Cub Scouts is a program for the entire family and your involvement is vital to the program's success!
Your Role as a Parent
Some specific things you can do to help your child in Cub Scouting are:
The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys and girls, falling between the dependence of early childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As scouts grow, they gain the ability to do more things on their own. But at this stage of his development, your help is critical.
Work with your scout on projects
Scouts sometimes start projects at den meetings and finish them at home with the help of a parent. Such projects become the catalyst for parents and scouts, often joined by siblings and friends, to interact with each other in an informal, relaxed way.
Because the purpose of projects is to teach a scouts new skills, a project will challenge scouts to do tasks that he hasn't currently mastered. It's not uncommon, therefore, for a scout to need help from his family to do some of his projects. In Cub Scouting, youth are not expected to do things entirely on their own. So long as scouts do their best to do as much as they are capable of, it's perfectly acceptable for parents or siblings to help with the tasks they are unable to do on their own.
Help your scout along the advancement trail
The advancement plan is designed for parents to use to create a learning environment in their home. With the Cub Scout handbooks as a resource, parents and scouts work together to do the achievements required for each badge. The advancement plan provides fun for the scouts, gives them a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with scouts on advancement projects. While Cub Scouts will learn skills and begin work on projects in their weekly den meetings, the parent remains at the center of the advancement program.
Participate in monthly pack meetings
The weekly den meetings are for Cub Scouts and their adult leader. The pack meeting is for the entire family of every Cub Scout. At pack meetings, parents see their scouts in action with their friends, meet other parents, and join with neighbors in caring and sharing. These types of opportunities are scarce, and pack meetings highlight how Cub Scouting teaches youth cooperation and collaboration.
The pack meeting is also a monthly showcase for all that the scouts have worked on in their den meetings. Craft projects are on display, skills are demonstrated, and skits and songs are performed. While youth at this age seem to be struggling toward independence, having the approval of their parents and other adults whom they admire remains important to them—so your presence at these meetings is critical to underscore the importance of the lessons your scout has learned.
Go on family campouts with your scout
Besides being fun, family camping is a chance for quality time together and an enriched family life. This program is a recreational opportunity - it's not on a tight time schedule. Family leadership rests with the adult member(s). This leadership might be yielded from time to time as the family chooses to take part in activities, such as swimming, where specific camp policies must be followed for safety and proper operation.
Provide support for your scout's den and pack
It's important to remember that the adult leaders of your scout's den and pack are volunteers who give their own time to provide a quality program for your scout. While they have been trained for their roles, there are always times when they could use help from parents in the pack.
Pack events such as the pinewood derby, community service events, or Blue and Gold Banquet take a lot of effort - more than the monthly meetings. The pack's leaders would likely welcome any help you can give. Likewise, den leaders will be grateful to parents who can lend a hand with field trips and outings. By pitching in as needed, you can show your scout the importance of helping others. So be on the lookout for opportunities for you to help the den, the pack, and its leaders.
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