors in tents. Some parents dislike camping or dont have the equipment and its not really a workable option for them. Im not complaining. Our Pack schedule is so full right now of vari

Brian, If you're doing it for the love of Cub Scouts, then go for it and best wishes to you. I wish you we had you in our Pack because no one would step up and be a Tiger DL and we ended up losing our Tiger Cubs. If you stay with the Pack, offer your experience and help but make room for moms and dads that would like to fill lead positions. Even though you have experience, be ready to be an "assistant". A trained and experienced assistant can provide advice and counsel and be a strong asset to the Pack.

My son and I just got back from a combined Dad N' Lad/Mom N' Me campout sponsored by our Council at Camp James Ray (Cirle Ten Council). It was lots of fun with nature hikes, orienteering, BB guns, archery, leather craft, games, flag ceremonies, and a scout's own service on Sunday morning. All meals were provided in the dining hall. Best of all, you can go to one of these without planning an "agenda" for your den or Pack. It's just you and your son. Has anyone experienced these type of campouts?

Alot of excellent suggestions posted here! Cubbymaster, I would add that it's also helpful if one or some of the Pack leaders are "active" members of the CO. This creates a stronger, more personal relationship with the CO. If membership is not possible, then at least develop a friendly alliance with them and be supportive of some of their needs and projects. Best Wishes to your Pack.

Cub Scouts is designed to meet the physical, mental, and emotional issues of young boys. Young girls have the Girl Scouts and other organizations that address their physical, mental, and emotional needs. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel.

I don't know BSA policy on this, but in our Council, June 1st is considered the crossover date. After June 1, the boys move up to the next den. Good Luck. Keep in mind that the boys can still earn an Arrow of Light without a Wolf or Bear badge. The Bobcat is always needed.

Majrgreen1, I would still emphasize writing a letter to the parents and introducing the new leadership with a sincere public thank you to the old leadership. Regardless of BSA policy, if the Pack leadership approved (voted in) the new leadership, then all of you need to step up, support each other and move forward. A unified front is needed against former leaders that refuse to let go. I realize that the CO or COR has the final say, but if your Pack is like mine, the CO is not active in the leader selection process. The worst thing that can happen is they can kick you out for doin

QUOTE: "but they still do not want to turn the pack over to the new leadership that has already been voted in..." Your Pack Committee should recognize only those that have been voted in. In a letter to the cub parents, formally introduce the new leaders and give a thank you to the past leaders for their service. Emphasize that all questions about pack activities and meetings should directed to the new leadership. If this letter angers any of the past leaders, then you have confirmed that they are not worthy of any leadership position in Scouts.

cajuncody, Pinewood Derby is a long tradition in Cubs, but there is no requirement for a leader to be involved with it. I sympathize with your feelings. Stay with Cubs, but step back from the Derby. Pinewood Derby should be FUN while teaching the elements of fair play and good sportmanship. Sadly, there are too many DADS or MOMS building these cars for their sons and they take it way too seriously. It's not the kids that ruin it, it's the parents. The Core Values that should be taught in Cubs are often lost and forgotten in the Derby.

"In the end, we are judged at all the levels by our program. And it's the boys (and their families) that do the judging. Good programs will bring them in, lack of program/training/camping/you-get-the-idea will keep them away. Problems enter in when the boys/$$ start to walk and the adults look for excuses rather than beefing up the program." That pretty much sums it up. I would also add "communication" with the parents is very important. Don't announce upcoming events at the last minute and expect great attendance. Plan early, announce early, and remind often. Schedule phone cal

"we know (or very strongly suspect) that he has done all the requirements, but he has no surviving documentation ... " If you and the other leaders are confident that he has done the requirements, then have him buy another handbook and select one of the leaders to sign-off on the requirements. If there is uncertainty about some requirements, then verbally quiz him on the spot. Don't hold him back from getting his 1st Class just because he was the only one holding all of his advancement records. The Troop should have been keeping a record of when he earned his Tenderfoot and 2nd Cl

I picked up a pair of "new" condition uniform pants for $20 from E-bay. Much better than $45 to $55 at the Scout Shop. I always check E-Bay before I go to the Scout Shop.

CS-GS, I was going to suggest that you consider being a Cubmaster for your Pack, but it sounds like you have your hands full being involved in both Girl Scouts and Cubs and that may not be feasible for you. In many situations, with a Pack size of 10 boys, you can be both CM and den leader without a problem. This would save your Pack and allow the boys to finish out their Cub Scout program before they crossover to Boy Scouts. You might even pick up some recruits along the way. With your experience and care, you can provide a quality program for the Cubs. A small Pack can still b

The QU award may encourage goal setting, but I still do not place much value on it because the dynamics of a Cub Scout Pack can change so quickly from year to year. For example: A nearby Pack in our district that earned the "2005 Quality Unit" award no longer has a Cubmaster and a key Den Leader. In a very short period of time, they went from "quality" to falling apart. They have no adults willing to step up and take over. Our Pack recently took them under our wings in order to keep their Pack alive and invite their Cubs to join our meetings and outings. I don't think the a

QUOTE: All our our papers are in order but one. A 501©(3) that states the church in charitable and nonprofit. The church refuses to provide it, and I recently found out that they have refusewd to in the past from an old pack member. I know this really isnt the core issue that youre dealing with, but not all churches will have a 501c3 status. Churches automatically have tax-exempt status and are not required to file as a 501c3 corporation, especially if they are a part of a well recognized denominational structure. Your CO may not have a 501c3 to provide to you. Good luck work

Politely request the advancement chair (AC) to tell you when junior has completed a belt loop so you can update your progress record for your den. Tell all parents, including the AC, that they must turn in the achievement checklist to you before they are awarded a belt loop. This may not prevent this situation from happening again, but at least you have taken a step to make sure the AC understands proper protocol for acquiring badges and achievements. If it happens again, I would not make a serious issue of it. At this level of Scouting, the achievements are signed off by the parents

Tell the pack leadership that you want to become the Cubmaster (assuming you can get another CO) and begin transforming the Pack to an excellent scouting program. If that offer offends them, then... Transfer your den to another Pack and let them benefit from your leadership skills.