Loyal / Courteous Family Involvement / Cubs in Shining Armor 2016 Pack Meeting Suggestion
Cubmaster Section
Linda Black 801-943-1334
Shauna Pulley 801-508-7643
[email protected]
[email protected]
A Scout Is Courteous. How Does “Cubs in Shining Armor” Relate to This Point of the Scout Law? 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor A Scout knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together. The word “courteous” is an old English word that comes from the time of knights. Many associate chivalry and graciousness with a knight in shining armor because of their code of conduct. The knight’s code of conduct extols these virtues, ensuring that a Cub Scout in shining armor will exhibit courtesy to all. NOTE TO CUBMASTER Pack meetings are best when they are no more than an hour and a half in length. Pack meeting plans are guides which can be adjusted to fit the needs of your pack. You might consider setting up tables or areas for each den to display pictures and items made during this month’s adventure. Webelos dens may fulfill a requirement of their Stronger, Faster, Higher adventure by providing a fitness gathering game for younger Scouts.
DUTY TO GOD (PRAYER) / DEVOTIONAL ◆◆Opening Prayer 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor
“We pray that we will always be ready to serve and defend those who need us, that we will be courteous to all as chivalrous knights.”
◆◆Welcome and Introductions
2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor The Cubmaster welcomes new families, visitors, and special guests by introducing them to the pack and thanking all who helped plan and prepare for the pack meeting. Cubmaster: (Dressed as a medieval king or knight) “Hear ye, hear ye, the Court of Pack ____ has gathered here to celebrate our knights and give them their just rewards. We courteously bow to those who are new to us (introduce newcomers and guests) and welcome them among us.”
◆◆Den Demonstrations 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor If there is a den that needs to do some type of activity at a pack meeting for the completion of an adventure, please insert it here.
GATHERING ACTIVITIES Birth Month Logic Puzzle Santa Clara County Council – Baloo's Bugle Oct 2005 My Family Tree Four children have different birth months, but were all born in the same year. Find out who was born in each month. Sept Oct Nov Dec Carol
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Debbie
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Amy
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Ben . . . . 1. Carol was born before Debbie. 2. Debbie was born two months after Ben. 3. Ben was born after Amy but before Carol.
Solution: Amy-September, Ben-October, Carol-November, Debbie-December ◆◆Gathering 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor Tournament of the Knights round robin (See the Resources section of this meeting plan.)
Pre-openers: Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 (Needs: Knight’s shield…Sword…Helmet…Cape) As each of the Cubs come to Pack Meeting, you can knight them. If you have a real sword, that would be authentic and they might be on their best behavior. “I dub thee Sir_______________of the ___________. Then they can go sit down and watch you knight the rest of the Cubs as they come in.
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Family Tree Puzzle
AFFECTION COMFORT COZINESS ENJOY HARMONY HOME KIDS LINE MOM PLEASE RESPECT TRAITS WARMTH
Heart of America Council – Baloo's Bugle Oct 2005 My Family Tree
ARGUMENTS COMMUNE DEVOTION FOLKS HELP HOPE KIN LOVE PAPA PRIDE SHARE TRUST YOU
CLOSENESS CONCERN DREAMS FUN HEREDITY JOYFUL LAUGHTER LOYALTY PEACEFUL RELATE TEAM UNITY
Word Search Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com
W M E K G T N A I L A V V A K
A O I R H O R S E Z K T X N E
D N B F I I Y T Y U T R I M L
ARMOR CHIVALRY DAMSEL HELMET JOUST MOAT SHIELD TOWER
G R V S V U E G R F D G R O T
G O A N S M Q K L R H Q O A S
Y U C W L O Y S A T W U M T A
C N J E B O R Y V U I E R I C
L D H O X R T C I Z Z E A A X
BATTLEMENT COURTYARD DRAGON HONOR KING QUEEN SQUIRE VALIANT
R T M G U R I S H D A N X E R
O A P K U S W D C P R F K O Y
U B L O P O T T G P D A N B V
A L C M R E W O T E F O G Y F
M E Q D S H I E L D H I S O C
B A T T L E M E N T Q P A L N
U C L E S M A D Q O M Z I H W
CASTLE CROSSBOW DRAWBRIDGE HORSE KNIGHT ROUNDTABLE SWORD WIZARD
OPENING / FLAG CEREMONIES FAMILY OPENING – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime Have each boy hold a sign with one of the following letters on the front and the script on the back to read: F - is for Father who is my role model as I grow A - is for Akela who shows me how to help the pack grow M - is for Mother who my patches will sew I - is for ME who can Cub Scout like a pro L - is for Leader who keeps me in the know Y - is for you in the audience, so ON WITH THE SHOW!! Our Family Baltimore Area Council – Baloo's Bugle Oct 2005 My Family Tree Personnel: 4 Cub Scouts Equipment: American Flag Setting: Cubs standing around flag. Our families have fun by being involved in all the Cub Scout activities, like coming to Pack meetings. Our families have fun by helping our Cub Scouts with achievements, to advance in rank. Our families have fun by thinking up projects for our Dens. Just as we have fun in our Dens and Pack meetings, we also can have fun in our families. We can do things together, like saying the Pledge of Allegiance together. (Lead the pledge.) ◆◆Opening Ceremony 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans:
Knights of the Roundtable 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor Materials: Crown for King Arthur, tunics for Scouts (pillowcases or large paper bags with head and arm holes, to be worn over uniforms), poster with the Scout Law printed large enough for all to see King Arthur: “We need to recruit new knights to join our Round Table. Come hither, recruits!” (Scouts enter.) King Arthur: “Each of you, tell me two things about you that is like a knight.” Cub Scout 1: “I am trustworthy, loyal.” Cub Scout 2: “I am helpful, friendly.” Cub Scout 3: “I am courteous, kind.” Cub Scout 4: “I am obedient, cheerful.” Cub Scout 5: “I am thrifty, brave.” Cub Scout 6: “I am clean, reverent.” King Arthur: “Our Round Table is complete. Together you uphold the knight’s code, known to all here as the Scout Law. (Holds poster with the Scout Law for all to see.) Let us all stand and say it together with fingers held high.”
