The 4T Trail Hike

  The Webelos II recently took their last outing/hike of their Cubscout career.  It was to make sure that everyone got the requirement of taking a Day  Hike.  Which, really was part of the Outdoorsman Pin.  Most of the Scouts did a Hike at Summer camp.  This hike completed #9 of the Outdoorsman Activity Pin.  Yes, you are reading it correctly, there are two hikes that are needed within the Arrow of Light Requirements.

The Webelos Den Leader chose the 4T Trail Hike here in Portland, Oregon.  It is an urban hike and a lot of fun.  Here are some photos and thoughts on our 4T Hike.  I highly suggest you go to the 4T Trail Website and research it for yourself.  That website has a lot more description on the trip.

I will say that this isn’t a hike for very young kids.  I almost brought my 8-year-old daughter on the trip.  She would have been OK, but I might have ended up carrying her towards the end.  That is unless your family hikes a lot. The Scouts were incredibly tired at the end of the hike.

First up is the trip from OHSU Tram staging area to Downtown Portland by trolley.  You will notice in the picture that the Tram was closed when we went on Sunday.  If you do the trip between May 18th and Sept 14th, it’s closed on Sundays.  We still opted to go, because, BE PREPARED is a motto!  All the best laid plans do not always work.  We were to hike to the OHSU Tram up top and then ride down to here.  We hiked it all.

The trolley ride was fun, you will need to buy your trolley tickets that also double as Max Train tickets before getting on board.  We had a lot of parents with us, so Two-Deep Leadership wasn’t a problem.  However,  we needed to keep the Adults at the front, middle of back of the group since we are in Public Areas.  No issues, but something to be aware of.

The trolley and Train were the easiest of all the sections.

The Train from Downtown to the Zoo, itself was just like the trolley. Fun and Easy.  The Train put you at the Oregon Zoo.

We did have a pit stop at the Zoo for a few moments and also to explain more about the hiking section of the

outing.  Main point was, we were hiking across the parking lot, cross walks, over the highway and down a highway on ramp.  The whole time we talked about “Have a Buddy!”

We finally got to the trail head and the Scouts were off hiking.  This commenced the 4.1 miles of hiking to Council Crest and to the bottom of the Tram.

The Scouts did a very good job of hiking and listening.  We talked about many subjects along the way and we all are very proud of them for completing it.  It was a good way to end the Journey to Arrow of Light.

The last leg of the trip, was by Tram.  Since it was closed, we did not take it.  However, it’s a great leg of the trip.

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JOTT & Nature

Jamboree on the Trail is this May 12th.  It’s the day before Mother’s Day.  It is also an unofficial International Scouting event.  As with all things Cool, it started up in Canada and progressed around the world.  For the past several years I have tried to make this event happen for the Pack.  Last year, I was at Gilwell Field for Woodbadge 2011.  The year before just did not happen since I forgot.

This year, I put it on the calendar and made it happen through the Cubmaster Hike program that I started.   The first hike was great.   The Elk Rock Island hike will be on the Willamette River in Portland, OR.   With the description of “The island represents part of an ancient volcano that erupted about 40 million years ago. The large, jagged rocks (Waverly Heights basalt) found throughout the island were formed by lava flows, and may be the oldest exposed rock in the Portland area. The island contains seven distinct habitats, including wetlands, forests and grasslands.” I figured that this hike will be very cool.  What boy wouldn’t want to hike on a volcano and lava flow!

So, what does Jamboree on the Trail or even just getting outside for a hike really do?  First, it gets everyone OUTSIDE into Nature, in a place that you might not have gone to before!  It’s different.  This gets back to the book “The Nature Principle” by Richard Louv.  Through that book and websites, this program of Cubmaster Hikes is helping me get myself outside as well as my family.  Again, I go over Leave No Trace principle and get to point out plants, animals and other objects that the boys might not know about.

What else does this do for your Cubscout program?  It could count for a Hiking Beltloop, Cubscout Outdoor Activity,  Naturalist Activity Pin, Geologist Pin or Beltloop, the Leave No Trace award, Geology, Geography beltloops and many more.  Another item that this will help with is the Journey to Excellence for your unit.   If you offer a quality program, for your Unit, it will keep Scouts, and attract others to it.

So, go out and have fun.  Find a place that you have not gone to, or a place that is your favorite and invite the Den or Pack to come along.

