Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your son that you normally couldn't do. It provides a positive way for parent and son to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program's success. Cub Scouting is about achievement and personal growth. To advance in Rank, some reading and work has to be done at home, even if work on the badges is done at the den meetings. Most projects for the 1st and 2nd Graders are designed to require parental assistance and support. As scouts progress in age starting with the 3rd grade, they should require less parental assistance (depending on the scout) as they mature towards Boy Scouting (starting at end of 5th grade). Some specific things you can do to help your son in Cub Scouting are
Work with your son on projects Boys often start projects at den meetings and finish them at home with the help of a parent. Such projects become the catalyst for parents and boys—often joined by siblings and friends—to interact with each other in an informal, relaxed way. Because the purpose of projects is to teach a boy new skills, a project will challenge a boy to do tasks that he hasn't currently mastered. It's not uncommon, therefore, for a boy to need help from his family to do some of his projects. In Cub Scouting, boys are not expected to do things entirely on their own. So long as a boy does his best to do as much as he's capable of, it's perfectly acceptable for a parent or sibling to help him with the tasks he's unable to do on his own. Help your son along the advancement trail The advancement plan is designed for parents to use to create a learning environment in their home. With the Cub Scout handbooks as a resource, parents and boys work together to do the achievements required for each badge. The advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with boys on advancement projects. While Cub Scouts will learn skills and begin work on projects in their weekly den meetings, the parent remains at the center of the advancement program. As each task is done or each skill is demonstrated, the parent signs the Cub Scout's handbook to record its completion. And when the boy has completed all the requirements to earn an award, the parent presents that award at the next monthly pack meeting. Participate in monthly pack meetings The weekly den meetings are for Cub Scouts and their adult leader. The pack meeting is for the entire family of every Cub Scout. At pack meetings, parents see their sons in action with their friends, meet other parents, and join with neighbors in caring and sharing. These types of opportunities are scarce, and pack meetings highlight how Cub Scouting teaches boys cooperation and collaboration. The pack meeting is also a monthly showcase for all that the boys have worked on in their den meetings. While boys at this age seem to be struggling toward independence, having the approval of their parents and other adults whom they admire remains important to them—so your presence at these meetings is critical to underscore the importance of the lessons your son has learned. Go on campouts with your son Besides being fun, family camping is a chance for quality time together and an enriched family life. This program is a recreational opportunity—it's not on a tight time schedule. Family leadership rests with the adult member(s). This leadership might be yielded from time to time as the family chooses to take part in activities, such as swimming, where specific camp policies must be followed for safety and proper operation. Provide support for your son's den and pack It's important to remember that the adult leaders of your son's den and pack are volunteers who give their own time to provide a quality program for your son. While they have been carefully selected and extensively trained for their roles, there are always times when they could use help from parents in the pack. Pack events such as the pinewood derby, blue and gold banquet, and other outtings take a lot of effort—more than the monthly meetings. The pack's leaders would likely welcome any help you can give. Likewise, den leaders will be grateful to parents who can lend a hand with field trips and outings. By pitching in as needed, you can show your son the importance of helping others. So be on the lookout for opportunities for you to help the den, the pack, and its leaders. How Can You Help? You can volunteer! Scouting is a volunteer run organization with lots of places to help out. We’re all busy and parental help is needed. Whether you take on the role of Den Leader or simply bring treats to a pack meeting, there is a need for your participation. Find an area that you like and think you can fit in and say “yes.” Types of parent involvement opportunities available in most packs:
What Do You Receive in Return? Being a volunteer in Scouting is fun and challenging, but also very rewarding. Volunteers find that their experiences help them become better parents and allow them to have more influence on their own children as well as their children’s friends than parents who don’t volunteer. The following are some of the many rewards that will enrich your life as you dedicate the time, talent and enthusiasm that you are able to dedicate to your son’s Scouting program:
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