Pack Resource Sheet October 2018

Scout Law: Loyal

A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

Theme: Scout Salute

Cub Scouts will show their loyalty during this meeting by participating in several activities such as honoring the American flag, creating a pack banner, and hearing about loyalty from a guest speaker or demonstrating loyalty to a team through a pack game.

Preopening Activity: Loyalty Synonyms

Hide slips of paper with synonyms for loyal/loyalty throughout the room. Give participants a numbered list as they arrive and invite them to find and write down all the synonyms they find. Some synonyms are: devoted, steadfast, trustworthy, patriotic, ardent, staunch, dutiful, allegiant, attached, believing, constant, firm, resolute, steady, trusty, unfailing, unswerving, unwavering.

Opening Ceremony: We Salute You

Preparation: 6 Cub Scouts, picture illustrating each part, with lines on back.

#1: Some who we salute are obvious, local heroes like a police officer who risk their life to protect us from violence or the fireman who pulls people out of burning buildings.

#2: Others we salute are the ambulance drivers, para-medics, doctors, and nurses who save lives every day.

#3: Some people around us seem like regular people, but we salute them because they were soldiers in the military and served our country to keep us free.

#4: A hero is someone who does the right thing even when they are afraid of failure. They do it because it should be done. And we salute them.

#5: Some who should be saluted are harder to spot, but they are still there. These include blood donors, teachers who spend their time and energy helping kids, and kids who say “No” to drugs.

#6: Heroes are all around us. Please join in saluting all the heroes of our country by saying with me the Pledge of Allegiance.

Opening Ceremony: I Made a Promise

#1: I made a promise... I said that whatever I did I would do the best I could.

#2: I made a promise... to serve my God and my country the best I could.

#3: I made a promise... to help other people at all times the best I could.

#4: I made a promise... to obey the Scout Oath and Law the best I could.

#5: I have done my best, and I will do my best because I am the best... I am a Cub Scout.

#6: Will everyone now join us in repeating the Scout Oath.

Song: America! That's My Home!

Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic

Mine eyes have seen the beauty of this country where I live.

They have seen the generosity so many freely give.

There is not a better country in the world than where I live.

America! That's my home!

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, I'm American.

Never a better place that I have been.

Glory, glory, I'm American.

America! That's my home!

The freedoms that we share help to make us who we are.

I can live my dreams at home or be free to travel far.

I can set my sights upon the very farthest shining star.

'Cause America! That's my home!

(Chorus)

Advancement Ceremony: Salute to Our Heroes

Preparation: “Medals of Honor” made from construction paper or juice can lids and attached to loops of ribbon to be hung around the Cub Scouts' necks. Label the medals “HERO.”

CM: We salute our heroes. They are people who are not afraid to do what they believe is right. They are people who want to make things better for others. They are usually prepared and trained to do the job. And they will do their best even if they are afraid because it is important to them to do what is right.

The following Scouts are the heroes that we salute today. They have chosen to work hard and prepare themselves in life by learning Cub Scouting ideals. They are learning to be independent and successful, and happen to have a lot of fun along the way.

Please join me in congratulating the heroes who have earned their Bobcat rank. (Call out names of new Bobcats and their parents, present rank awards, and place medals around the boys' necks. Continue in a similar manner for each additional rank.)

Advancement Ceremony: Freedom Symbols

Materials: Awards attached to models or posters of the Statue of Liberty, the US flag (not an actual flag), the Declaration of Independence, Liberty Bell, Bald Eagle

CM: There are many symbols that have special meaning to American citizens. Tonight I would like to tell you a little about some of the symbols as we honor the boys who are advancing along the Cub Scout trail.

