Cubmaster Jerry

Just finished with Fall Round-up. 60 (yes, you read that right) new boys. That will almost double our current roster. I had three new leaders sign up so that only leaves me short by 3-5 leaders. Now the real work begins. Hope everyone else did well this year. Gotta love it!!

Stunned and in awe. I think that best explains how I feel right now. I do not live near the affected areas nor do I even know anyone who does live there. But the feeling of helplessness is overwhelming. I'd like to jump in the car an head south to help in whatever way I could. However I am content in knowing that my responsibilities in the US Air Force, which include providing back-end support for humanitarian military operations, will allow me to fullfill that desire. Not since 9/11 have I (and I am sure all of us) felt such an empty feeling. However, I do share many of the s

"Den leaders don't need detais on pack operation they need to know Den operation and just enough of the pack to know where they fit in. Den leaders should not be running family camp and trying to lead the Den at the same time." Ok, everyone raise your hand if you are part of a Pack that has Committee leaders that are distinctly separated from Den Leaders. Anyone? Anyone? No, I didn't think so. Bob, while I am right with you about staying within your associated responsibilities (in fact, I would almost call myself hard nosed about it), nearly every leader in a unit handles a multit

Madkins, while I can't say that I follow you into BW's camp, you (and BW) do bring up a point that extreme anchor cases should be dropped. You are also correct in that we are not necessarily equipped with the know-how to turn anchors into sails. This brings me back to my point that LPC_Thumper redirects to - the ability of working with people's strengths. Most people can and will do something that reflects positively on the program. While we may certianly not possess the ability to change peoples attitudes habits, we are also probably not equipped to judge one's opinions and abilities

Someone that goes camping in your Pack must be Baloo trained. No expiration date that I know of. Jerry

There are three Cub leader specific training sessions - Tiger, Cub (Wolf/Bear), and Webelos. If you are moving from Wolf to Bear, you do not need to take any Leader Specific training.

Novice CM hit the nail on the head. This is a big Committee leadership problem. Everyone has to be on the same page. At your next meeting, find out why plans were changed. If you get answers that sound like excuses, then there are probably deeper issues within the Pack Committee. If that is the case, it may be uncomfortable, but those need to be worked out.

Bug your Chartered Organizational Rep. If you wait until you know what is going to happen, it may be too late. You may end up getting more frustrated, your Pack's finances may continue to be a mess, and you may lose more boys. Your CC is out of line in making those kind of changes. He is also out of line in the manner he spoke to you. It is clear that he doesn't understand or respect the idea behind a committee and his responsibilities in it. I am sure you are aware that the Chartered Organization in charged with selecting members of the Pack committee, including appointing the Commi

If I were a gambling man, I would bet that kids would more likely lose interest if meetings were scheduled less than two a month rather than get burned out from having one every week. At the younger ages, it is more the convenience of the parents. However, I think that during the last two - three years of Cub Scouting the boys start to become more involved with other activities and playing more with friends. If Scouts isn't there constantly, they will forget the fun involved and choose not to go. Most begin (and continue) in scouting because their friends are involved. If they can get tha

Whenever I provide guidance to my den leaders, I always tell them that I would highly recommend (and wish I could mandate) that they have at least two den meetings per month. Three if they could swing it. This does not include Pack meetings or Pack outings, depending on what they are. What are your thoughts? I have been a den leader before and I scheduled meetings every week except pack meeting weeks. My argument behind this primarily supports the fact that the more meetings there are, the more the boys are involved and easier to maintain interest in the program. I have also

Ok, Bob. It is certainly apparent that we have differing philosophies. And I think we are quickly getting back to a discussion state that this post was spun from. Shall we move on? So, referring to my other post in here (4 up from here), how do we create better sails? Jerry

"They become good leaders ONLY if they make the internal decision to change. Usually that NEVER happens." I would very much agree. But hopefully if the unit is in total disarray, you can rally enough additional parents to force that change. Those at Council or District level get paid to right these sinking ships. "Stepping onto a leaking boat is a waste of time if you do not have the authority to plug the leak." But then do you just allow the boat to sink with all aboard or do you find someone who does know now to fix a leak? Maybe your specialty is driving the boat. "If

Back to working on retaining sails... First, I will limit my group of "anchors" not to those who have a total disregard for the scouting program or are in it for self satisfaction. I would like to think that these are in the minority. I am labeling anchors as those who maybe don't drag a unit down but certainly don't contribute to the success of the Pack. This type of leader typically just holds den meetings and comes to Pack meetings. Not much else. His/her boys advance and as far as the CM can tell, the program is followed, but more involvement is desired. Keep in mind the followin

"Dying units can be saved. Still the idea that a unit that has an ever changing roster will always do the same thing or act the same way, just doesn't make sense to me. " Was this pulled from the stones of the Commandments?? I have said this before and I know others may disagree. Don't run from a dying program. It's all too easy to spot a dying program and not want to be a part of it, not asking yourself "What can I do to make it better?" " We're dealing with people here, so the black/white approach isn't very effective or appropriate. All these Scouters and potential volunteers

Right on the money, Bob. And I think that is why the majority of us are in scouting, to make a difference (vs. say self glorification).