November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor The flag ceremony is led by a predetermined den. They will present the colors and lead the pack in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Opening/Flag Ceremony: Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 Cubmaster: We have some special guests who have come all the way from King Arthur’s Court to be with us. First…Sir Shawn Shawn. Shawn: I’m the best dragon-slayer in the land! Cubmaster: Sir , Paul! Paul: I’m the best jouster in the country. Cubmaster: Sir Michael! Michael: I’m the best rescuer of damsels in distress in Camelot! Cubmaster: (pausing and looking at the remaining Cub Scouts…And what do you do best? All Cub Scouts: We Do Our Best At Everything! Will you all stand and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance with me.
The Knights Code Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 (Needs: Cubs dressed in their attire. holding shields with their parts attached to the back) Cubmaster: Knights live by “The Knights Code.” Cub 1: Be always ready with your armor on, except when you are taking your rest at night. Cub 2: Defend the Poor and help them that cannot defend themselves. Cub 3: Do nothing to hurt or offend anyone else. Cub 4: Be prepared to fight to the defense of your country. Cub 5: At whatever you are working, try to win honor for your nation. Whatever you are working, try to win honor and name for honesty. Cub 6: Never Break Your Promise. Cub 7: Maintain the honor of your country with your life. Rather die honestly and live shamelessly. Cub 8: Do good unto others. Cubmaster: We should all try to live the Code of the Knights. Would you all stand and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance with me.
ADVANCEMENT & RECOGNITION CEREMONIES ADVANCEMENT CEREMONY – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime Use seven pieces of cut poster board with the letters to spell the word ACHIEVE. Have Cubs stand in correct order to spell the work ACHIEVE, and read the following: A ADVANCEMENT -- along the Cubbing trail C COMMITMENT -- to always do your best H HOME -- where it all begins I INDIVIDUAL -- works alone as well as with others, or -- stands up for himself. E EVERYONE -- all Cubs work together V VICTORY -- is achieved at the end of the trail E EXCELLENCE -- for a job well done. "The Family Tree", By Hellen Crawford Great Sauk Trail Council – Baloo's Bugle Oct 1999 Discover Our Heritage Cubmaster: "The Family Tree", by Hellen Crawford There's one thing in God's nature world That means a lot to me-It symbolizes much of life It is a lovely tree! With roots so deep in God's rich earth It's not disturbed by weather-Like families with faith in God Who live in peace together. It's trunk, the body strong and firm, Like parents anywhere-To guide, control, direct, sustain The offspring which they bear.
The branches which like children spread In every known direction-Until the fruitage of their growth Has reached its full perfection. And so a tree appears to me The gem of God's creation-As it portrays our families Which constitute a nation. Cubmaster: And now we want to receive these parents and their sons into the fellowship of the pack. Will every parent stand and join with these new Cub Scout Parents in repeating after me, "We, the parents of a Cub Scout, do promise to assist our son in earning his Cub Scout badges. We will be faithful in our attendance at pack meetings, and assist in every possible way, as we help our son to Do His Best." Will all the Cub Scouts now stand, give the Cub Scout sign, and join these new Bobcats in saying the Cub Scout Promise. "I ____, promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people, and to obey the Law of the Pack." The two yellow candles, representing the parents and the boys will now be joined together to light the center blue candle, which represents the Pack. For without the boys or their parents, the Pack could not exist. Because you parents have helped your son earn the Bobcat badge, will you pin it on him and then give him his certificate. Each of the mothers will now be presented the Mother's Ribbon, on which the boys will pin each rank as he earns it. We ask that you wear the ribbon to all Pack Meetings and any other Scout functions. Welcome again to the Cub Scout family of Pack ____.
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◆◆Recognition
Adventure Loops and Pins: 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor
(Note: Adventure loops and pins can be presented at a meeting or as immediate recognition in the den.) By den, call the names of those Cub Scouts who have completed the month’s adventure to come forward. • Have the den leader pass out the awards to the boys as they receive a Cub Scout handshake from the Cubmaster. • If time allows, invite the den leader or den chief of the den to speak about the adventure work done for that month and have the den stand and be recognized. • Use a positive cheer to recognize their accomplishments. Other options: • Have the den stand and be recognized or come forward to receive certificates for the adventure they have completed. This option would be appropriate for a den that has already received the adventure loop or pin. • Adapt the advancement ceremony for the month’s theme into an adventure loop presentation if no rank badges are being presented. ◆◆Rank advancement 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor
Set up enough chairs to seat the boys receiving rank advancements in a semicircle around either side of a table in the front of the pack meeting area. Cubmaster: “Lords and ladies, noble members of the pack, we bid you to recognize these knights who, by their diligent work, courteous spirit, knowledge, and willingness to do their best, have proved themselves worthy of the honor of a seat at our Round Table. “Knights of the order of the Bobcat, come forward. (Call boys by name to stand with their parents or guardians at the front of the room.)
(Giving each his badge of rank) “Will you uphold the honor of the order of the Bobcat? (Scouts answer, ‘I will.’) Then take your place at the Round Table. (Scouts take their seats at the table. Parents and guardians return to their seats.) (Repeat with each rank until all boys earning recognition have been seated at the Round Table.) “Knights of the Round Table of medieval times were men of great courage, honesty, loyalty, strength, and courtesy toward all. These young knights have shown us that the spirit of the Round Table remains. Let us all stand to congratulate them with the Knights’ Cheer, ‘Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!’” Awards and Recognition: Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 In the days of the Roundtable it was customary for a Lady to send her Knight off into battle by giving her scarf to him and with a KISS to show appreciation for his outstanding effort. Tonight I give to you kisses for your outstanding effort and your accomplishments. (Throw out handfuls of chocolate Kisses.) Awards Ceremony: Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 Have a knighting ceremony. Cubmaster calls forward all boys who will be receiving awards. Have the boys line up and kneel down. The Cubmaster turns to the boys and declares…I have received information that you all here have been living by the Cub Scout Law and have been trying to better yourselves and the pack. Cubmaster goes to the first boy, taps him on the shoulder with a Sword, and says loudly…Sir ________, I dub thee knight of the Bobcat. Arise…Call upon those that have helped you… parents…and receive your awards. The boy’s parents come up and the award is given. Go down the line and give awards accordingly.