The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor welcoming people to our country. The inscription at the base of this statue reads in part, “I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” There is a golden door in Cub Scouting, and it is open to all boys. By walking through that door, each boy has an opportunity to learn about citizenship and to grow in character and fitness. The boys who receive the Bobcat badge tonight have just entered that door. (Call boys and parents forward,present awards)

Another symbol of our freedom is the American flag. It has been with our country from the beginning and stands for the past, the present, and the future of our country. The boys who have earned the Tiger badge are starting in Cub Scouting from the beginning. If they continue to advance, they will be the past, present, and future of Cub Scouting in our pack. (Call boys and parents forward, present awards)

The Declaration of Independence is one of many documents that established freedom in America. It was signed on July 4, 1776. The Wolf Cub Scouts are showing their independence and learning many new skills. (Call boys and parents forward, present awards)

One of the most beloved of our freedom symbols is the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell was rung in July 1776 calling the people of Philadelphia to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It is inscribed with these words: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land.” With their goodwill, the Bear Cub Scouts proclaim the spirit of Cub Scouting. (Call boys and parents forward, present awards)

I have one last symbol of freedom to talk about, the American eagle. The Bald Eagle was chosen as the emblem of our country because of its long life, great strength, and majestic looks. It represents a country that offers to its people freedom and opportunity. Our Webelos Scouts are soon to be Boy Scouts. They are the future of Scouting. They have the opportunity to continue a long life in Scouting, and they may aspire to advance in Scouting, to grow in strength and knowledge, and one day to receive the Eagle Scout Award. (Call boys and parents forward,present awards)

Congratulations! I am proud of each of you and your accomplishments. Continue to work hard as Cub Scouts and as citizens of our great country.

Cheers

Heart & Soul Applause: Pat one hand on your heart and the other on the soul of your shoe.

Constitution Cheer: “We the people, APPROVE!”

George Washington Cheer: “I cannot tell a lie; that was great!”

Superhero Cheer: “Up, up, and away!”

Fireworks Cheer: Look up, make a whistling noise and say, “Ooooh, Ahhh, Ooooh!”

Sparkler Cheer: Wave your sparkler around until it gets too close to your hand. Dance around and yell, “Ooo, eee, ohhhh, OUCH!”

Skit: Fireworks

#1 (stands looking up into the sky): Oooh, ahhh!

#2 (walks up to #1, looks up): What are you looking at?

#1: Fireworks! Want to watch with me?

#2: Yeah

#1 & 2 (looking up): Oooh, ahhh!

#3 (walks up to #1 & 2, looks up): What are you looking at?

#2: Fireworks! Want to watch with us?

#1, 2, &3 (looking up): Oooh, ahhh!

(Repeat with as many boys as you'd like)

Last boy (joining group): What are you all looking at?

All: Fireworks!

Last boy: Those aren't fireworks. They're fireflies!

#1: Oh! I just thought the fireworks were really far away! (walks off)

Cubmaster's Minute: Our Flag

Our flag stands for freedom and equality. It is the banner of a people who are still willing to lay down their lives in defense of right, justice, and freedom. It is the emblem by which we proclaim to the world that this is “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Our flag is an emblem of true patriotism- the patriotism of men and women who have lived and died, not for themselves, but for their country.

When we look at our flag- its stars and stripes, its vivid red, white, and blue- and read its story and hear its message, when we contemplate what our flag means and what it stands for, and when we consider the sacrifices made and the lives given so that our flag could still be flying over us today, we are quietly reminded to cherish, to protect, and to defend it.

Closing Ceremony: I Will Use

#1: This is my country. I will use my eyes to see the beauty of this land.

#2: I will use my ears to hear its sounds.

#3: I will use my mind to think of what I can do to make it more beautiful.

#4: I will use my hands to serve and care for it.

#5: And with all my heart, I will honor it.

#6: Please stand for the retrieving of the colors.

Cub Grub: Cub Salute Snack

Ingredients: graham crackers, white icing, blue sprinkles, red rope licorice, white chocolate chips

Frost graham crackers with white icing. Sprinkle blue sprinkles in a square in one corner. Place white chocolate chips in the blue square. Cut red licorice into thin strips and short pieces, place to create “stripes” in white icing to resemble flag.

