Time commitment
Who runs Cub Scout activities and meetings? Who decides 'what', 'when', and 'where'?
We each do, as parents. We need parents to be part of school year programs that our children are excited about, and we want parents to have opportunities to enjoy program activities with their children.
Cub Scouts is a volunteer-led program, with four aims- citizenship, character, personal fitness, and leadership. Parents lead and run the program each year; so it is the parents who get to decide the what, when, and where. Our activities for Pack 274 includes programming that our parents provide feedback on, and which they and their child highly enjoy. Age appropriate adventures completed within the Dens also provide opportunities for learning and development, including self-responsibility, confidence, and willingness to help others. We accomplish all of this through active parent participation within the Dens, and asking that parents support the Pack by serving in a leadership role or volunteering during our activities, and by working with other parents.
Pack 274 has found that leading is good for parents: the bond between you and your child and their friends will be stronger if you’re also serving as a leader. Please join with the expectation you will be asked to take on a leadership role, yet with the comfort of knowing you will be able to share the role and learn from a parent currently serving in a leadership role. By being open and willing to lead, we are able to provide enjoyable programming for both parents and their children. Our approach to inviting and engaging parents in leadership roles make it easy for providing a program that fits their interests, while also to keep it simple and make it fun!
Being a parent is an exciting experience and journey. We are all in this together, and we will always have opportunities for parents to serve and lead.
How often do Packs and Dens typically meet?
Pack 274 has found that meeting once a month as a Pack (all K-5th graders) for up to 90 minutes is a decent expectation to set. We have a small opening ceremony where we will conduct a flag ceremony, briefly cover any announcements and upcoming events, recognize our scouts at each Den (grade level) for adventures they have completed, and then spend the balance of our time together learning from a special guest or completing a learning activity.
Each Den (each grade level) typically also will meet for up to 90 minutes a month, although some of our younger scouts who are in the Lion and Tiger Den may only meet for up to 45 minutes a month. Den level meetings are organized by the Den Leaders and Assistants, and at the Lion (Kindergarten) and Tiger (1st grade) Den levels, it is expected a parent will attend the Den meeting with their scout.
Throughout the year we also have outdoor activities, service projects, and of course the Pinewood Derby! Each of these events are great opportunities for families to participate together, and are published as part of the annual Pack Calendar.