Your Role as a Parent
Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your Scout that you normally couldn't do. It provides a positive way for parents and children to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program's success. Some specific things you can do to help 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 they grow, your child will gain the ability to do more things on their own but at this stage of development, your help is critical. Work with your Scout on projects Scouts often start projects and adventures 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 new skills, a project will challenge a Scout to do tasks that he or she hasn't yet mastered. It's not uncommon, therefore, for a Scout to need help from their family to do some of the projects. In Cub Scouting, Scouts are not expected to do things entirely on their own. So long as a Scout does his or her best to do as much as their capable of, it's perfectly acceptable for a parent or sibling to help him with the tasks he or she's unable to do independently. Provide support for your Scout's den and pack It's important to remember that the adult leaders of the den and pack are volunteers who give their own time to provide a quality program for your child. While they have been carefully selected and extensively 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, sleepovers, 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 child the importance of helping others. So be on the lookout for opportunities for you to help the den, the pack, and its leaders. 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 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 are performed to show their command of the monthly theme. 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 learned. Go on family campouts 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. 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, giving Scouts a sense of personal achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work with the Scout 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. As each task is done or each skill is demonstrated, the parent logs the Cub Scout's progress on Scoutbook. |
Parents Planning Committee
The Parents Planning Committee in Pack 712 is made up of parents who organize almost all of the Pack events throughout the year. It is at these meetings that the budget is reviewed, business and upcoming items are discussed and decided upon to ensure the Pack operates smoothly. Any parent can join the Parent Planning Committee and are strongly encouraged to attend to take part to create the best program for our kids. Parents Planning Meeting Schedule Meetings are generally held the first Thursday of the month from 7-8:30pm in the teacher's lounge at Silver Springs. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the exact time and location may vary from time to time; please check the Pack's calendar in Scoutbook to confirm dates and locations. Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Scout Law A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Cub Scout Motto Do Your Best |
Your HELP & Support is Needed!
We are looking for parents to step up and fill positions as needed to help our Pack grow, strengthen, and succeed! Even if you can't take on a leadership role, there are many other opportunities to help. Every event some level of coordination, and it can be a bit much for one or two people to handle everything. Some opportunities to help include:
Many of these positions require little more than sending out an a few emails, distributing a bit of materials and making sure everyone knows the gameplan. Even just bringing ideas and suggestions for activity you'd like to see done is extremely helpful and appreciated.
If you can help out in anyway please let us know.
We are looking for parents to step up and fill positions as needed to help our Pack grow, strengthen, and succeed! Even if you can't take on a leadership role, there are many other opportunities to help. Every event some level of coordination, and it can be a bit much for one or two people to handle everything. Some opportunities to help include:
- Scouting for Food organizer
- Coordinating an outing or one of our activities (Fall Hayride, Zoo Outing, Baseball Trip, etc.)
- Parade coordinator
- Identifying community service opportunities
- School grounds cleanup fall/spring lead
- Assist in the Blue & Gold Banquet planning
- Pinewood Derby Judge
- Do you have a truck or utility trailer?
Many of these positions require little more than sending out an a few emails, distributing a bit of materials and making sure everyone knows the gameplan. Even just bringing ideas and suggestions for activity you'd like to see done is extremely helpful and appreciated.
If you can help out in anyway please let us know.