NewCubDad

I'll ask the district for recommendations. It'll upset the happy pack leaders, but I don't care anymore.

I've ranted about the problems with my pack before, and buckled down to do what is best for the boys in my den. Patience and hard work will eventually make the hard wo I've just returned from the monthly 'committee' meeting. Where I found out that the CO doesn't have an interest in the workings of the Pack and isn't interested (so the 'leadership' says) in helping out with popcorn sales, 75th anniversary activities, or pretty much anything else. The 'leadership' is very comfortable in their rut. When I asked about interest in family camping (or even getting a gauge of interest in

Great suggestions, and I've actually used this approach a couple of times already. The problem I'm having with it, though, is that there is such a "That's the way we do it" and "Those are just guidelines" mentality that it's not terribly effective. I'm not trying to suggest that there is a blatant disregard for the firm rules of scouting - there are no Bobcat turnings, abandonment of Youth Protection rules, or drinking at meetings or anything like that. It's mostly a culture of leaders who have been in Cub Scouts a while and are viewing the experience as an item on a resume. Ei

thanks ScoutNut The committee meeting isn't until 12/7, so I'll get a chance to address the CM's comment at that meeting. Hopefully in a diplomatic manner. I'm not too concerned so much about undermining my position in the Pack. Being so new, I don't have much to lose. It's the attitude of the boys in the Pack, Den & family that I don't want to undermine. Ranting to them while trying to build enthusiasm seems pretty counter-productive. Venting/ranting/complaining is done (for now). I'm focusing my energies on Den Meetings and plans for a guerrilla-style silliness attack

It's been brought to my attention that my last post may have been a bit out of line. I apologize, my comments were a bit too direct and not cloaked in the flowery prose of an experienced correspondant. I meant no offense or ill will towards any of you who took the time to respond to my questions and I'm certainly not offended or upset by anything that's been posted in response to my questions. Again, thank you very much for your advice.

First of all, my rants are limited to this forum as I am in no mood to undermine my own efforts with my den, my Pack, and my son. I've already started looking ahead & had considered asking to do my Den awards in the future. The advice received here is further confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction. I also understand that we're not looking for military precision and things will not always (ever?) go as planned. But I think the "Make It Fun" part needs to at least be in the planning. And yes, I did send an apology to the parents. I called each of them the night before

The continuing story..... Last night was the Pack meeting. In the first 5 minutes the CM confirmed what I'd learned this week, no one in the Pack (other than the CM) knew the name of the Charter Organization. He then went on to tell the Pack and rant about the ACLU and their attacks on scouting - pretty inappropriate for a Pack meeting, I think. After a while we got to the awards. What happened to making awards a special event for the kids? The CM called the Dens up, read the names off the cards, handed the awards to the boys, and sent them back to their seats. We finally go

Thanks guys, It sounds like I might have a bit of "Newbie" frustration combined with an apathetic leadership. As far as implementing the program, I have taken steps to make sure we have an adequate meeting place, utilizing Progam Helps, the Leader Handbook, Monthly Roundtables, Baloo's Bugle, etc. for things for the kids to do. The parents are starting to sign off in the Handbooks, the kids are leafing through the handbooks by themselves and we're on our way. I've also requested (a couple of times) a list of those who expressed interest in joining, but didn't join, for whatever

OK, here goes. Last spring my son brought home a flyer for cub scouts. We filled in our information and returned the form to the Pack. No response. Roundup came by and we attended the meeting at night. Apparently there was an expectation that the applications would be filled out completely and dues paid on the spot. Two days later, I received information about where to send the application. Then we find out that there are 'too many' wolves in an existing den and a new den will need to be formed with the boys who signed up at the roundup. None of the new families has been i