CUBMASTER’S MINUTE IT’S TIME TO . . . BE A FAMILY – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime A family is people giving and receiving love. We seldom come straight out and say, “Son, I love you. It doesn’t matter if I don’t like what you do, I LOVE you.” A family is people getting angry with each other, but still loving one another. A family is loving the differences about each other. A family is people talking and listening to each other. . . communicating. A family is people caring about what happens to each other and letting it show. A family is people laughing and crying without feeling ashamed of it. . .expressing ourselves naturally. A family is people reaching out instead of fencing in. . . to each other and neighbors and friends. A family is a place for having fun, also for sharing sorrows and healing the hurts. A family is people giving strength to each other; caring and letting it show; leaning on each other; feeling loyal to each other; in other words LOVING one another. ◆◆Cubmaster’s Minute 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor “Tonight we have seen that the knights of old and the Cub Scouts of today have much in common. Our Scouts face challenges every day, but face them as gallantly as knights, armed with the values we instill in them.”
The Living Circle Closing Ceremony Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 In King Arthur’s Courts, the knights all sat around a round table because the King wanted all of the knights to feel equal. There was not to be a head of the table or a leader. They all worked together as equals and were all equally important. So to close tonight, I want all of us to form the living circle in honor of the Knights of the Roundtable and to stress that we are all equals in Cub Scouting. Form the Living Circle by standing with your Den Leader and den, in a closed circle, facing to the center. Ask everyone to turn slightly to the right in the circle and extend his left hand into the center, palm downward and left thumb pointing to the right. Have each Cub grasp the extended thumb of the person on his left, thus making a living circle. Each person should hold his right hand high above his head in the Cub Scout sign. Now we will give our version of the Knights Code…yell…The Cub Scout Oath!
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About the Knights of the Roundtable Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 Long ago when the world was in darkness and evil, a group of men pledged themselves to their king and to going throughout the countryside doing good brave deeds to help others. Let us remember that chivalry and good deeds are not a thing of long ago. Some things may have happened hundreds of year’s ago, but the way the knights acted then is the way we should act now. The ideas of the knights to do good deeds for those in need should be our ideas for today. Once a knight went through his knighting, he knew that he belonged. We all come from different walks of life, different religions, different packs…but each of us belongs to this family we call Cub Scouts. A knight knows that the best way of doing anything is to do it in a courteous manner. Cub Scout Leaders know that the best way to get along with everyone is through courtesy and politeness. A true knight, respected his king, his elders, women and all those in need of help. Like the knights of old, we too must respect our God, our Families, our communities and our country, and Do Our Best to help those in need. Even when the knights did things alone, they knew that they belonged to a special group and they acted as members of that group which your should be proud of. The Roundtable was made up of a special group called Sir Knights. We belong to a special group also.
CLOSING / FLAG CEREMONIES Family Involvement Teamwork Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 (From the Webelos Den Leader Guide Project Family Adventure, page 267) Give each leader a 3-foot section of rope. Have them tie their ropes together with square knots to form a complete circle. Then they lean back carefully to form a taut circle. Explain that this represents the connection between family members as they help each other and work as a team. Words to Live By – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime Do more than belong - Participate Do more than care - Help Do more than believe - Practice Do more than be fair - Be kind Do more than forgive - Forget Do more than dream - Work Do more than teach - Inspire Do more than live - Grow Do more than be friendly - Be a friend Do more than give - Serve FAMILY SHOWTIME CLOSING – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime We have seen tonight that the family unit is alive and well in Cub Scouting. All families are not created equal. They are, however, created sacred. The family is a place of love, laughter and precious dreams. All of us need to be involved in the family - no matter what size or shape - we are all important to its survival. Parents, be there for your kids. Kids, be there for your parents. Love and respect each other. Please have a safe journey home. Thank you and good night.
◆◆Closing
Cub Quest 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor Sing Cub Quest in the Song section and then (The preassigned den retires the flags.)
Modern Knights – Baloo's Bugle Jun 2013 Cubs in Shining Armor As we leave our meeting, let us remember our roles as modern knights to improve ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually, and always be ready to help other people. Good night and good scouting. Why is the Table Round? – Baloo's Bugle Jun 2013 Cubs in Shining Armor Have the boys stand in a line, one behind the other. Ask three boys the following questions: “_______________, you are the first person in line. Does that make you feel more important?” (have him answer). “___________________, you are in the middle. Would you rather be at the head of the line?” (have him answer). “_______________, you are at the very end. How does that make you feel?” (have him answer). We all have different feelings about where we are in this line. Now, let's form a circle. (Do so.) When we are in a circle, everyone is on an equal basis. That is why King Arthur had the Round Table, so no one knight would feel more or less important than any other knight. Since we are here in a circle, let’s repeat the Scout Oath to close our meeting.
SONGS Cub Scout Interest Topic: Family Involvement Interest Topic Song Scouting Is the Best! Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 (Tune—“Row, Row, Row Your Boat”) Scouting is the best Lots of fun, you see! As a team, we work as one, All of my family!
My Family Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 (Tune: “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”) Scouting helps bring my family together, We work as a team and have fun! I’m so glad they come to my meetings, My family is sure number one! Scouting, family—important to me, yes, important to me! Scouting, family—the best fun that I’ve ever had!
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It Isn’t Any Trouble – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime (Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic) It isn’t any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E It isn’t any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E There isn’t any trouble They would vanish like a bubble, If you only take the trouble Just to S-M-I-L-E 2. L-A-U-G-H 3. G-R-I-N grin 4. Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha Cub Quest 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor Tune: “This Old Man” Knights of old, stories tell, Lived their code of honor well, Courtesy and loyalty their call, And to show respect to all. Like the knights, Cubs today, Pledge to live a helpful way, To honor God and country is our quest, We always try to do our best! M-A-G-I-C Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 (Bingo) Old Magic Merlin, he did some tricks, And Magic was his game, oh M-A-G-I-C, M-A-G-I-C, M-A-G-I-C And Magic was his game, oh!
