Cubmaster Mike

We run about 50 scout cars and 20 sibs/adult cars

We run all the scouts first and get 1st through 3rd in each den. Once the scouts are done we switch to sibs and adults. The whole derby takes 2 to 2-1/2 hours

The scouts who don't want to stay are fee to leave, but 90 percent stay to the end.

Okay gang, after five years in the Cub Program it's time to make the jump. Arrow of Light next February followed by bridging.

I have not been involved with a Boy Scout unit in 12 years. I've visited three troops with my own Webelo and his den and have seen some nice things and other things I'm not crazy about.

So let's hear from the group-

What should we be looking for?

What's a no-no and what's a yes-yes?

The boy has his preference, but I want to make sure we're not overlooking a potential problem. I know we can always switch, but we'd like the first choice to be right.

CMM

Thanks for the trip down memory lane Eamonn. I have dear memories like that from childhood as well. But den mothers having meetings in the afternoon at their home and all the neighborhood boys wearing their uniform to school doesn't happen anymore. 21st century pack leadership is not the same. That's why National updates the program.

Who said anything about having DLs, CMs, or CCs do anything else? Everyone gets all up in arms about working your position and being asked to do more. Scoutnut and KC, where do you see anywhere in this thread that people in positions are being asked to do more? I think Chuck is asking about those who are not registered leaders being asked to chip in and help.

There is a difference between being a registered leader and helping out at an event. I agree that it is not feasible to have every parent a registered leader. We have parents who would not be approved by the Council as a registered leader. They can still volunteer to help at Pack events.

Reading through this post and the previous thread it appears that the ones who would not like being told it was mandatory are the ones who are already volunteering heavily at the unit, district and council level. You're doing your part and the intent would not be to get you to do more. This is aimed at the others who never go onto a website like this.

I've talked about this post to some leaders in our area and we get a good chuckle about those cub packs who say they would never require anybody to do anything to help. We see those units here and it isn't pretty. 5 parents doing the work of 20. Those units are usually very small and on the edge. If a parent moves out of town or has additional work commitments, events get canceled because there is no back-up personnel or plan. Or it becomes a group of 3 or 4 doing the work of 20.

A pack is a structured organization. To be successful, it needs to depend on people who can be assigned tasks and be expected to carry them out. Granted, some do this better than others, and we try to match the task to the ability. And yes, that includes giving them a choice of tasks.

Some people lead and some people need to be led. One of the goals of the program is to give these boys the tools to be a leader someday. We demonstrate that through the leadership structure. You lead by doing and you assign tasks to others to help you.

It has been said that some parents work 60 hours a week or more and can't volunteer. Nonsense. If you're a parent you will spend some time with your boy. You can show up at a Blue and Gold dinner and pass out napkins, or you can help lead a den meeting one night or you can scoop ice cream for an hour or two at a social event or something else. The idea is NOT to commit these folks to do it year 'round, the idea is to help out in some manner at some event. Plain and simple.

Dropping of a boy at a den meeting, not going with him to any event, not helping out at any event, leaving someone else responsible for your child full time, while you're busy elsewhere-- We call that babysitting or daycare here. Yes, there are cub parents that I can count the number of times that I've seen them during the year on one hand. But one of those times was to help at an event.

We ask them to volunteer with a smile on our face, they say yes, and no one has ever left because of it.

By the way, we have gone from being the smallest pack in town to the largest. Our program is full of fun activities such that boys come from other schools (and towns) to ours.

Now I am a commissioner. I help out packs that are in trouble. Why are they in trouble? Two reasons- failing to follow the program or lack of volunteers. And more often than not, lack of volunteers is the reason.

Sure I'd love it if every unit had parents lining up to lead and taking part all on their own. But it's not the case, so we give them the incentive to step forward.

CMM(This message has been edited by Cubmaster Mike)(This message has been edited by Cubmaster Mike)

The Pack gives each AOL winner a ceremonial arrow at AOL ceremony. Usually we make the ones they sell though national supply. Pretty nice.

At the crossover, before they go over the bridge, as the Cubmaster I would give each boy a cub scout coin (the square one available in teh scout shop).

I tell them that when they cross over the bridge they will no longer be cub scouts. The coin has the cub scout promise and the motto on it and I hope that when they look at it in the future, they will remember fondly all the fun things we did together. They seem to really like it.

CMM

My uniform is the most worn piece of clothing in my closet!

As a Cubmaster, I wore the full uniform for all Pack meetings and community outings- shirt, pants, leather scout belt, socks, neckerchief, just not the hat. For formal outings such as graduation, AOL, parades, memorial and veterans day, I add the campaign hat.

During the week, I would visit and monitor den meetings at different locations. Since I was usually coming from work, I would wear my scout shirt and neckerchief and whatever pants or slacks I had on that day.

