Unit Leader's Knots

Why are Leader Knots cool? Why do we want them? From a 2009 blog post of the Trainer’s Corner, I found a good answer.

I believe that just as the boys (cub/scouts/venture/sea scouts) all have goals for their next rank, we as Scouters should as well. Granted there are Scouters that are really just volunteer Parents who do this to make sure their kids have a good experince.  Also to tag along with them.  These people do not want recognition themselves.  Having their kids get recognized is reward enough. There are also Scouters who look at these knots as silly just to have them up on their chest showing off their accomplishments. They again are just there to make sure the boys are progressing through their ranks and having a good time.

All reasons are good reasons. I am not going to knock them for their views.  However, according to Trainer’s Corner blog, it is a good system to keep the Scouters in line with BSA Guidelines and Rules.  It is also a great way to recognize each Leader’s dedication and service to the unit and the boys.  When the boys and parents see what recognition the Scouters have gotten, it will motivate others to do the same.

(Units should routinely recognize Scouters, Scout Parents, Parents and others who do something.  It will keep them and others coming back to help. I did this at our end of the year Pack meeting.  I gave out the Unit Scouter of the Year award from the District and Certificates of Appreciation to all Scouters including our wonderful Unit Commissioner!)

So, why do I want Unit Leader Knots?  I am not being selfish, nor am I just here for the knots.   I use the knots as personal goals within Scouting.  I already know that I will be going to atlest four roundtables and a Pow-wow each year.  I already know that I will be trained for my position and Youth Protection (even now it’s a rule from National).

However, here is one instance that led me to re-start two programs due to a Unit Leader Knot.  Summertime Pack Award & Quality Unit Award.  While the latter is much more a paperwork and Unit Goal award that is shared, the Summertime Pack is one that will help on many levels.   It stems from the Cubmaster Knot.  In order to attain it, both of these awards must be accomplished.  It is the Summertime Pack that really is important.

Everyone should do the Summertime Pack Award reguardless of getting a knot.  Its another patch, pin and helps out with the boys earning more awards.  That’s why we are all here…providing fun!

My goals within the Cubscout program is to earn the religious adult knot, Cubmaster & Cubscouter.  I had thought about the Unit Leader of Merit, as this is the first year Cubmaster’s can get it, but it is attainable in Boyscouts.  I crossover with my son in 2013, so I have time to figure that out.  My original idea was to earn the Tiger Den Leader (as I have) the Den Leader and Webelos.  This changed when I took over the Cubmaster.  I had thought that it would be Cubmaster/Webelos.  However over the course of this year I realized that staying at Cubmaster would highly benefit not only boys but also the Pack, Parents and Program.

I actually went to my son and explained why I wanted to be the Cubmaster and got his permission.  He agreed when I explained that I would still be at all of his Den Meetings, Outings and Camps.  That was important to him.   At the end of this year, the Bear Den Leader confirmed the enlistment of a Bear parent to be the Assistant Bear Den Leader.  This agreement also said that they would swap roles when going into Webelos I the year after this one.

I know that they are not doing this for Knots.  They are doing it for their sons and also the boys in the Den.  We have known these boys since Tigers, and I hope they continue to Boyscouts.

For more information about the knots you can get:here.
For tracking software for your leaders:

 

 

 

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