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The Cubmaster Hike

I have been thinking for awhile about how to put the OUT in Scouting.  Many of my Cubmaster brethern throughout the land have hiking clubs.  As the person who gets to set the tone and program of the Pack, I have decided that I will host a Cubmaster Hike.  It’s independent of any Pack or Den Meeting.  It’s up to anyone who wants to come, come.  We will always practice YPT, Leave No Trace and be on the lookout for cool nature stuff.

I am not a subject matter expert on nature or animals.  So, we will all learn as we go.  Yes, I will study up on the area and present facts as I can.  However, I am hoping that there are parents and scouts that can help point this out.  My main goal is to get us OUT.

This stems (no pun intended) in my recent post on the Nature Deficit Child post.  I have also started on thinking on how to incorporate STEM into the Pack Meetings. Later on this.

Because of this, I have worked up a Cubmaster Hike within the Portland Metro Area.  Our second hike will be on May 12th, which is the Jamboree on the Trail day.

I hope that you can take this information and ideas and create your own program within your Pack.

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Why I became the Training Chair

I have technically been the District Training Chair since June 2nd when I signed the Application and gave it to my District Exec.  So, what radical changes or changes have been made.  None.  I am at the beginning of seeing what is what and how things work.  I am the new guy within the District.   Before I became the Training Chair, I sent a couple of emails saying this should happen and that should happen and why isn’t that happening.  While I didn’t get an earful, I did get an education of why.  Which was great.

So what do I do now that I am a Training Chair?  I have to educate myself on what classes are out there, who needs them, who my training team is, what powers I have within my position and what are my goals.
Step one: Educate myself.  I have already sworn that I will take every class that is offered.  I need to know what and how they are taught.  This stems from BALOO to ITOLS.  Also includes Den Chief and Merit Badge Counselor as well.  Why, because I will get questions on why a Scouter needs it.  I will also need it because I plan on moving on after my son crosses over.

Step Two: Who needs Training.  That would be everyone within a Leadership, Committee or Direct Contact position.

Step Three & Four: Who is my training team.  Many people have already come up to me and said that they would like to be and that they will help as needed.   These are Scouters who have helped put on trainings before. AWESOME!  I had a great conversation with the acting Chair and he explained a lot of who is who.  I have also found out that it is within my power via the District Chair and Exec that I can designate those as Trainers if I see fit.

Step Five: What are my goals.
Right now, I want to keep it simple.  Keep what is planned on the books and make it happen.
What I would like to see as what our District offers is seperate class offerings of BALOO, OWLS & ITOLS during the year.   I would like to also offer training within Roundtable nights.  Den Chief, AED, CPR, Weather Hazard, How to fill out a Tour Plan & WHY.  Who is your UC and why should we care?  Journey to Excellence….

So, why did I take on the District Training Chair while I am still the Cub Master, or just take it on.  To me, it was my chance to figure out and see why these courses were not offered.  I did not and do not have an issue with anyone within the District.  I like everyone. ( I say that publically since I know several of the District people read this blog).  I also figured that my life beyond Cub Master is being paved now.  I have till March 2013 until my Son crosses over into Boy Scouts.  This position will allow me to take a break from Unit Leadership and step back and learn more about the Troop he goes into.  Will I get on the Committee or be a MBC or ASM within that Troop. Yes.  But, I am taking my time to learn about them.

I also took on this position because I like training.  It’s what I do at my day job.  The more I can learn about something, the better I am in helping those who are in my Unit as others within Scouting.  With the Vaccum of no BALOO or OWLS within our District many Leadership Knots cannot be awarded.  This includes the Webelos Den Leader Knot.  Which, if a WDL has put in the time and effort to complete all the other requirements but cannot attain OWLS training, then we as a District and Council have failed.  OWLS should really be taken by the Bear DL before they move into being Webelos DL.

So, what is my planning of what I would like to see how training is planned out for the year?
Sept: ITOLS
October is all Training needed for the position & YPT.  It’s a Super Saturday that is already in place.
Novemember. Our Council is changing from a Cubsout Pow-wow to a Program & Training Conference for Cub, Boy Scouts, Varsity, Venturing, Sea Scouts and OA format.  So, Promote that.
December: BALOO/OWLS.  Super Weekend of both Yes, do it in Dec. Early enough so it won’t conflict with Football Playoffs and Christmas vacations.
January/Feb ITOLS
April/May: BALOO/OWLS Super Weekend of both.

