Family Involvement

Just a few comments about family involvement in Cub Scouts. Family is the core of the Cub Scout program, and so involvement of family members is a crucial part of the Pack's success. The way the family interacts with the Cub, the Den and the Pack varies depending on the boy's age, though.

In the following discussion, please interpret the word "parent" as it best suits your particular family. The "parent" could be a birth parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, adult cousin, involved neighbor, aunt, uncle, or pastor. It is the person (or people) who cares about the boy and wants to help him succeed in Scouting whom the family designates to work with the boy. Likewise with "family" ...

Pack Meetings:

Pack meetings are fun events for the whole family. All family members are invited - nay, encouraged - to attend. The monthly Pack meeting is where the boys are presented awards, achievements and rank recognition. The boys present skits, plays, songs, and demonstrations that they have worked on in their den meetings. It is vitally important that the family is represented at these meetings. If you don't believe me, go watch the Disney movie "UP", and pay close attention to Russell. Especially at the end. Please make time to attend the Pack meetings.

Tiger Cubs:

The Tiger Cub program, designed for 1st graders, is centered around a team of a boy and an "Adult Partner". The Adult Partner is expected to attend all den meetings, and the achievements are designed around in-den partnered work between the boy and his Adult Partner. In addition, each Adult Partner will work with the Den Leader for at least one month (in turn) per year to "host" the Den meeting. This helps the Den Leader, and also allows each boy in turn to have a leadership role in the Den.

Wolf and Bear Cubs:

Wolf (2nd grade) and Bear (3rd grade) Cubs are growing older and becoming more independent, so the roles shift a bit. Den meetings are boys-only (parents are welcome, but not required), and centered around projects and activities. Advancement work is instead done at home with the parent. This allows the boys to develop independence and teamwork while still having a close working relationship with the parent. It is very, very important that each parent work with the boy to help him earn his advancement requirements.

Webelos:

Webelos boys are yet another stage older and more independent, and are preparing to transition to Boy Scouts. Advancement work becomes more independent work, and is done both in the Den meeting and independently at home. The parent becomes more of an advisor and encourager, as is appropriate for the older boy. Parents are still encouraged to attend Den and Pack activities, and are required for overnight campouts and events.

As you can see, the role of parent and family is key to the success of the Cub Scout, and by extension, of the Pack. But the role also changes as the boy grows in his maturity, independence, and abilities.