Activity: Patriotic Caroling and Pack Parade

Instead of Christmas songs, take your den or pack caroling patriotic songs. Better yet, hold a pack parade. Participants can dress up in patriotic colors and march down the street singing patriotic songs, carrying flags and other symbols of America.

Game: Stars Relay

Place a bunch of paper stars, spread out, on one table. Place an empty bowl at the other end of the room. Divide players into teams and give each player a straw. Players suck up a star using their straw, run to the bowl, and deposit the star, then run back and tag the next player.

September 2018 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Loyal

______________________________

Supplemental Theme:  Scout Salute

______________________________

Cub Scout Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com

Elkhorn District Blog:  elkhorndistrict.blogspot.com

________________________________

LDS Scouting Handbook: https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/young-men/35814_scout-handbook_eng.pdf?lang=eng  
_______________________________

Upcoming Events

Leader Specific Training

Old Juniper District:  Thursday, September 27, 6:30pm-7:30pm, 600 E 120 S, Smithfield

Elkhorn District:  Saturday, October 13, 8am-11am, 110 S Main, Millville (NOTICE the date change)

Old Juniper District:  Friday, November 16, 6:30pm-7:30pm, 451 S 250 E, Smithfield

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is a leadership training course which delivers high quality skills and techniques for leaders in all areas of Scouting. It draws from a wide range of sources within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to model the best techniques for developing leadership and teamwork among both young people and adults.  Cost is $185.  Register at https://www.trappertrails.org/woodbadge

#4:  September 13-15 and 27-29, Hull Valley Scout Reservation

#5:  October 18-20 and 25-27, Camp Fife

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Learn more about the principles of Leave No Trace, and how to provide leadership and training for others.   Open to any Scout 14 and older and all adult Scouters.  Cost is $35, which covers 3 meals and materials.  Register online at https://www.trappertrails.org/outdoorethics

#3:  October 26-27, 6 pm-6 pm, Ogden Scout Office.  Contact Mike Adams at cradams@allwest.net or 307-679-1433.

Cub Pow Wow  Saturday, November 3, at the stake pavilion located at 360 E 450 N, Millville.  Bring your Bear Den to pass off the Beat of the Drum elective adventure.  We'll be making dream catchers, hearing Native American stories, and learning Native American dancing.

Cub Shooting Sports Event  Wednesday, February 6, and Saturday, February 9.  More details to come!
_________________________________
District Award of Merit
  The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level (a professional Scouter or employee who also serves as a volunteer Scouter may be eligible, based on volunteer service).  

Anyone may nominate, by using the form found at https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33720.pdf and turning it in to the Scout Office.  Please turn in nominations by December 31, 2018.
Let's nominate and recognize the great Scouters in our district!
__________________________________
The Path Forward:  The BSA and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Dear Scouting Families,

Thank you for your support of and involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. We recognize that for many of you, Scouting is a family tradition that spans many generations.

We are deeply grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for serving as the chartered organization of your Scouting unit as it has for millions of other Scouts over the past 105 years. Because of the Church’s need to provide a global program to its children and youth around the world, the Church has made the decision to restructure its own youth program and to discontinue its sponsorship of your unit after December 31, 2019. This change has left some families wondering how they can participate in Scouting beyond January 1, 2020. Many are also concerned that involvement in the Church’s forthcoming youth program might preclude them from Scouting. Please rest assured that Scouting will continue to be available to all youth and families that desire to participate, and that you may do so with the Church’s blessing. 

At the 2018 National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made the following statements, “This isn’t a divorce. It’s growth. We’re not in any way disavowing any of those virtues of Scouting. It is just the charter part that we are separating from…We are friends now and we will be friends forever. In 18 months when our charters are finished, we hope that many LDS youth who wish to do so will still choose to be in Scouting.”