Old Magic, Merlin he did some tricks, And magic was his game oh (clap-A-G-I-C. (clap)-A-G-I-C, (clap)-A-G-I-c And Magic was his game, oh! (Continue adding a clap for each letter) Knights Of Yore Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 (Clementine) In the forest, in the woodland We will fight the dragon bold Knights of Yore come dressed for battle All arrayed in Blue and Gold. Come and join us, Come and join us Come and join the Knights of Yore Come and join our Battle Royal As we help the rich and poor. The Grand Ole Duke of Yoke Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 Oh, the grand old Duke of York He had ten thousand men He marched them up to the top of the hill Then he marched them down again. And when you’re up, you’re up And when you’re down, you’re down And when you’re only half way up You’re neither up nor down.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Heritage Lost Great Sauk Council – Baloo's Bugle Oct 1999 Discover Our Heritage Narrator: Our American Heritage is filled with heroes. Everyone here has heard of Paul Revere and the story of his heroic ride to warn the people Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts about the approach of the British army. His famous ride took place during the revolutionary war, on April 18, 1775. Paul was able to take his ride because he was signaled by a sentry, who watched for soldiers from the tower of the Old North Church in Boston. Paul and his sentry worked out a simple set of signals: The sentry would light lanterns, one lantern if the soldiers were approaching by LAND and two lanterns if they were arriving by SEA., Paul, mounted on his horse would be watching for the signal, and ready to ride and warn the people of Lexington and Concord to be ready for the soldiers when they arrived. Have you ever thought what a hard time Paul and his sentry would have had today? Just think of all the ways those British soldiers could come! Let's rewrite a little American history and you can help me and you'll see just how confusing it would be today. I want you to stomp the floor with your feet when I say the following words: Stomp once every time I say the word LAND Stomp twice when I say SEA Stomp three times for AIRPLANE Stomp four times for TRAIN Stomp five times for SUBMARINE Stomp six times for ROCKET
Now we are ready to take another look at history! In a steeple of the old North Church in Boston, a sentry looked out over the SEA. His eyes strained as he looked across the land. All was very still. It was late at night. Next to him was a lantern. He took a sheet of paper that a Boston citizen had given him from his pocket. It read a signal with your lantern when you see the British army approaching. The signals are: 1 if by Land, 2 if by Sea, 3 if by Airplane, 4 if by Train, 5 if by Submarine, 6 if by Rocket. After reading it, the sentry began to put it in his pocket. Just then a gust of wind blew the paper out of his hand. Out across the Land and into the Sea it went. The sentry thought, "I'm sure I can remember it". Just then he saw a Submarine surface a short distance from the Land. He grabbed his lantern to wave it 4 times. "Oh No!" he thought. "4 times for Rocket, or its it for Land? No, it's 1 for Land, so it must be 2 for Submarine, no, 2 is for Airplane. It must be 3. As he started to raise his lantern, he remembered that 2 was for Sea, not airplane. Oh dear, what is a Submarine? Let's see, Submarine comes after TRAIN but what's ROCKET? Oh, now I remember, ROCKET is 6 and TRAIN is 4 so SUBMARINE must by 5. While the sentry was trying to remember his signals, the British SUBMARINE had loaded it passengers onto launches and hundreds of British soldiers were now on LAND. "Oh my," though the sentry," they are not in a SUBMARINE anymore they are on LAND. I'll have to signal that. But he couldn't remember what the signal was for LAND. He desperately tried to remember. I remember ROCKET and TRAIN. That leaves
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SEA, AIRPLANE and LAND. Oh now which is it? He sat there hopelessly confused. He just couldn't remember any signals. He couldn't unscramble ROCKET, AIRPLAINE, LAND, SUBMARINE, SEA and TRAIN. The British marched onto Lexington and Concord and since all the people were sound asleep the soldiers had no trouble in capturing them. The only person they met was a man sitting on a horse. Who he was or why he was there, no one seemed to know. The Knight’s Day Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 KNIGHT……Charge MAIDEN…..My Knight in Shining Armor(sigh) STEED…..Neigh, Neigh….. KING…..Your Highness….. DRAGON…..Fire Breathing (Cough, Cough) In the days of old, when KNIGHTS were bold, the DRAGONS covered the land. Upon his STEED to serve each MAIDENS need, the brave gallant KNIGHT rode. As KINGS arose, all filled with owes, upon whom did they call? The brave, true KNIGHT did for the KING fight, taking battle to one and all. Now in this land, a DRAGON tall, did terrify the fair MAIDENS so. They wailed and wailed, “Oh my, oh my, has anyone let the KING know?” The KING was shook at the courage it took, to slay a DRAGON so. He called the KNIGHT upon his STEED and bade the KNIGHT to go. “Slay that DRAGON and save us all!” The KING did decree. “Slay that DRAGON and save us all, save the fair MAIDENS and me, the KING!” So off the KNIGHT rode, the KNIGHT so bold, upon his mighty STEED. “My STEED and I, with lance held high, will do this courageous deed.” And then the KNIGHT met the DRAGON so tall, that had frightened one and all. So for the KING and MAIDENS fair, the KNIGHT did make that DRAGON fall. (Have everyone give a CHEER CHEER CHEER!) ◆◆Audience Participation
The Cub Scout Becomes a Knight 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor
Whenever the words “Cub Scout” are read, Webelos families respond, “Do Your Best.” When the word “knight” is read, Bear
families respond, “shining armor.” When the word “courteous” is read, the Wolf families respond, “Be polite.” When the word “king” is read, Tiger families respond, “Hail to the king.” Narrator: “Once upon a time there was a Cub Scout who wanted to be a knight. He knew that for a Cub Scout to become a knight, he must be courteous to all and complete a special challenge determined by the king. “The Cub Scout who wanted to be a knight went to see the king. The king asked the Cub Scout who wanted to be a knight if he was courteous. The king explained that being courteous meant always being polite and showing good manners to everyone. “The Cub Scout said he was always courteous, so the king gave the Cub Scout a challenge. The king told the Cub Scout that if he wanted to be a knight, he must bring the king a dragon scale from a fierce dragon. The Cub Scout really wanted to become a knight, so he decided to bring the king a dragon scale. “The Cub Scout knew a fierce dragon lived in a cave that was only about an hour’s hike away. So the Cub Scout prepared for the hike. He asked his buddy to go with him and gathered supplies for them to share on their journey. Being courteous, the Cub Scout asked his mother for permission to search for the dragon’s scale. His mother cautioned him to be very careful and gave him permission to follow the task set forth by the king. “The Cub Scout and his buddy went to the cave of the dragon. When they got there, they were very scared. But the Cub Scout really wanted to be a knight, so he entered the cave to carry out his task. Being courteous, the Cub Scout politely asked the dragon for a scale. The dragon was so impressed that the Cub Scout would ask rather than just take that he gave him a big shiny silver scale. “The Cub Scout took the scale back to the king. The king asked the Cub Scout how he acquired such a beautiful dragon scale. The Cub Scout explained that he had asked the dragon for a scale and the dragon gave him one. The king was very impressed with the courteousness of the Cub Scout. The king explained that just like Cub Scouts, knights always act politely. The Cub Scout passed the king’s test of courtesy and became a knight because true courtesy is being polite, even to dragons! “The End”
CHEERS / RUN-ONS / JOKES / SKITS Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime BADEN-POWELL APPLAUSE: Stand very erectly with your hands clasped behind your back in parade rest position. Look left to right, then right to left, smile slightly, and then nod head as if saying yes. APPLAUSE AND CHEER: When you raise your right hand, everyone applauds. When you raise your left hand, everyone cheers. When you raise both hands, they applaud and cheer. Santa Clara County Council – Baloo's Bugle Oct 2005 My Family Tree
Fan Applause: Pretend to open up fan and fan your face with it and say, “Fannnn-tastic!” Holland Windmill: Hold both arms out straight at shoulder level. Standing on one foot (or both feet), spin around while rotating arms in a circle. Make a loud whoosh noise like wind. Family Cheer: All sing while swaying back and forth: “We are family. We are family”
Oh Brother Cheer: Divide group in two. One side says, “Oh, brother” then the other side replies “Oh, sister!” Go back and forth several times getting louder each time. CHEERS: Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 Knight Cheer: Pretend to ride a steed in place and yell: Slay the Dragon (3 times). Royal Cheer: Hear Ye, Hear Ye, YE ARE GREAT (3 times) Fire Breathing Dragon Cheer: Cough, cough, my fire’s out. Damsel Cheer: Oh, My Knight in Shining Armor.
Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime Cub 1: Whatcha doin’? Cub 2: Writing a letter to my little brother. Cub 1: Why are you writing so slowly? Cub 2: ‘Cause my little brother can’t read very fast!
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Joe: May I have 25 cents worth of birdseed? Moe: How many birds do you have? Joe: None yet, but I’m gonna grow some! Joe: The doctor told me to drink some lemon juice after a hot bath. Moe: Well, did you drink the lemon juice? Joe: No, I haven’t finished drinking the hot bath yet. Run-ons: Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 Cub 1: Where do knights go to grab a bite to eat? Cub 2: I don’t know…where do they go to eat? Cub 1: At an all KNIGHT DINER! Cub 1: Why did every castle have a bank with an automatic teller? Cub 2: I don’t know why…? Cub 1: For making knight deposits! Cub I: What did King Arthur listen to every evening at six? Cub 2: Gee, I don’t know…what did King Arthur listen to at 6pm? Cub 1: The Knightly news! Cub 1: Why did Robinhood rob only the rich? Cub 2: Why did he only rob the rich? Cub 1: Because the poor had no money? Cub 1: What do you call it when all the knights traded horses? Cub 2: I don’t know. Cub 1: The knight shift!
Going in Style – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime There is one speaking part for either a mother or father. . . and four other action parts. A small suitcase it the most important prop. Pack first those items used last. Parent: There! I’m all packed. (Sets suitcase on table, opens it, and begins checking contents.) Everything’s in order for my weekend trip. I’ll just check to see if Grandma’s here yet. (Exits right.) Child: enters from left and peeks into suitcase. Removes a map from top of bag. Makes a fan or an airplane out of it. Exits right fanning self and flying airplane. Child: enters from right, bouncing a ball. Looks into suitcase. Picks up magazine. Rolls it up and hold in place with rubberband which was around wrist. Exits left and plays ball with magazine ‘bat.’
Small Child: carrying several dolls wrapped in a blanket, dressed like a toddler and sucking thumb, enters from left. Peers inside suitcase, then exits right. Child: enters from right and removes sunglasses from suitcase. Puts them on and dramatically exits left. Child: enters from left on roller skates or skate board. Removes suntan lotion and oils skates as exits right. Child: enters from right, removes first-aid kit and fixes teddy bear. Exits left. Child: enters from left, removes books, balances them on head and exits right. Small Child: with dolls re-enters (from right). Looks in case and exits left. 3 Children: enter from left. Look inside suitcase and remove vitamins, comb and shampoo bottle. They form a rhythm band shaking vitamin bottle, adding a tissue to comb for humming, and removing cap of bottle and blowing over top. Exit right. Child: enters from right. Removes several pair of socks or pantyhose, rolls them up and juggles with them as exits right. Child: enters from left, removes shaving cream or cold cream from suitcase, applies to face. Then removes t-shirt or slip and wipes goo off. 2 Children: enters from right, remove hair blow dryer and curling iron (if parent is a mom) and begins a space gun game. (If using just hair dryer one child can chase the other.) Exit left. Child: enter from right, removes clothing from suitcase and puts all of it on. .. . playing dress-up. Exits right. Small Child: with dolls enters again (from left). Seeing the empty suitcase, child puts all dolls inside and covers with blanket, putting babies to bed. Exit right. Parent: entering from right. Stands in front of suitcase facing audience, not looking inside suitcase. “Everything is all set! This is going to be a perfect week! It certainly pays to BE PREPARED! (Closed suitcase without ever looking in it, and exits carrying suitcase filled with baby dolls.) Knight Inspection Skit Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 All the knights are lined up for inspection. Just as King Arthur comes in, one of the knights sneezed. King Arthur asks…who sneezed. The knights all hide their heads. King Arthur sends Sir Lancelot to find the knight that sneezed. Sir Lancelot grabs the first knight, “did you sneeze?” The knight says “NO” and very disgusted he says, “Put him in the dungeon” and he is dragged off. He repeats til all of the knights are gone except the one that sneezed. He asks, “Did you sneeze? Knight falls down on his knees and says, Yes, it was me, it was me”. Sir Lancelot drags him in front of the King. “Here is the Knight that sneezed your majesty.” King Arthur looks at him and says, God Bless YOU!”
GAMES & ACTIVITIES Balloon Passing – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime This game is for den families, also. Give each team a balloon inflated to about six inches in diameter. On signal, the first player on each team tucks the balloon under his chin and, without using his hands, passes it to the next player, who must take it under his chin. Continue until all have received the balloon. If it drops, the player may pick it up with his hands but must put it under his chin before passing it on. WHO SAID THAT – Baloo's Bugle Dec 1996 Family Showtime This is a good one for pack meetings. Have the boys and parents get together to solve this. Some the parents will know about and some are strictly for kids.