I am not indicating that I would knowingly welcome a "bad" leader simply to fill a spot. That would be foolish on my part. But, if I have a den of boys who do not have a leader I have but few options. I can take the den myself (I had two last year!) or I can continue to ask those parents to step up until someone does. If one does, they probably aren't going to be as excited as I am about the responsibility but hopefully they are willing to learn and follow the program. As CM, it is my job to guide them in the right direction. I have found many a "diamond in the rough" by proding reluctan

Many good points, Bob. However, it might not be as easy as that to remove people or turn away prospective leaders. While I push training in my unit every single committee meeting, I hardly have a footing to stand on if I tell someone they can't be a leader if they don't take that training. And some I just can't get to go there unless I bound and gag them. I can only continue to promote, encourage, pay for, and even offer rides to training sessions. Training is not (Shhh) REQUIRED. And, those leaders that I have that aren't trained may be good Den Leaders. We have to travel almost 40 min

So, can I assume that your Pack doesn't do anything (camps, outings, ceremonies, etc)? Since it is painfully obvious that the current committee is either unaware or unmotiviated (or both) to do anything that would improve your program, are you in a situation to take the lead and run? While I am probably the the most hard-nosed person when it comes to keeping within the boundries of your specific responsibilities as a leader, and this is going to sound similar to a coup but something needs to be done. What if you stepped in and said something to the effect of "This is what we need to do

good points, ScoutNut.

First, I would agree with Bob, choose to help the Pack or choose to help the Special Needs. Unless you have a ton of time on your hands, just one of those will probably require the majority of your efforts. Second, does the Committee Chair and other committee members see you as a person selected by the DE to come in and "fix" a problem or as a parent wishing to help out that sees a problem? If it is the former, you may have some difficulty getting your ideas across as people tend to get defensive when they are made aware that they are not doing a good job. Third, How does the rest

I agree with the others. There really isn't a whole lot more that you can do. And even though it may be desirable, I wouldn't even go as far as deciding on my own to NOT give him meds when you are charged with doing so. However, the next time you are charged with doing so, I might ask the father if you can hold off on giving them, referring back to the positive experience from the last time. Good luck, Jerry

Sure. Let's say that you are selling something and the full amount of the Pack's profit is $5 per item. $2.50 of that goes to the Pack and each scout gets the other half of that profit for his account. Therefore, if a scout sells 10 items, they then have $25 in their account. Of course, you can adjust the percentage the boy gets if you need to. We use 50% because the Pack's 50% is enough for us to pay for our program. This money can only be used by them. Their account stays with them throughout their Cub Scout career and any money at year end rolls over to the next. They cannot transfe

Here is another idea for Fund Raiser profit. We do something similar to what you suggest. However, instead of designating it specifically for dues, we put half of all profit the boy makes into an account specifically for him. This money can be used for anything scout related - dues, uniform, camping supplies, summer camps, patches - whatever. The Den Leaders make the parent aware of how much is in the account on a regular basis. When the parent makes a "qualified" purchase, they turn the receipt in and get reimbursed. Boys who do well with fund raisers typically have $100 - 150 in t

mbscoutmom, I apologize if this sounds a bit derogatory. This is not my intention whatsoever. I am certain that there isn't one Pack financial plan that is the same and the method you describe may work perfect for you. I am sure there are nuances to your plan that I am not aware (and that's ok) but hashing out a few of your numbers (still in that mode from my planning mtg), I came up with this: - you are collecting $3 per month (I assume for only 9 months) for registration and Boys Life. Registration is only $20.80 a yr for these. Thus you are already collecting $6 per boy per year t

I would also be very interested in ideas to better prepare 2nd yr Webelos for Boy Scouts. Not just through the use of a single event but a plan for the entire year. Den Chiefs are a good idea and I had planned on incorporating them more. But, as you indicate, Leaders need to be educated on how to use them. Regarding ceremony ideas for graduating Cubs. We, too use a ceremony similar to what ScoutNut describes. It is very effective for the event. There are a number of Ordeal Teams, as they are called in my area, that put on a 30 - 45 minute ceremony that includes Boy Scouts dressed up