Plans are already in motion to establish new unit sponsors in your community in partnership with, among others, PTAs, PTOs, schools, civic organizations, churches, businesses, and neighborhood associations. Meanwhile, please follow the recent guidance provided jointly by the BSA and the Church in which we were instructed that, “Until that date, to allow for an orderly transition, the intention of the Church is to remain a fully engaged partner in Scouting for boys and young men ages 8-13 and encourages all youth, families, and leaders to continue their active participation and financial support.” In addition, please remember to continue to enroll your incoming 8-year-old Cub Scouts to ensure that they receive the full benefit from the Scouting program and to ensure that registered Scouts are encouraged to continue to be involved in Scouting activities and advancement. 

Several months before the charters end, you will have the opportunity to select a new unit from among available sponsors. You will then be allowed to multiple register your son—at no charge—in both units for the balance of 2019. On January 1, 2020 you will simply begin meeting with your new Scouting unit.

We will stay in touch with you at each step along the way.

With deepest appreciation,

Michael Surbaugh                                   Charles W. Dahlquist, II
Chief Scout Executive                            Chair, Transition Task Force

__________________________________
Training Highlight:  Flag Etiquette
See the attached handout.
__________________________________
Resource Highlight:  Your Flag
Learn the proud history and etiquette of the American flag.  The book includes information on proper display of the flag, flag ceremonies, and situations to avoid.  $10.99 at the Scout Shop or scoutshop.org.

__________________________________
Award Highlight:  Emergency Preparedness

From its beginning, the Scouting movement has taught young people to do their best, to do their duty to God and country, to help others, and to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and morally to meet these goals. The basic aims of Scouting include teaching young people to take care of themselves, to be helpful to others, and to develop courage, self-reliance, and the ability to be ready to serve in an emergency.

The Emergency Preparedness BSA Award, first introduced in 2003 and updated in 2014, was designed with the aims mentioned above in mind. By developing these lifelong skills, Scouts have been instrumental in helping their communities recover from emergencies. 

When an emergency does occur, it can affect every BSA youth and adult member in the immediate area. Earning the award teaches participants to respond first, as an individual; second, as a member of a family; and third, as a member of a Scouting unit serving their neighborhood and community. This award will allow all Scouts and Scouters to become informed, be prepared, and act promptly and appropriately in the event of emergencies, whether they are natural or man-made.

Scouts and adult leaders can earn the individual Emergency Preparedness Award. Meanwhile, units, districts, and councils can work toward earning the bronze, silver, or gold achievement level. The awards are available at local Scout shops once specific requirements for each rank or achievement level have been met. See http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/Publications/EmergencyPreparedness/award.aspx for requirements for the Unit and above levels.

Individual Emergency Preparedness Award Requirements

Tiger Requirements

1. Cover a family fire plan and drill, and what to do if separated from the family.
2. Discuss a family emergency plan with the family.
3. Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
4. Take a nationally recognized first-aid course geared toward children such as American Red Cross First Aid for Children Today (FACT).
5. Join a safe kids program such as McGruff Child Identification, Internet Safety, or Safety at Home.
6. Show and tell your family household what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Wolf Requirements

1. Create a checklist to keep your home safe.
2. Discuss a family emergency plan with the family.
3. Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
4. Learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nosebleeds, falls, and animal bites. The emergency skills should include responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more.
5. Join a safe kids program such as the McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
6. Make a presentation to your family on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Bear Requirements

1. Create, plan, and practice summoning help during an emergency.
2. Learn how to shut off utilities to your home in an emergency.
3. Learn simple rescue techniques.
4. Learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nosebleeds, falls, and animal bites. The emergency skills should include responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more.
5. Put together a family emergency kit for use in the home.
6. Organize a safe kids program such as the McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
7. Make a small display or give a presentation for your family or den on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Webelos Scout Requirements

1. Learn rescue techniques.
2. Build a family emergency kit, with an adult family member participating in the project.
3. Take a first-aid course.
4. Learn to survive extreme weather situations.
5. Learn about stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.
6. Give a presentation to your den on preparing for emergencies.