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1. One For All, and All For One! 2. Elementary, my dear Watson. 3. Come, Cheetah. 4. No case too small, $.25 a day plus expenses 5. Head for the raft, Jim. 6. If I only had a heart. 7. All-righty then. 8. Take a bite out of crime. 9. Only you can prevent forest fires. 10. It’s not easy being green. 11. Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred. 12. It ain’t over til the fat lady sings. 13. What’s up doc?
Answers 1. The Three Musketeers 2. Sherlock Holmes 3. Tarzan 4. Encyclopedia Brown 5. Huckleberry Finn 6. The Tin Man 7. Ace Ventura 8. Mcgruff 9. Smoky the Bear 10. Kermit the Frog 11. James Bond 12. Yogi Berra 13. Bugs Bunny
Tournament of the Knights 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor If possible, ask the Webelos den or dens to set up the following games and other fitness games in round-robin fashion for Scouts as they arrive. Jumping the Dragon’s Tail Crossing the Moat 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor The object of the game is to cross the moat on the drawbridge (a Set a string or tape on the floor as a starting point, a plastic two-by-four similar to a balance beam) without falling off. tablecloth cut in the shape of a dragon’s tail in the center, and A-Mace-ing 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor another string or tape 2 ½ feet from the starting point. Each Scout This is a medieval version of beanbag toss. For the target, make a leaps over the dragon’s tail. large cardboard cutout of a castle with several windows of Crossing the Swamp Forest various sizes cut into it. Use beanbags or foam balls as the “mace.” The object of the game is to throw the mace through the castle windows. Each knight gets three tries. Spear the Ring 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor Suspend several 6-inch-diameter rings made of plastic or cardboard about 1 foot apart on strings so each ring hangs at a different height, the first at about the shoulder height of a Tiger Scout and the others slightly higher. Using an oblong balloon shaped into a sword, a 3-foot-long pool noodle, or other soft foam stick, each Scout tries to spear each of the rings, starting with the lowest. Catch the Dragon’s Tail Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 (Needed: neckerchief or bandanna) Players line up, one behind the other. Everyone grabs the waist of the person in front of him. The last person in line tucks a neckerchief in the back of his belt. To work up steam, the “dragon” might let out a few fearsome roars. On a signal, the dragon begins chasing its own “tail”,( the person at the head of the line trying to snatch the handkerchief. When the “head finally captures the tail, the head dons the handkerchief and becomes the new tail, and the second person from the front becomes the new head. (Variation: Two dragons try to catch each other’s tails. The dragon “Members” will have to work together as a team to move effectively and quickly. Robinhood and Little John Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 (needs: 2x4 board, foam “swim noodles” or cardboard tubes) Have two Cubs stand on the board with their “noodles” or tubes. At the signal each tries to force the other off the board. You might want to hold a mini-tournament with the winner of each round advancing to the next…or the winner of the first round might be the “champion” who may be challenged and displaced by each boy in turn.
2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor
Place six cardboard pieces about 2 feet in diameter on the floor about 1 1/2 feet apart. Scouts must leap from pad to pad, avoiding touching the floor, to cross the Swamp Forest. Dragon Bowling 2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor Decorate six empty plastic bottles with paper, glue, and markers to make them look like dragons. Set them on the floor like bowling pins. Scouts take turns bowling with a small ball to see how many dragons they can knock over.
Defend the Castle Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 Rolled up socks are the cannons, so you will need many!) Divide the room into two kingdoms. Give each team the same amount of rolled up socks. On signal, each team starts throwing cannon balls at the other castle. Stop after a set amount of time. The team with the fewest cannon balls in their castle wins. Spearing the Ring Trapper Trails Pow Wow Book 2005 All Cubs compete. Object is for the knight, riding on his den’s horse (another scouts back, or a broom used as a horse) at full gallop, to spear the ring with his lance. When he misses, he drops out. If he spears the ring, he goes to the end of the line to try again. Continue until all have had a turn and the one knight remaining is the winner. (a hula hoop can be used as the ring with someone holding it…or attached to a tree branch if you are outside. Variation: Let the ring be a doughnut and each knight spears his own treat!) Ideas for Extra Fun: Have the boys each make a catapult…there are many variations. Build a King Arthur’s Castle…with boxes of various sizes or see the display from the drink cup carrier on display tonight. Shields and Helmets can also be made out of various designs.
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PACK IDEAS Cub Scout Interest Topic: Family Involvement Interest Topic Tips for Pack Activity Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 These tips will provide participants with helpful ideas on how to keep families involved with den and pack meetings as well as pack activities. Taking every opportunity to bring the family together at Cub Scouting activities will help them understand the importance of their involvement. • Ask: “What can we do at den meetings to include the family?” (Guide the discussion, and remember to say that while family involvement is extremely important, we must make sure we are delivering the program to Cub Scouts as it is written and helping the boys on their advancement journey.) • Ask: “What can we do at our pack meetings to include the family? Mention the following: — Audience participation stories are a good way to include families. — Pack yells, den yells, and family yells — Encouraging family attendance at pack meetings by giving an award to the family that has the highest percentage of their family members there. (But not the highest number, to avoid excluding small families.) — How about geocaching as a family, and they share at the next meeting where they went and what they found? — Can families help host activities (e.g., as greeters at the pack meeting, table hosts at a blue and gold banquet, game hosts at a pack meeting or pack outdoor activity, etc.)? • What if a family is too involved? • Other ideas?