Now as a Commissioner, I always show up at an outing in full uniform. For camping, I have quite a selection of scout event tees, which I mix with scout shorts or pants and a scout ball cap or Cubscout wide brim hat. The zip off pants are quite comfortable on campouts.

CMM(This message has been edited by Cubmaster Mike)

We have mandatory volunteerism and it works. We handpick the den leaders, cubmaster, committee chair and other critical positions. These go to those who look like they have the potential to be successful in those positions.

Everybody else gets three choices-

take a one year position working with boys (assistant den leader, etc.)

OR take a one year position working with adults (committee positions)

OR work at two pack events- if you chair an event (like Pinewood derby) that counts as two events.

We plan the yearly calendar then fill in the blanks that we had chosen (and had agreement on) and then we hand out pens and tell everyone to put their name on a blank (the positions are posed on the wall). Those families that do not volunteer on their own or are absent are asked to pick their choice of the remaining blanks.

It works very well and we're pleased with it.

CMM

Thanks for the input. Regarding electronics, our posted rule is simple. We tell them that ipods and gameboys are allowed in the family vehicle for the ride up, but are not allowed outside of the vehicle once they're in camp. The outdoor experience is the ultimate interface.

CMM(This message has been edited by Cubmaster Mike)

Last year for the first time, we had a family bring a dog to a pack family campout. There was no notice given, the family just showed up with a chihuahua at the campout. It wasn't any real problem, I was just startled to see a dog show up when the family had not even asked if it was okay. As I said, the dog was well behaved, not one those barking miniature maniacs.

Fast forward a year. Since I am no longer the cubmaster, I totally forgot about the dog from last year and it did not get into my write-up notes. So gueass what happened last weekend- the same family came again and showed up with TWO chihuahuas! Once again, the dogs were well behaved and quiet.

Now I know that at least two other families there have large dogs at home and a third family in attendance has a barking miniature maniac at home. I think I saw the wheels turning in their minds as they saw those two chihuahuas.

Looking ahead to next year, I think we should set the Pack standard. Dogs, like kids, do not always get along and I do not want to have several dogs show up and have an Alpha war on our hands. Any suggestions out there? Has anyone addressed this in an "after the event" manner like this?

And to foresee the question- yes, I have two labradors at home- one is a house dog and the other is a hunting dog. I would never consider bringing either along on a family campout.

CMM

When I took over the Pack, half of our boys were in uniform haf were not.

I was told that some could not afford it.

I was told that some came dirctly from soccer or baseball games and tha's why they were wearng their field uniform.

I was told that the uniform was not the most important thing.

We set up a uniform bank. Bring it to each den meeting. Call for a uniform inspection and if some do not have a part of the uniform, have the boys pick up a pair of pants or shirt if they need one from the basket.

Created our own Pack uniform hat that the boys are proud to wear.

Told the parents that if they can change in the car on the way over to the soccer game,they can change into a uniform on the way to the Pack meeting

Told every registered leader to get a uniform Have the Cubs inspect them

Had one leader complain, she left.

We now have typically 95% uniform at Pack meetings

Cubs or Scouts, the Leader sets the behavior standard. Scouts may be boy run, but it is still scoutmaster guided!

CMM

I got a glimpse of the new blue cub scout switchback pants coming out. Very nice. More durable material for boys on their knees a lot. Carpenter pants styling. Functional pockets. Looks like a winner! Has anybody heard whether the Boy Socut switchback pants will move on to a "version 2" to match the cubbies new style?

CMM

We had the same situation in our pack Mom. Previous CM did not sing at all. As the current CM I say we sing so we sing! Every pack meeting, every campout, every derby. We even have dens leading fun songs now! Some tips to get them started-

Introduce that we are ALL going to sing. Tell them that if they have a voice like a frog.... then sing like a frog!

We meet in the school cafeteria. Have the boys sit in dens and the parents on the benches directly behind them. The further away, the less involved they get.

Start off with fun repeat after me songs. Some boys can read music, some can't. One line at a time is easy to handle.

Sing your verse as loud as you can. After the first verse, scold the boys and the parents in a light amusing tone that you can sing louder than them. Challenge them to sing louder and tell the boys "that it's okay to raise their hand and point if they see their parent not singing." (Said with a wink and a smile on the face!)

Don't stand in one place. Move about. Action! If you have den chiefs get them up there with you leading the song. Keep smiling! If you look like you're having fun, the others will get into it!

Cheer like crazy after the song is over.

Gee, this kind of makes me want to sing.....

CMM

I am stepping down as Cubmaster in June after three years. I'm going to follow my boy to a troop.

But being the CM is fun! I will definitely be back after a few years after my boy has established himself. Wiil find a pack in need of assistance and offer it.