When a member has fulfilled the requirements, a completed application (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pubs/pdf/680-602.pdf) is submitted to the council. Upon approval, an Emergency Preparedness pin is awarded. The pin may be worn on civilian clothing or on the uniform, centered on the left pocket flap. The award may be earned more than once; for instance, as a young person advances through the ranks and is capable of more complex preparedness activities, but only one pin may be worn.

___________________________________

August 2018 Newsletter

Scout Law:  Trustworthy

____________________________

Theme:  A-Maze-ing Games

____________________________

Cub Scout Roundtable Blog:  elkhorncubs.blogspot.com

Elkhorn District Blog:  elkhorndistrict.blogspot.com

__________________________________

LDS Scouting Handbook: https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/young-men/35814_scout-handbook_eng.pdf?lang=eng  

__________________________________

Upcoming Events

Leader Specific Training  Saturday, Oct. 6, 8am-11am, at the Millville Stake Center (110 S Main, Millville).

Cub Scout Extravaganza

Scout-o-rama:  Saturday, Sept. 8, Davis County Fairgrounds.  Cost is $10 per family, and includes a patch for each Scout and activities.  Activities include:  advancement adventures, BB and Archery, bounce house, fishing, pinewood derby race (bring your own car), and fun run.  See https://www.trappertrails.org/scoutorama for more details (scroll down to Cub Scout section).

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is a leadership training course which delivers high quality skills and techniques for leaders in all areas of Scouting. It draws from a wide range of sources within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to model the best techniques for developing leadership and teamwork among both young people and adults.  Cost is $185.  Register at https://www.trappertrails.org/woodbadge

#4:  September 13-15 and 27-29, Hull Valley Scout Reservation

#5:  October 18-20 and 25-27, Camp Fife

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Learn more about the principles of Leave No Trace, and how to provide leadership and training for others.   Open to any Scout 14 and older and all adult Scouters.  Cost is $35, which covers 3 meals and materials.  Register online at https://www.trappertrails.org/outdoorethics

#3:  October 26-27, 6 pm-6 pm, Ogden Scout Office.  Contact Mike Adams at cradams@allwest.net or 307-679-1433.

*August 13-17, Camp New Fork.  This is a Master Educator Course.  See https://www.trappertrails.org/mec for more details.

Cub Pow Wow  Saturday, November 3, at the stake pavilion located at 360 E 450 N, Millville.  Bring your Bear Den to pass off the Beat of the Drum elective adventure.  We'll be making dream catchers, hearing Native American stories, and learning Native American dancing.

____________________________

Training Highlight:  Code of Conduct and Den Discipline

Cub Scouting is a fun-filled exciting adventure for the youth and the leaders... most of the time.  Occasionally, youth behavior can make den or pack meetings a challenge.  So how do we deal with that?  Cubscouts.org has a great section on den discipline, including how to use a Code of Conduct.  Here's some information from the site:

Young boys tend to be noisy, active, and full of energy. But you can keep your Cub Scouts under control and handle the noise they create.

The first step is to accept the fact that they will be noisy and active and to find a meeting location where that’s not an issue. Beyond that, effective discipline is 90 percent preparation.

Part of that preparation is the awareness of what boys are like at various ages. Make assets out of their abilities and interests. Then as they mature, so do you—right along with them.

The other element of preparation is planning appropriate activities and having enough physical and human resources on hand to keep the group going for the entire meeting. Some people think that the best kind of control is inner control, but Cub Scouts are a long way from reaching such a goal. This does not mean that they are too young to try. You can put first- and second-graders’ interest in fairness to work to create some operating rules that the group members agree to follow.

You can encourage positive behavior in many ways, including
► Expressing clear expectations of good behavior to the boy and his family
► Developing a den code of conduct with the boys
► Using two-deep leadership, especially on trips and outings
► Having trained den chiefs help with den activities
► Following the suggested Cub Scout den meeting structure outlined in BSA resources
► Using positive recognition or reinforcement aids such as good conduct candles, marble jars, and stickers

DEN CODE OF CONDUCT
The den leader and the boys in the den should develop a den code of conduct—or set of group rules. Introduce the subject of a den code of conduct during an open discussion of how friends act toward one another. Boys will often contribute proposals that relate to safety, to respect for property, and to relationships with others. You can make suggestions along these lines if the boys don’t bring them up.