Having BALOO/OWLS together makes sense at this point.  BALOO would be first and those who just want that, can leave after it’s complete.  The OWLS will be after that and people can register for both.  This will allow for those who have taken BALOO to skip it and head directly to OWLS.

Why is BALOO/OWLS important at a Pack level.  I get ITOLS importance.  The main reason is that Boy Scouts main function is to CAMP & HIKE.  They are not in a gym doing crafts like their little brothers in blue.  They put the OUT in scOUTing.   If you have a robust Pack program via Den Leaders that gets the boys OUTSIDE, awesome.  If you don’t this is why.

Being BALOO trained will help the Pack understand that CAMPING is available to the Tiger, Wolf and Bears.  Yes, they have to CAMP AS A PACK for them to go out. Webelos can camp on their own.  Promoting Camping as a Pack does count for earning requirements and other badges.  However, it will help the new parents and parents in general to be aware of the Council Camp Properties.  If you are able to reserve them, the parents will see where the boys go in the summer.  It will also provide a better understanding as to how a Council operates and what is offered at that level.

It will help the parents to understand what the Popcorn and FOS money is used for.  You must give a tangible benefit to those who generally are not invested within the program.  If you do not, they will not donate or participate more.  The parents are generally there for THEIR son.  Not yours.  So is their pocketbook.  Once you give that tangible benefit to the parents, they get more invested.  Maybe not to what you are looking for, but it’s at a deeper level than before.  Am I saying that Training will lead to a better FOS year? Nope.  It could though.  What I am saying is that providing the avenue to learn more will increase the fun of each boy/girl within a unit.  It will create more fun for families who participate in Pack Camping events.   Which in turn will increase better memories for all.

At the Pack level Camping really is a family event and not so much within the Pack itself. (My Pack, maybe not yours and maybe others don’t camp as well). Yes, we have had overnights at a camp property for Arrow of Light, but that’s it.  There is also a Council Family Camp twice a year.  We have done it once.  It’s Family and not PACK. So no Tour Plan/BALOO is needed.   In Boy Scouts, it’s camping all the time.  Parents have been in the Scouting world for awhile and understand this.  Not so much in Cub Scouts.  So, there is a learning curve.  If you can introduce the idea and start Pack Camping, then the value of training is recognized and fullfilled.  If you don’t, then why train?

Overall, the reason to go to training is to provide a great program and be that person to help create a program within the unit.  If you don’t care about the program, don’t train.  Don’t train, don’t volunteer.  Don’t volunteer, don’t care.  It’s as simple as that.  I care about the program and I have gotten trained so I can continue to volunteer.

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Catch the Leadership Dream

During Wood Badge there were several people who were video taping.  It was a great thing.  This is our opening activity which set the stage for the whole course.  All the Troop Guides participated and it was completely awesome.  The Troop Guides went back and forth a few times on the delivery, but from the beginning of when we first met, we were on fire.

Watching it really takes me back, but it still holds true to what I believe.

(You might want to click on the video and open it at the youtube website since it’s kinda squished in this blog)

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The Webelos Summer

      So, this summer is my Son’s first Summer as a Webelos.  And I am excited.  I think that it’s more ME than him.  So, I am trying to ratchet it back a few notches.  He is going to Summer Camp and I am following along.  In Scout Master Jerry’s Blog, he talks about what do you do at Summer Camp.  There are a few of us Scouters within our little Twitter/Internet Virtual Council (as I am starting to call it) that are going to Camp.  Some of us are even running it.

I have generally waited a few weeks to get back into Scouting mode with myself and son.  However, I started last night to talk to him about the Activity Badges and what he can earn.  I am thinking that Fitness, Family Member and Traveler might be a good couple to start.  This is also a long with several beltloops.  The beltloops will help him earn part of the requirements of the Badges.

He was not too receptive about any of this.  Eyes started to glaze over, so I asked him what he wanted to do.  We ended up playing a game of Sorry and Battleship.  He won Sorry and I won Battleship,but it was a great time together.  I did suggest playing Chess as he loves it.  He quickly was onto me about the Chess Beltloop and declined the offer.  The Chess Beltloop is part of Scholar Activity Badge.