CMM

Our Webelos leader put together four compasses for eight boys, broke them into pairs and then had the pairs do a compass course, with an adult tagging along behind to make sure they didn't get too lost. It was easy putting together four compasses ands the boys got to try different models and see the differences.

CMM

The key is communication. Can't get to a TV, radio ro newspaper? Have them meet with someone who writes a newsletter for your school or church. Have them talk about how they do that.

CMM

I'm finishing my fourth year as a Cubmaster. It has simultaneously been the most rewarding and most frustrating job I have ever had. I would serve in this capacity for the rest of my life but it is time to move on. Every year, when we announce open positions, I make it known that I will gladly step aside for anybody who wants the job and would be very happy to assist them from the back of the room (out of the spotlight). Never had any takers.

My son is a Web1 now and will bridge next February. Last week at the Pack meeting I took aside four parents, told them that they all had what it takes to be CM and that it was time for me to move on. Offered to give them the brand new position binder I created, with all my resources, and would serve as Unit Commish (from the back of the room) for two years to help get them going and make them look good. No takers yet. But it is time. I want to follow my boy to his troop.

Will I serve as Cubmaster again in the future? You bet. When the boy leaves home and goes his way, I will go mine and come back. A little grayer but hopefully still able to lead action songs in front of a campfire. That age is so critical, and you can make such a difference in the life of a boy.

A good cubmaster will serve for at least two years. It is not one of those positions that should change yearly. Besides, it took me one year to figure out what I should be doing in year two! Serving longer? As long as you keep the door open for a new parent who wants the challenge and can adhere to KISMIF, serve more years. But think of it like a stage performance- always leave while they still want more.

CMM

(This message has been edited by Cubmaster Mike)

Just make sure you are in front of the elephants and horses.

[couldn't resist]

CMM

We've had them in the Pack for several years. I'm convinced that at least two boys don't own anything but them.

I'm the Cubmaster and I set the standards for the meetings. My rule is that you can use them outside in a responsible manner but you walk inside the room.

I also have two boys (brothers) who would rather be barefoot than heeled. I require them to wear footwear to all meetings.

None of this is in a policy. I set the standard and I don't talk to the parents about it, I take my request directly to the boys regardless if the parent is standing next to them.

Some things are allowed and some things are not. Any parent is allowed to discuss their issues with me and I will consider other viewpoints, but the final decision is mine. It may seem unfair sometimes, but I wear the blue and silver patch on my uniform and am the "Pack Program Executive."

Have not had a problem yet.

CMM

Games. Make them fun and if they teach a skill great. Example would be to show them how to throw a rope over a limb and then tie a timberline hitch around a log and lift it to the top pulley style. Time them on it. four way tug of war is good if you split them with Scouts who encourage them. Radioactive isotope games are fun and make them think. Be patient and make sure they all participate. Have a hip pocket activity for the shy ones who may hesitate to participate

Fire building demonstration with string burning is good.

Nature hikes are fun, but don't go overboard on the plant identification.

Campfire program with songs- teach them funny Boy Scout songs. 'repeat after me' songs are good to get them started.

Above all tell your scouts to show enthusiasm! We did a B&G last night and sent nine boys over to three troops. One of the troop's boys stood there slumped with his hands in his pockets until he had to take them out to put a scarf on a boy. Make sure the Scouts know they are role models- not tough guys looking cool.

CMM

Wow. Sorry to hear about your experience. If I was camping next to a Scout group like that I would be taking down their unit number and council and making a few phone calls when I got home. We don't need groups like that representing the BSA.

CMM

I live 20 miles from. It's times like this that embarass me and make me wish it was 200 miles.

On the other hand, sometimes I wish I lived in Berserkly so I could run for City Coucil and straighten up that mess!

CMM

Cub Scouts = family camping

family camping = family tents

'nuff said

CMM

Horsefeathers.

I just read several key issues in the follow-up with the mother.

1. Her son wrote a lie and she knowingly signed it. Not a shining example of the Oath or proper parenting.

2. Son is embarrassed to be seen as a Scout. Not committed to the program.

3. Threatened to quit if he had to wear a uniform. What's the next level of threat? Will he quit if he doesn't get his way on another item?

Keep the uniforms and if the boy can't handle it, then point him toward another program. I wouldn't change your troop program to keep a boy who lies, is embarrassed by scouting and threatens your organization with ultimatums.

CMM

It happens. Don't take it personally. For whatever reason, the jump from Bear to Webelos seems to suffer the largest drop. We lost 3 out of 12 this fall and picked up one new. Two were no surprise, but the third was a shocker.

CMM

We pro-rate dues for Web2s but not too much. ($25 verses $50) Arrow of Light is one of our most expensive ceremonies!

Our rule is simple. After a certain date, no dues-no awards. Sux for the Cubs but the parents get the point and we have never had to get to that step.

We work out payments if necessary, but free-loading is not allowed.

CMM