SITED WORKS BSA Pack Meeting Plans: http://www.scouting.org/licensing/sitecore/content/home/cubscouts/leaders/denleaderresources/denandpackmeetingresourceguide/packmeetingplans.aspx
2016-2017 Pack Meeting Plans: November: Courteous – Cubs in Shining Armor http://www.scouting.org/filestore/cubscouts/pdf/YEAR2/310-842(15)_November%20Courteous_WEB.pdf Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/cubscouts/pdf/510-714(16)_CS.pdf
TRAINING CUB SCOUT INTEREST TOPIC: Family Involvement POINT OF THE SCOUT LAW: Loyal Cub Scout Adventures to Highlight Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 Tigers—Family Stories Wolf—Duty to God Footsteps Bear—Paws for Action Webelos—Project Family OCTOBER 2016 CUB SCOUT LEADER COMBINED SESSION Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 The combined session is a good way to introduce the importance of family in Cub Scouting as it relates to all of the Cub Scout ranks, the den, and the pack as a whole unit. Each member in pack leadership will benefit from the discussion and shared ideas. Suggested presenters include • Cub Scout roundtable team • District or council membership chair • Successful pack leaders Consider the use of role playing to demonstrate ways to handle the challenges that may arise from too little or too much family involvement. Introduce the Family Involvement interest topic by talking about the Tiger program—how it is set up with the partnership between the Tiger Scout and adult partner. It is a great introduction to Scouting for a boy and his family as it emphasizes the family connection that all program levels in Scouting support. It would be great if every boy and his family joined at this level, but that is not always how it works. Ask: How can we make everyone understand the importance of this partnership? Let’s take a look. First let’s review Scouting’s definition of family. Remind the leaders that family is different for many Scouts. It could be mom and dad, mom or dad, stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. Whoever a Scout’s family is, that is who should be involved with him in Scouting. Families help provide leadership and support to ensure that their Cub Scout has a good experience in the program. Successful family involvement relies on a meaningful connection between the youth, his family, and his Cub Scouting leaders. This connection nurtures and supports the Scout, allowing him to explore and experience all the Cub Scouting program has to offer to him. It is a connection that understands the diversity among the families in a pack and den, the differences in cultures and socioeconomic situations. It is a connection that works together to acknowledge that each boy’s family can make an impactful contribution to his Cub Scouting activities and advancement. Brainstorm or discuss how to get parents involved and keep them involved. The following are key points to cover: • Specify exactly what you would like for them to do. Creating a list of needs for your annual program year will help families sign up for a specific responsibility.
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• Make sure each family member is asked personally to help. If they sign up on the list you have created, reach out to them one-onone, confirming their desire to help and thanking them for their support. • Encourage them to ask questions. • Explain how their involvement can help with the “bigger picture” of things. For example, a den leader may ask a parent to take the lead in working with the boys on their blue and gold table decorations. This allows the den leader to focus on advancement and den meetings, and assures that the den will be ready to celebrate the blue and gold banquet with all the other dens in the pack. • When a family signs up for a task, hold them accountable by checking in with a friendly tone and asking if they have any questions. Keep that connection strong and communication lines open at all times. Too Little or Too Much? Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 Begin with the role-play scenarios below. Then brainstorm/ discuss ways to keep a Scout active when his family is less than active, and how to help a family member who may a little too involved. Too Little Family Involvement Players: 1 Cub Scout and 1 den leader The den Leader asks the Cub Scout if he has been ill, as he has missed two meetings. His response could be: “No, Mom has been busy on meeting night.” Or, “No, TV has been really good the past few weeks so I stayed home to watch it, and Mom and Dad said that was OK.” The den leader then asks to see the Cub Scout’s handbook. His response could be “Oops, I forgot it.” Or, “It’s in my room somewhere, and I can’t find it.” Key Points for Too Little Involvement • Keep lines of communication open. A visit with the family can help answer questions about missed meetings and forgotten handbooks. There may be a sensitive situation going on at home. Try to connect with the family and gain insight on how to support them and their Scout. For example, the boy may need help with transportation to meetings for a short time while a family member recovers from an illness. One-on-one support may encourage them to open up about what’s going on. • Families that are new to Scouting might be holding back, believing they have nothing to offer because the pack leaders have been there longer and “have it all under control.” Or they may misunderstand, thinking they have to be registered leaders in order to help out. • All family members have something to offer, and pack leadership must make opportunities available to them. Make sure that twodeep leadership is provided at all times when working with youth in the pack. Too Much Family Involvement Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 Players: Several Cub Scouts, 1 den leader, and 1 parent A den leader is teaching the den how the tie the bowline knot. Meanwhile, a parent keeps interrupting the den leader with different ways to tie the bowline, and asks the den leader if he or she knows how to tie a one-handed bowline. Key Points for Too Much Involvement • Family involvement is essential to the Cub Scouting program, but when it becomes “too much of a good thing,” asking those helpers to do specific tasks may help give direction. For example, in the bowline scenario, the den leader might ask the parent, “Can you work with me at the next meeting to teach the Scouts the taut-line hitch? We will follow the directions on page 202 of their Webelos Handbook. Specific and detailed asks can help this situation. • If a den leader still feels that he or she is being overrun, the Cubmaster and pack committee chair can attend a den meeting or outing and kindly remind a family member that their Scout is getting the support he needs from the Cub Scouting program and its leadership. Family Involvement in Cub Scouting Advancement Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 Advancement is a joint effort involving the youth members, the adult leaders, and the family. Cub Scouting uses the program delivery method of involving families in advancement. Together with the den leader, a family member signs off on advancement each step of the way in the Tiger, Wolf and Bear handbooks. In the Webelos Handbook, if a family member serves as a Webelos/Arrow of Light adventure counselor under the leadership of the den leader, they may sign for the requirements they helped the Scout complete. Reflection Exercise Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 Ask the participants to close their eyes for a personal reflection exercise. Explain that you will share some questions that might be asked of new volunteers in a unit. The participants are to reflect silently on each question. Ask the following: • How were you recruited to help in your unit? • Did you feel that by volunteering you would help your pack and your Scout at the same time? • Was it a positive recruitment? What words were said to make you feel that way or not feel that way? • What would you keep or change about that experience when asking the family members of your den or your pack to become involved? Give everyone a copy of the handout, “Easy as ABC—Ways to Encourage Involvement.” RESOURCES FOR FAMILY INVOLVEMENT INTEREST TOPIC Cub Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017 • Family Involvement Teamwork Closing from Webelos Den Leader Guide, Project Family Adventure, page 267 • District membership chair • Pack committee chair/Cubmaster of a unit with successful parent involvement • 26 Ways to Build Involvement (see above)
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Interest Topic Handout: Easy as ABC—Ways to Encourage Involvement
Cub
Scouting Roundtable Planning Guide 2016-2017