Within summer camp in July at Butte Creek, there are several Beltloop and Activity Badges that he will be able to earn.  In theory he will be able to earn two beltloops and Activity Badges.  If he works on the other three Activity Badges and those Beltloops he will be well on his way for getting the Webelos  Badge.

So, back to Jerry’s Blog.  I am going to expand it a bit and mold it to Cub Scouts since he deals with Boy Scouts and Troops.  By their very nature Boy Scout Troops are run by Boys, not Adults and are more independant than Cub Scouts.  Packs generally do not have official meetings during the summer.  Unless the Pack puts on a Summertime Pack Award program, then it’s done till Fall.  If your Pack is NOT doing a Summertime Pack Award program, then you are not allowing the boys even more fun and chances to earn various awards.

Within the Pack, and specifically Cascade Pacific Council’s Summer Camp program there are three awards/patches that the Adults can participate in.  It was my goal to earn them.  However, during last years Resident Camp I realized that it would take me away from the then Bear Den and my son.  Granted, out of eight boys that went, seven Dads were there.  However, I was there for my son and watching another Bear.  They were fine, but I felt the need to be there with them.  I did not want to wander off in search of signatures or doing things to get the patch.  I did participate a bit.

Cub Scouts need a bit of direction during, well just about everything. I herd Cats & Turtles during this time.  You just cannot leave them to their own devices…for the most part.  They had their own play time near the sleeping area that I let them do what they wanted, but always close enough for the Two-deep leadership part.  Everyone was good.

So, I did not participate in that Badge.  I know that I will not do it for the other two camps that my Son will be going to for the same reason.  Also, because we will not have the dad coverage that we had last time this year.  Next year is a four night five day camp as Webelos II.

So, for Camp, that is what I will be doing.  I will be with my son and the other Scouts making sure they get to where they need to be and help as needed at those stations.  BB Guns and Archery won’t be an issue since they get it.  Others, well let’s just see what can happen.  I am not going to DO the crafts for them.  But I will hold a nail for them or stretch leather so they can nail it into place.

Back to the Webelos advancement….  It is generally the policy of our Pack that items earned over the summer are not bought by the Pack.  It’s up to the parent to buy them.  We will log them into Packmaster so they get credit for them.  It’s my general idea that the Webelos program is 20 months long without a real break for Summer.  Meaning, the boys should be a bit more active in earning their rank.  So, here is the rub.  With all that I think that my son can do over the summer, is it really HIM wanting to do this, or is it me?

Yes, he will get at lest one Activity Badge that is required outside the three for Webelos this summer.  One out of 20.  The four others not required for either Webelos or Arrow of Light possible rank requirements might happen, but will be up to him.  As well as the beltloops for others.  It really is MY goal for him to get all 20 Activity Badges and not his.

So, that’s the rub.  So far it’s all about ME and not HIM.  I know we will get a few things in, but Scouting is for him.  He drives this bus and I am the silent guide/passenger with him.  That’s my struggle for these upcoming 20 months.  I am working on not becoming that Helicopter parent or one pushing their son to do everything within Scouting.

I would love to hang out at Summer Camp and read a book or do the patch, so who knows…..

Have a great summer!

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Summertime Pack Events 2011

This is our third year since I have taken over as Cubmaster in 2009 that we have put forth a Summertime Pack Event program.  In 2009 we did a Ivy Pull at Tryon Creek State Park, a Sleepover at the Portland Beavers Baseball Game and a Bike ride that the City of Portland put on.  In 2010, we held a Raingutter Regatta, another Sleepover at the Portland Beavers (their final since they moved) and a marched in a Parade in Portland.  This year, we are holding a Bike Rodeo, a Disc Golf Clinc and again walking in the parade.  The one thing different we are doing is also incorporating hikes as well.  This was based upon a comment at a Parent Meeting of “We cannot make everything, but want to”.  Which stems from the fact that there are things that the Pack does that can be used for advancement but we only did it once and on a specific date that might not work for all.  So, taking that into account, I thought let’s have one main event but also another one.  For me, the easiest to do was HIKING.  It’s SUMMER and nice out.  With that, I found that Cascade Pacific Council within their Segment Program has a segment for those who go to Pioneer Woman’s Grave on the Barlow Trail.  I have already talked to a few of the Tiger Den Leaders and they are keen on it.  It’s a nice hike on Mt Hood, and we can venture around the area after we are done. I am still working on the other two hikes, but I am really going to leave that up to others within the Pack to decide and carry out.

