Alternate title: What do you get when you cross 20 Cub Scouts, a downpour, and an outdoor event? Mud...
Today was our first Cub Scout Pack Meeting of the year. We had limited attendance owing to the poor weather - it rained all day Friday, all day yesterday, and a good portion of this morning. So, needless to say, we went ahead with our outdoor event anyways - we're Scouts. That's what we do.
The first Pack Meeting of the year is intentionally planned as an outdoor, "track-and-field" type event. We have sack races, tug-o-wars, relay races, etc. for the boys to compete for bragging rights (which, among 7-11 year old boys, is serious business...). We set up a mock campsite complete with tents, fire pit, and sleeping/eating/cleaning gear for the new Scout parents to see what they're in for at the overnight next month.
Basically, it's a chance for the returning Scouts to get back into the swing of Scouting, and for the new Scouts to be introduced to the Pack in a fun, relaxed environment. The official uniform is not required for Track & Field Day; in fact, we prefer they wear old clothes, as they are going to get dirty...
It's interesting to see who's returning - and who's not. My goal this year, my last as Assistant Cubmaster before stepping into the Cubmaster role this coming March, is to increase communication among the Pack. A recurring issue I've heard from Den leaders and parents alike is that we often operate in "stealth" mode - only making plans at the last minute and quite often neglecting to inform key people in the organization.
I'm hoping to change that this year. Wish me luck...
That is all.
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3 comments:
As a Eagle Scout and Unit Commissioner who has worked with many units communication is a key to success of any unit. I recommend a website that is updated frequently along with a newsletter about what is going on in each den. But dont do this your self. Find a parent and get them evolved! Set deadlines for each den leader to get information about what they are doing back to the person you get to head the whole thing. This also lets you, and the unit committee to keep up on what is going on. It only needs to be one or two lines about each level but it makes a huge difference.
I also would stress that you should reach out to every one you can to get support. Parents, people in the community, and last but not least the BSA organization its self. There are 1000's of people like my self who volunteer at the district level to help support units and leaders.
Jacob Crouch
ASM Troop 226, Crew Advisor #326, Unit Commissioner Sha-bo-na district Illowa Council
Jay,
Good luck man. I finally finished up my stint as a troop leader with my boy (Eagle Scout, off to college) a year ago. Started as Den Leader for his pack and got to participate with him from Tiger Cub all the way to Eagle Scout. Lots of trail time, many weekend campouts, lost sleep, but would not trade it for anything.
Something about watching your son grow and step up to take responsibility & lead others is beyond words and worth all of the time & energy you invest. All I can tell you is to be patient, keep a sense of humor, and try not to throttle any of the scouts (or their parents).
Remember - it supposed to be just "one hour a week"...
Jay,
I'll second the comments from Jacob.
A website is a great resource. You can also form a yahoo group and ask people to join. The benefit of the yahoo group is the automatic email feature. It can be set up to send out reminders of activities, in advance or when changes are made.
Yahoo groups also allow files to be stored online, making it easier to distribute them. We've stored opening/closing ceremonies, packing lists for campouts, menu planner forms, by-laws, etc.
Thanks for being the type of person who volunteers to help out. From personal experience, it is greatly appreciated to have folks involved in their child's activities.
Former Assistant Scoutmaster & Former Scoutmaster - Troop 379 Arlington Texas.
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