When your son joins a Cub Scout pack, SO DO YOU, for Cub Scouting is a family activity.
Pack 1220 has always been fortunate to have a great group of family members who are very active in the pack both on the pack and den level. We are, however, often in need of new volunteers for our various events during the year. Volunteering as a Cub Scout leader or a committee member is a very fulfilling experience.
BECOMING A DEN LEADER AND FORMING A DEN
Many willing boys each year are unable to join Cub Scouting because an adult doesn't volunteer to be a den leader. Having a den leader for a den of Pack 1220 Cub Scouts is absolutely critical, so let's talk about what's involved.
The Duties: A den leader meets 2-3 times a month for about one hour with a den of Cub Scouts. A den can have anywhere from a minimum of four to a maximum of twelve boys. The den meeting is held at a meeting place selected by the den leader and the parents. The time, place and frequency of den meetings is at the convenience of the den leader and families in the den.
Support and Training: Pack 1220 is committed to providing den leaders with the necessary training and support to carry out their duties. In addition to support from current leaders and online Fast-Start Leader Training and online Youth Protection Training, there are district-wide Cub Scout training opportunities that we strongly encourage den leaders to attend.
Starting in the Fall of 2010, Cub Scouting is promoting the Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide as a new way of having successful den and pack meetings. This program was originally called "Fast Tracks" when it was a BSA Pilot Program, but the program's apparent success has moved it to the recommended mainline method of delivering the Cub Scout program.
It's Fun for the Leader, Too! This is absolutely the best part of being a den leader. You'll find that the den meeting time passes quickly, and that, if you let yourself, you'll end up having as much fun as the boys.
The Excuses (NOT!):
I Don't Have the Time - Time is, of course, scarce for everyone. However, Pack 1220 believes in den leaders working as a team in the Pack, to share the load. The Cubmaster, Asst. Cubmaster and other den leaders will be there to help when you need it, and you'll find help among the other den parents.
I Don't Know How - Unless you were a Cub Scout or Boy Scout, or have some other Scouting experience, it is entirely likely that you don't know anything about how Scouting works. Don't let this bother you. In addition to the support and training listed above, Scouting itself, and our District and Council, have all kinds of resources to help you succeed. All you need to bring to the table is a little time and a positive "I can do this" attitude.