Is your Pack doing something? Is it fun? Is it different?  What I find is that the more different you make it from the normal meetings the better.  I like starting off with a Rodeo or Raingutter Regatta cause it’s easy.  Then branch out.  You cannot use Summercamp as part of the Summertime Pack Events, because that’s really cheating.

The one thing that I did not put down as part of the Summertime Event things is a Ranger Quest that Council is putting on for the Venturing section of Scouting.  I need to and I will, but I think I will reserve it for the boys and families already in the Pack.  Now, if there are boys who want to join and come, fine.  But this is a high-level thing within the Council.  I got wind of this on our final day of Wood Badge.  The two people who are heading this up came and spoke to us about it.  After they were done, I asked if I could use the general public part as a Summertime Pack Event.  The lady I spoke to whole hearted agreed that it would be.  She took my name and email and we have been in contact since then.  I just need to get a headcount to her sooner than later.

So, my challenge to you in Packs…GO DO SOMETHING FUN AND EXCITING!  Oh, and Cubmasters…this is one thing you need for your Cubmaster Knot.  If you are doing Summertime Pack Award, you are doing your job, your providing fun and recruiting and doing it right.  That is one thing that I like about Knots.  If you do what the requirments state, everyone wins.  I got mine, but I am still doing it because it is now a tradition. Next year, I am going to have a the Den Leaders/Committee work on this since they need to learn how to do it.  Hopefully, I will have a replacement.  aaahhh one thing at a time.

(Updated 6/2/11: finished the Summer Flyer-2011v4.)

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Game with a Purpose XXXX of C of #100daysofscouting

Saturday was another all day for the Wood Badge staff.  I was not able to attend the sleepover on Friday.  Note to self: If you do not attend a meeting, your given something to do.

I have to say that being on Wood Badge is an honor, scary, fun and helps me to remember.
It is an honor because I get to help pass along knowledge of Scouting and being a better leader to many.
It’s scary because of all the stuff I have to do and remember.  It is my first official training as a member of a Training team of Cascade Pacific.  I am representing Council and it’s a big training.  It’s not Pow-wow where I talk for 1 hour three times about a single topic. (Still very important) but the participants are not totally invested in my one hour.
It’s fun.  Yes it is.  I get such a gas from all my Troop Guides and the Admin Staff.  I am the new kid on the block compared to all their experince.  But, I bring something to the table.  We are equals in that reguard.  We laugh, giggle about everything.

The knowledge that comes out of these staff development days brings me right back to when I was going through the 2009 course.  I get all the little things that my Troop Guide did and why.   Several things that happen, happen for a reason.  Realizing this has helped me re-confirm my skills.

-I also have to say that I got good news to me and one other of my fellow Troop Guides.  We had a talk over lunch about Training and BALOO within the Council.  One of the Troop Guide’s Husband is on the Council Exec Board and is heavily involved with training.  He came by and gave a quick hello and peptalk.  It was about training.  I asked/explained about the lack of BALOO/OWL training within Council.  What he said helped out a lot.  Basically he said that BALOO/OWLS/ITOLS will be changing in how it is presented from the National side.  (I won’t go into it since it’s completely changing and also nothing was set in stone from his perspective.  He is going to National soon to talk about it with them.)  All of this news really helps because now, I can go back to my DE and others and hopefully point them in a direction to re-do training that they held in the past.

There is a purpose to this game we call Scouting and it’s not all about cool slogans or catch phrases to motivate others to do their best.  But actually take the time to learn and then communicate.

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Webelos & Den Chiefs: XXIII of C #100daysofscouting

Our Pack has two Den Chiefs.  We are getting off to a slow start, but that is to be expected since we are all new to this.  I am not worried.  One of the things that I am hoping is that both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts is that they help eachother.  The relationship between the Pack and Troop can only grow stronger because of it.  The understanding of the Cub Scouts will get shaped by the Den Chief. The wonderful thing is that while one teaches the other, they both earn rank requirements and also have fun.

