ScoutMythBuster

3 reasons ... first they don't look around them, second they dont ask, third they do not bother to look it up.

Plus nobody points it out to them

We usually judge ourselves more negatively than others. It sounds like you did great!! The main objective is communicating and you covered what you had to, sounds like you had some fun too. What else can you ask for?

Cubs, Boys, Venturers ... it's all Scouting! Forget another book, people do not read the ones we have.

I spent a number of years in the Armed Forces, and I have the BSA uniform book. I hate it when people do stuff like you mentioned. We have uniform regulations for a reason. Baden Powell states if you show me a poorly uniformed Scout I will show you a poorly uniformed leader. (I think I got that right). If the leaders don't abide by the standards the boys can't and won't.

I agree, this is one of the dryest activity pins. Sometimes it is best to just cover the material, make sure the boys understand it and say sorry, i know it's boring. Kids sometimes get insulted when you try to make boring fun.

I hate District Maps!! All of the Packs in your area should represnted by NIGHT YOU MEET! Make it convient for mom and dad.

As for you being the new Cubmaster, congrats!! You CC should have made the transfer of power a big event so there is no doubt and that everybody knows that this is your new position. I know you are not trying to tute your own horn but if it is not clear what the chain of command is there will be problems. As for what is your job and what the committee does ... you need to decide that. Some Cubmasters rely heavy on their committee while others just consults the committee. I know what the book says but the writers of that book are not in your shoes and only you know what is going on at your Pack Meetings. Trust and work with your Den Leaders. You are the front line in your efforts to teach these cubs.

Congratulations!!

I took over my Pack in May of 2009. By June I had my Trained Strip. But, alas, I am a glutton for punishment because in July of 2009 I ressurected our long dead Boy Scout Troop and also became its' Scoutmaster. I have spent the last year and a half trying to straighten out many of the urban legends that most districts and councils have. So, to that cause I am now my District Training Chair.

The best advice I can give to a new Cubmaster is simple:Do Your Best! Boys are going to join and quit. Find out, if you can why they quit. Scouting is not for everybody so do not take it personally, but if there is a problem you need to fix it. Trust your leaders and help them develope a good, fun program. I know the book says that the Committee Developes the Program, then if they develope let them carry it out. It also says that the Committee developes your menus for camping, well if they plan it let them cook it. You are the one the one directly in charge and who people look to for guidenance. Train your Den Leaders and encourage them to follow the Handbooks. Keep it simple and entertaining. The boys need to learn but do it through games and adventure.

I have recently taken a District Position as a Training Chair after causing much trouble over the real rules vs traditions.

Traditions, after being followed for long a time become "rules" and "requirements". It starts as little things, a Scoutmaster adds a requirement; a Merit Badge Counselor modifies the course to better suit the counselor. A rule is created to limit the number of people that need to take a training course. Whatever the reason, it is wrong.

A heated debate arose in my council when I unveiled the deception behind the Den Chief Requirements, a Scout must be First Class. Once it was uncovered it went from a Requirement to a Recommendation. Once I researched the requirements I found out the actual requirements were just an older scout, chosen by the Scoutmaster, approved by the Cubmaster and the Committe. Simple, direct and no need to complicate it.

I am just seeing what others think about this and what experiences people have had.

First: The Boy Scout handbook, Scoutmaster handbook, and Venturing Manual does not state that a Den Chief needs to be at a certain rank to serve that position. However, as the Leadership Training Committee Guide states, The den chief is selected by the Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout Coach, or Venturing Advisor upon request by the Cubmaster, and approved by the Cubmaster and pack committee for recommendation to the den leader.

Second: Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, Districts and Councils must stop implementing their own rules or defining positions so it better fits their needs. National spends alot of time and effort making the rules so that all can enjoy the program. According to National their has never been a Rank Requirement. This is a Requirement many Packs, Troops and Districts have imposed.

Third: When this type of "Urban Legend" happens only the youth suffer. For instance, 25 boys were seperated during training at a POW-WOW last year because they were not First Class. Trainers start to enforce these false requirements as if they were real.