Your Child, Cub Scouting, and You
Imagine a program that can help your child learn, grow, and mature while they are having fun. Imagine activities in which you and your child can participate together with the rest of the family and get to know each other even better. This is exactly what Scouting offers. Every activity gives you and your child the chance to discover and share together.
What does your child learn in Scouting? It is a lot more than crafts, games and outdoor skills. All the Cub Scout programs, in which you and your child will participate, are carefully designed to teach them something they will use throughout their life. These are just a few of the things your child will gain through Cub Scouting:
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A feeling of belonging to a positive and fun group of youth and caring adults.
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New social skills that will help them get along with others.
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Develop new mental skills--from reading and writing, to planning and organizing.
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A greater understanding of other people and the world around them.
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A system of “values” that will help them grow and make good decisions.
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A concern and caring for people, and even opportunities to help others.
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Self-confidence and stronger self-esteem.
With all the negative influence in society today, Scouting provides your child with a positive peer group and a program that is fun and adventurous and helps them to "be prepared" to shape their own future. Cub Scouting is fun! But it is fun with a purpose. Woven through all the fun is an inspired program that really works. Tried and proven methods are used that transfer traditional values, build character, and develop leadership skills--all in the context of fun and family togetherness.
The unique thing about Cub Scouting is that you, as a family, join in on the program with your child, and you will help them along the way. The family is the basis of Cub Scouting. It exists to support your family and help enrich your family time together. In Cub Scouts a different handbook is used at each grade level, with suggested activities that are age-appropriate for their developmental level. As your child advances through these books by working on activities with you, they will earn badges and other recognition that they can wear on their uniform. Therefore, you are an important part of your child’s success in Cub Scouting!
How Does Cub Scouting Work?
First and foremost, Scouting is Family Oriented. Activities are intended for the whole family, siblings included! You will work with your child on their various Adventures & Award requirements. Many of the skills your child will learn are family oriented. The Cub Scouting program takes place on two levels the Den and the Pack:
The Den
Your Child is a member of a Cub Scout Den, a small group of youth in the same grade level. The Den usually meets once or twice a month and is led by a Den Leader (parent volunteer). Each Den Leader establishes their own system and schedule for conducting den meetings. Den meetings have academic work, games, crafts, songs and lots of fun. Most of all den meetings are geared toward learning one point of the Scout Law each month. Activities generally are to be preceded by the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, & Scout Law, and are generally followed by a short Closing Ceremony. Activities are intended to be fun and interesting. Each Den is expected to take turns during Pack Meetings in the Opening Ceremonies, Skits, Songs, and Closing Ceremonies. Den Meetings may also consist of a field trip or “Go-See It” event.
The Pack
Your child and their den are part of a Cub Scout Pack. The “pack” consists of all the dens and other leaders. The pack meets together once a month at the Pack Meeting. Pack Meetings are held once a month September thru April, usually on the last Monday of the month. All Cub Scout families are invited and encouraged to attend. The Cubmaster leads the monthly Pack Meeting which is the climax of the month’s den meetings and activities. Pack meetings include presentations, skits, songs, and recognition of the scouts’ hard work by presenting them with awards and achievements they have earned that month. This is where families—not just parents, but siblings, too can see the achievements of their Cub Scout.
Pack Meetings are the primary way in which Cub Scouts receive praise and awards in front of their peers and we try to encourage our scouts with lots of it! Pack meetings may include: Greeting, Flag Ceremony (e.g.: Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, and Scout Law), Introductions, Songs, Den Skits, Advancement Recognition, Games, Announcements, and Closing Thoughts.