In the past few days both sides have expressed communication issues.  Again, understandable.  Today’s blog post is a reply from my Webelos I Den Leader to the Den Chief.  The WDL copied in everyone since it is what I asked due to Youth Protection.  Below is the email.  I have changed the names due to Youth Protection.  What I like about this email is how the structure of this Webelos I Den is working.  What the Den Chief can provide and what the Den is doing.  This is a Webelos Den Leader and Den that gets Cubscouts and Scouting all together.

On Mar 1, 2011, at 12:37 PM, Baden-Powell wrote:

T. Perez — hope your exam and report went well a couple weeks ago!  We are
excited to have you as our Den Chief.  I’m hoping you will be able to
join our den this coming Monday at 6:30 pm at the Gilwell Field.
Unfortunately, I will have to be away that night on business,
but our co-den leader James L West will be there.  I’m not sure if you
got my message about helping introduce the boys to the Boy Scout
program.  The boys are almost done with their requirements for the
Webelos badge but we still need to learn about (but not memorize at this
point) the salute, sign, handshake, oath, law, and motto.  I think it
would be a great way to introduce you if you would tell them about what
you do as a scout and what you like best.

Typically, we start the meeting with the Cub Scout promise and then go
over some logistics — calendar and so forth.  James will lead that.
Then we could introduce you and have you talk about the scout stuff.
What do those things mean and how do we apply them in life?  The boys
are 10 with shorter attention spans, so brief is good and anything you
can do to make it more like a game would be great.  I’d like you to
especially focus on the loyal, helpful, friendly, and courteous parts as
we are having a little issue with bullying and disrespect that needs to
be addressed.  James will say a few words about that and I’ll reinforce
it the following week.  Then they’ll play a game.  Typically, we have a
cub denner who chooses the game and brings a treat, but I think we may
have run out of scheduled denners at this point.  Perhaps you or James
could lead a group game?  Please let me know asap if this will work as
we’d need time to arrange something else if you are not able to attend.

I’d also be interested to hear if you have any special things you would
like to lead or help lead in future meetings — hobbies, interests,
skills, etc you would like to share.  I have a few ideas.  One would be
to build on the first aid you started in the January pack meeting so
they can earn their Readyman pin.  Another is to build on their cub
scout “Leave No Trace” to learn the Boys Scout outdoor code.  I’m trying
to schedule a March 18 (school is out) morning tour of the Salem Capitol
building and then a noon hike (Silver Falls?).  Perhaps if you are
available you could help do some outdoor code then?  Check your schedule
and let me know your thoughts.  When you email me, please copy your
parents, scoutmaster, and James L. West (FOS@BSA.ORG).  Thanks.

Lord Baden-Powell
Pack 221 Webelos I den co-leader

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Recruitment & Transition: XX of C #100daysofscouting

When does recruiting start? It starts NOW!  When does transition start?  It starts NOW!  I am not talking Cubscouts, Boyscouts, Den Leaders or adult volunteers……. I am talking about it ALL.

I recruit for my Unit and Scouting all the time.  I did it at Baseball tryouts the other week.  I do it when I travel.  I will do it at our School Auction in April.  I will tell people who have a daughter in Girl Scouts that Venturing is a very cool program.  I also start with parents of Kindergartners.  Why?  Because Scouting is a great program. Also, our Pack is celebrating our 60th Anniversary this year and I do not want to have it be it’s last.  I want to “Help the Pack Grow”!

But I also recruit parents to become Tiger Den Leaders, Den Leaders, Committee members and Ast Cubmasters.   It’s hard work.  I fully understand that people have work, families and activities outside of Scouting.   I knew that I was not a good coach for baseball, soccer, basketball or anything sport related.  But, I knew that when I walked into the Join Night, that I wanted to do something in Scouting.  Other than that, I had not a clue.  I figured if my wife was President of “Mothers of Pre-schoolers (MOPS) or as I called it “The Mothers Mafia”, I could hang out with a couple of kids and teach them crafts and stuff.

Baseball & Soccer have 4 practices a week then games on the weekend.  Scouts once a week.  If you played sports you can earn a beltloop and a pin for playing that sport in Cubscouts.  In Boy Scouts it’s a Merit Badge!   Oh, I recruit as sports practice  & games too!

