A SUCCESSFUL CUB SCOUT PROGRAM?

Cub Scouting has just got to be fun. If it ain't fun, no one's going to stick around long enough to get any benefit out of it.

FUN FOR THE KIDS

Games, ceremonies and outings rule! Everything else is boring and dull. Gather a list of games, songs, sparklers, cheers and all the other zany stuff that will work for your pack. Fill your ceremonies with cheers, drama, explosions and such to make them exciting and memorable. What's wrong? Never been to a rock concert? Punctuate your calendar with lots of outings and service projects. Above all, don't hold meetings; they're boring! Put on productions.

FUN FOR THE ADULTS

Get everyone involved in the program. Give them a piece of the action whether it be setting up the room, participating in games or leading an outing. Don't let them sit still. Do away with long boring announcements. Instead, use skits, run-ons, or just hand out printed sheets. Did you ever go to a circus where the ring master read off a long string of announcements?

FUN FOR THE LEADERS.

If you're not having fun being a leader, then you're doing it wrong. Go back and review why you're doing this and start eliminating things that aren't fun. Talk it over with other Scouters, retake training, check out the Cub Scout Leader Book. Start changing things, because if you're not having fun then no one else is either.

If a boy's parents are not a big part of his Cub Scout program then all he gets from it is second-rate baby sitting. Don't cheat the boy by leaving out those people he lives with and loves.

PARENT AGREEMENT

Make sure that every parent is aware of what is expected of them at the moment the boy joins. At this age, his parents are his main role models, make sure they know what's expected of them.

PARENT MEETINGS

Regularly, meet with parents to ensure that they are up to date with how advancement works, what the pack is doing, house rules, and how they can help make their sons' Cub Scouting important and valuable. Do it as a pack and as a den. Do it in a back yard, a church basement or over coffee and sticky buns, but DO IT.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Hold parents to their agreement. Do as little advancement in the den as you can. Push the projects home. Make sure your pack activities are so interesting that parents don't dare stay away. Get every parent involved by bringing them into the action. Give them jobs, responsibilities, and ownership. As a leader, never, never, never do anything that you could pass off to another parent. Let each boy see his parent be a Hero.

PARENT RECOGNITION

Make sure that parents get rewarded for their efforts. Do it with ceremonies, in your newsletters and web sites, or just a quick round of applause.

Keep a clear vision of why we are doing all this. Yes it's fun, but keep on track.

THE IDEALS

The things a boy learns on the Bobcat Trail, the Cub Scout Motto and Promise and the Law of the Pack. Use these as sign posts and guides at all Cub Scout functions

PURPOSES OF CUB SCOUTING

Every Activity, must somehow lead to or support one of these purposes:
Character Development
Spiritual Growth
Good Citizenship
Sportsmanship
Family Understanding
Respectful Relationships
Personal Achievement
Friendly Service
Fun and Adventure
Preparation for Boy Scouts

SCOUTING'S CORE VALUES

Citizenship
Compassion
Cooperation
Courage
Faith
Health and Fitness
Honesty
Perseverance
Positive attitude
Resourcefulness
Respect
Responsibility

Connecting Core Values to Outdoor Activities

As in all applications of the art of MAGIC, study and diligent practice are essential in order to achieve the best results. Some arrive at this state of grace by studying at the feet of district trainers and others by poring over the incantations and wizardry inscribed in Cub Scout Leader's Book and other ancient tomes.
Yet other make wax images of the RT
Guy and stick sharp pins in them (not recommended.)