A few rules are enough for a start, but the boys might need to add others from time to time. They also might want to write out their den rules and sign on a line at the end of the list. This is a way of sharing with parents and guardians the expectations of their sons.

Although groups of boys of this age will have their good days and bad days, they are most likely to try to live up to rules that they helped develop themselves. Boys need to learn to judge their behavior in terms of more than conformity to rules. They need to learn about caring, too. Just as they can make up rules, they can decide on some of the caring values that they want to represent their den.

Here's an example of a den Code of Conduct

Be kind to others

Listen when others are talking

Wait your turn

Always work together as a team

Use good manners

Be positive- "I can do it" or "I will try"

No tattling

Participate in the activities of the den

Be honest and always tell the truth

Do your best

GUIDANCE USING VALUES
The ideas of fairness, helpfulness, and cooperation are all found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. These important values can be a good start for discussions about conduct. With guidance, even young Cub Scouts can discuss their actions and decide how they fit with the den’s chosen values. Such exchanges not only reinforce these values but also help boys develop critical thinking skills.

Webelos Scouts are much more adept at developing rules and can generally be depended on to adopt reasonable ones for their group. They might want to change rules from time to time as circumstances change. By age 10, boys are beginning to understand that even public laws are made by people and that people can change them. They are ready to discuss rules in a fairly businesslike manner and will engage in a lot of bargaining with peers and adults.

Webelos Scouts also need active encouragement if they are to continue developing a caring orientation in their lives. They are ready to begin exploring the meaning of responsibility for the welfare of others. You can use their growing ability to see the perspective of others as a tool in your guidance. For example, encourage them to talk about the “whys” of the Scouting for Food Good Turn in terms of real human needs in their communities.

Give boys responsibility to help them think more deeply about positive attitudes, beliefs, values, norms, and actions. Teach boys how to learn from experience and how to gain some mastery over the events in their lives. This approach will take effort at the beginning but will soon begin to take hold as the boys learn to discipline themselves.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR DEN DISCIPLINE

Use the Cub Scout sign to get attention. When boys and adults see the sign, each should stop talking and raise his or her arm in the sign. Eventually, the room will be quiet. Don’t shout or yell for attention. Wait until everyone is quiet before speaking.

Keep den and pack meetings fast-paced, and have many interesting activities. Have activities for early arrivals, and alternate boisterous and more quiet activities. Keep in mind that you don’t have to crowd everything into a single meeting. There’s always the next meeting.

Try to get to know each boy. Find out what he likes and dislikes. Don’t be afraid to let the boy know something about yourself. Stay in contact with his family and be responsive to what might be going on in other aspects of his life.

Behave toward boys impartially, regardless of race, social class, religion, and any other difference. Boys expect fair treatment, and the example of all leaders becomes their model. If you make promises as a leader, you must make every attempt to keep them; at the same time, point out that at times, promises must be broken for good reasons. Knowing that young boys don’t have a clear idea of “maybe,” you need to offer as much guidance as possible concerning indefinites.

Listen attentively and try to understand what is written or spoken. If you have trouble understanding a boy, ask him to clarify. If possible, try to look at the situation from his point of view. Encourage him to tell how he feels, but resist the temptation to tell him how he should feel. Remember that boys are boys, and they do not yet have the maturity of an adult.

Don’t criticize a boy in front of his den or pack; he will feel betrayed and humiliated. Wait until you can talk with him alone (yet in view of other adults, in accordance with Youth Protection policies). Get him to tell you what went wrong from his perspective, and then explain how you interpret the situation. Make an effort to find some common ground and begin once more.