Getting the boys to join is not hard.  It’s the parents.  Parents put up the blockade with schedules and bedtimes routines.  Ok, I do get it. Yup, I have them too.  But here is my point.  Parents will do things for and with their kids if it’s worthwhile.  Generally if they can just show up and watch and do nothing.  However, getting that parent to sign up to be a Den Leader is HARD. My biggest worry is getting the Tiger Den Leader for that Den.  Once they are in, they generally stay.   I was the Tiger Den Leader for two years in a row.  Cubmaster and Tiger Den Leader.  It was tough, but I did it.  I am very lucky that this year I have two Co-Tiger Den Leaders for the den of 8-10 boys.  They switch off as needed due to their work schedule.  I get work schedules.  I travel 5 days a week.  I make every Pack Meeting, every Committee Meeting, and have only missed two Den Meetings & Roundtables since my son joined in 2008.  However, the times that I missed were because of other Scout events that took me away from my home unit.

I have made Scouting for son and unit a priority.  Again, not over my family or work as I pointed out earlier.  I appreciate each and everyone of the Den Leaders, Committee Members and those who help support Pack221.  It takes a village to raise a child.  This is my village.

So what about Transition?  Part of recruiting is to find your replacement.  Cub Scouts will transition into Boy Scouts.  Also from one rank to the next.  My son Elliot is currently a Bear.  In June he will transition into a Webelos.  The Bear Den Leaders will become Webelos Den Leaders.  Everyone gets new patches and uniforms.

This is a significant change.  Bears to Webelos, Webelos to Boy Scouts.  Everyone needs to be planning ahead.  Thinking about how to grow the Troop.  Boy Scouts just don’t grow on trees.  Where to find them?  Camporee?  Den Chiefs? Calling the Cubmaster and inviting them to a meeting? Roundtables?

Yes to all of them.  Everyone needs to recruit.  In a recent Podcast from PTCMEDIA on their new show “Scoutnation” both Scoutmaster Shawn and Bryan talk about this transisition. Check out “There aint no Akela here” podcast.  They do a great job in explaining “Heliocopter Parents” in the Troop.  They also explain the transition from Webelos to Scouts.  It’s Different.

However, when listening, listen to what they do about Recruiting. Both Adults and Boys.  One actively does it, the other does not.  Why? Well, one is small and the other is large.  If your Troop is small and just starting out you NEED to recruit.  If your large you generally do not.  I will say that BOTH Shawn and Bryan “GET” what scouting is all about.  The Boy Led Program is fully alive and functioning  within both Troops.  Bryan has the large Troop and has the reputation of doing it right. So, he does not have to go out and recruit.  Shawn runs a small Troop, has a great reputation as well, but has to recruit due to size. (If you follow them on Twitter/Facebook and listen to this podcast and True North you will understand this and more.Listen to show #35 and you will understand)

My point is this.  If your Troop sits by and thinks that just because a pack has always gone to your Troop because it’s the way it always has been….THINK AGAIN.   Hookers get Drive-bys.  If your Troop starts not getting boys ask yourself why.  It’s time to start asking for invites from Packs to put on a Pack meeting, Den meeting or Summertime Pack Event.  Get yourself in front of the cubscouts.  Show them COOL STUFF!  As Scoutmaster Shawn said once “COOK THEM DESSERT IN A DUTCH OVEN!” (ok, I paraphrased..)

Same as is with Transition. START NOW.  Once the current crop of Leaders leave….those who remain are left with the reins.  Units die a needles horrible death.  Our Unit is fortunate that many parents stepped up to the plate.  However, myself and others will be gone in 2013 at about this time.  2011-2012 is the time for Tigers & Wolf parents to step-up into leadership positions or just shadow/volunteer so they can learn for 2013-2014 and beyond.  Will I be around? Sure.  Will I help? Sure.  Will I do Popcorn? Nope. (I will tell you what to do)  Will I help on Join Night, Yup!

The message is: Plan ahead. Being prepared is not just for the Scouts.  It’s for the unit.  Help the Pack Grow!  You cannot start reaching out to Packs as a Troop a couple of months before a big event.  You have to start earlier.   Have the boys fight over which Troop they want to go to.  The sooner you get Cubscouts excited about something, the sooner they want to go do it.  Once you do that, the momentum has begun.  Just do not loose it.  If you do, regroup and figure out what to do.

Nothing in life is Easy.  Even if there is an Easy Button!

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