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.
Some specific things you can do to help your son in Cub Scouting
are
- Work with your son on projects
- Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail
- Participate in monthly pack meetings
- Attend parent-leader conferences
- Go on family campouts with your son
- Provide support for your son's den and pack
The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys, falling between
the dependence of early childhood and the relative independence of early
adolescence. As he grows, your son will gain the ability to do more things
"on his own," but at this stage of his development, your help is
critical.
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. Craft projects are on display, skills are demonstrated,
and skits are performed to show the boys' command of the monthly theme. 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.
Attend parent-leader conferences
Held at various times throughout the year, parent-leader conferences
provide opportunities for you to discuss your son's participation and
expectations of den and pack meetings. Such conferences can help your
son get the most from his Cub Scouting experience, and they give you
the chance to communicate with pack leaders, to share knowledge and gain
the awareness needed to work as a team to help your son succeed.
Go on family camp outs 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, or field days
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.