Focus on the positives and minimize the negatives. Help boys to look for good in every situation. Remember to give praise when it is earned and even when it’s not expected. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, said, “A pat on the back is a stronger stimulus than a prick with a pin. Expect a great deal from boys and you will generally get it.”

Give boys opportunities to make choices. Provide real options and involve them in the planning of group activities. Sharing the power as well as the fun gives boys a feeling of ownership of the group’s success and responsibility for things that do not go well.

Provide boys with appropriate challenges. What is exciting to a 7-year-old might bore a 10-year-old. What is exciting to a 10-year-old might frighten a younger child. Focus on the strengths of each developmental stage, and develop the program with the boys. Remember that the youngster who tests your patience the most might need Cub Scouting the most.

Take some extra time to reflect on each meeting and learn from your own experience. Start with what went particularly well. What made it go? What part did you play? What parts did the boys and/or other adults play? How can this combination work again? Also focus on what didn’t work well. What aspects of the meeting needed more planning, resources, and leadership? What could have been done to prevent problems? Could these ideas be put into action earlier the next time a problem comes up?

Not all areas of behavior can be treated as subjects for discussion, particularly when dangerous, intentionally hurtful, or offensive behaviors are involved. On some occasions, leaders must insist on obedience and save the dialogue for later. Boys sense when some behaviors or events are getting out of control. In these instances, they expect adult leaders to protect them and to restore order.

The best time to confront a crisis is when it occurs. Don’t wait for it to resolve by itself. Afterward, the entire group might need time to calm down. If only one or two boys are involved, take them aside and talk to them tactfully. Recognize that some boys have difficulties that are too great to be solved in a Cub Scout den. Share your concerns with and seek assistance from the boy’s parent or guardian or your pack committee or unit commissioner.

Steps for Solving Problems

1.  Define the problem.

2.  Determine the difficulties the problem is causing.

3.  Determine the kinds of solutions that could fix the problem or make it better.

4.  Try a solution.  If the solution doesn't work, try a different one.

5.  Evaluate the solution.  How did it work?

Having a defined way of working out difficulties or changes is a good skill to build in any boy.  This method also allows development of leadership skills through discussion and decision-making among the Cub Scouts.

____________________________

Award Highlight:  SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award

Personal fitness is one of the aims of Scouting. To show a commitment to this value and earn the SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award, follow three healthy practices at all meetings and gatherings:

• Snack smart: Serve fruits or vegetables, when you have snacks (three meetings).
• Drink right: Make water the main beverage (six meetings).
• Move more: Include 15 minutes of fun physical activity (nine meetings).

Scouts can earn the SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award with their den, pack, troop, or crew.  Tracking forms for each den and for the pack (use the Boy Scout form) can be found at https://www.scouting.org/resources/bsa-fit/healthy-unit/.

   

Patches can be purchased at the Scout Shop for $2.49.  A certificate is also available.

____________________________

Resource Highlight:  Scout Games

There will be scouts that participate in scouting primarily because Scouting is fun, so offering an active game period at every scout meeting is critical to bringing boys back week after week. Coming up with stimulating game ideas is not always easy, though. Some units have limited space in their meeting halls, or need games for very small or very large numbers of youth. The Scout Games book is designed to help Scoutmasters deliver meeting fun regardless of the challenges any unit may face. This includes: active games; traditional games; indoor games; outdoor games; games suited for youth of varied ages; heights and weights; games for large groups; and games for small groups. There are many options to help solve the diverse problems a leader might face. Even games designed to reinforce Scouting skills like knot tying and first aid are included. Some of these games originated with Baden Powell and are time tested, while other games are more contemporary. They are all Scout tested and guaranteed to deliver fun. Games are rated with between one and five stars. Five-star games are the best and most fun, while one-star games are less fun but are still enjoyable. We hope that you enjoy this collection of scout games and that they help you deliver an outstanding program. 

You can purchase this book at the Scout Shop or at scoutshop.org for $5.95, or for your kindle on Amazon for $3.95.