A is for Asking for Assistance. Everyone enjoys an opportunity to be helpful, but never assume that anyone will step up without being asked. Make it a practice to ask for help by going to someone and telling them they are needed. One of the reasons that people often give for not helping: No one asked them. (Friendly) B is for the Black Hole of Forever. Some people are afraid that if they step up and say yes to an activity, they’ll be pulled into that dark space called forever, unable to step back from the assignment. Let them know up front the amount of time the project will require. Is it a one-time project like serving as the blue and gold banquet chair, or a yearlong position such as pack advancement chair? (Courteous) C is for Communicating. Today’s world is full of technology, and communication is easier than ever before. Discover what method(s) of communication work best for your group, and implement those. Be sure to use a variety of methods so that you reach everyone. Remember to share not only information on upcoming events but achievements too. (Helpful) D is for Diversity. Your pack may be faced with many types of diversity—family structure, culture, geography, etc. Evaluate what diversity opportunities you may have, and, as a group, develop a plan that will reach everyone. Your pack and each individual Scout will benefit from multifamily involvement. It makes our world a smaller place! (Friendly) E is for Evaluate. Periodically stop and take a look at your pack and den activities to decide what’s working and what isn’t. Determine which programs are most successful and should stay the same—because no one wants to waste time “reinventing the wheel.” But quite often, new ideas can create new excitement for your group. (Brave) F is for Fun. Every event should have a component of fun built in! Make sure your entire group finds fun in all that they do. This will go a long way toward building the desire to be involved, and it also prevents burnout. Looking back, people won’t remember tiny details but they will recall how much fun they had. (Friendly) G is for Gentle. Start new parents out gently in the Scouting program. Let them become comfortable in their roles. Helping your leaders and parents to be successful will aid in recruiting future leadership. Parents who come away feeling good about participating in a family event may be more likely to help with future pack activities. (Loyal) H is for one Hour. Today’s fast-paced world creates an environment where people worry about their time and family commitments. By using the committee approach executing pack activities, you can limit general meetings to one hour or less. This honors the time commitment of leaders, as you discussed with them when they were recruited. (Trustworthy) I is for Inviting. All people appreciate being asked to do a task instead of you assuming that they will help. Take the time to extend a personal invitation, and you will be more successful in your leader recruiting efforts. Also, it’s easier to recruit people when they already know someone who is active in the group. Creating that personal relationship will help them get over the jitters of being a first-time participant. (Brave) J is for Joining. It is vital to the health of your unit to make sure that everyone—Scouts, parents, leaders, etc.—feel they are a part of the entire group. No cliques! (Kind) K is for Kudos. Recognizing the efforts of others with awards or even a simple “thank you” is an important aspect of working with a group. Always let people know that you appreciate their help, whether they have chaired a blue and gold banquet or just greeted folks at the pack meeting. Think of this old adage: There are three types of people who like recognition—men, women, and children. (Friendly, Courteous, Kind) L is for Leading. Demonstrate good leadership by looking into your pack’s future. Has the pack made a long-range plan? If so, are steps in place to turn the plan into reality? Part of getting your parents and families excited is to share the vision of the unit and give them something to reach for. Remember to stay focused on a leadership succession plan. Who will take your place when you move on? Is that person trained and ready to take over? (Brave)
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M is for Merchandising. Wrap the gift of Scouting, and let your community know what that gift contains. Share the values and outcome of Scouting. Demonstrate the fun your pack members are having, and what your unit does to increase participatory citizenship, education, and service to others. Your parents will want to be a part of such a successful youth program! (Cheerful) N is for Novice. ALWAYS make an effort to reach out to new parents and new Scouts. They may need your help but, many times, they are afraid to ask questions. You can provide them with information about the program, the unit leaders, activities, and more. (Helpful) O is for Optimally Organized. Whether your group is large or small, make sure your events are highly organized and orderly. Make sure event volunteers are in place and details are addressed. Good advance communication will prevent the disappointment of hearing that some parents and Scouts missed an event because they didn’t have the information they needed or received it too late. (Helpful) P is for Priority. The Cub Scouting program has many levels, from den meetings to pack and family outings. Make sure that the priority of meetings and events is established and recognized. If you know who the activities are intended for, you can better guide each event to a successful outcome. Remember that Cub Scouting is for the entire family. (Obedient) Q is for Qualifications. Every person has something to offer. They are qualified to help in some way. Remember to ask not only for your volunteers’ time but also for their talents. The parent talent survey sheet is a great resource to find out each person’s skills. (Thrifty) R is for Retention. Retaining quality leadership is essential for a unit to stay strong and healthy. Boys join because they are expecting a terrific experience, but without solid adult leadership the unit may not be able to deliver the promise of Scouting. (Loyal) S is for Success. It is said that many hands make light work. By involving parents in planning, preparing, and executing meetings and activities, you will guarantee the success of the pack and delivery of the promise of Scouting. (Cheerful) T is for Training. Try not to give a job or project to a volunteer when they don’t have the right preparation. No one enjoys failing, and with proper training you can help everyone to do their job well. The training should communicate clearly what is expected of them, and it should give them the resources and knowledge they need to do the job. Online training in Cub Scouting has made this an easy challenge to address. (Courteous) U is for Undivided. The Scouting program is designed to bridge the diversity gap of any community by recognizing and respecting our differences, and not allowing those differences to become an issue. Work together with the members of your pack and your community to make sure all activities include all people, and stay respectful of cultural differences. (Courteous, Kind) V is for Visibility. Don’t let Scouting be the best kept secret in your community. Do all you can to be visible to the world. Be visible through uniforming, booths, fliers, etc. at school open houses, school registration, and community activities. The Family Talent Survey Sheet may help you find a parent who can assist with media coverage and social media communication for the pack. (Helpful) W is for Wanted. No one wants to feel they are imposing on an event. Do all you can to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Let your families know that you want them to come and participate. Create a pack welcoming committee to greet newcomers at pack meetings and family activities, and strive to make sure they feel comfortable. (Friendly) X is for X-cellence. A component of excellence in building a strong unit and parent group is to keep all things balanced. For a pack to remain strong and healthy, parents need to be involved and active. Always be planning for the future excellence of your unit. (Thrifty) Y is for Year. Holding the annual pack planning conference will help keep everyone on track for the entire year. Take into consideration school, religious, and community activities. Balance your activities throughout the year so you won’t see burn out in your parents, leaders, or yourself. (Helpful) Z is for Zoom In. Each pack has many details to attend to. If you take some time to develop a strong parent group, you will see your pack grow and continue as a strong, healthy unit for many years to come! (Loyal, Friendly, Courteous)
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