Role of the Parent
Cub Scout Pack 236
Do Your Best
Do Your Best
South Lyon, Michigan - Chartered by Sayre Elementary School
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Your Role as a Parent
Cub Scouts 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 your son in Cub Scouting are:
The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys, falling between the dependence of early
childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As he grows, your son will gain the ability
to do more things on his own but at this stage of his development, your help is critical.
Work with your son on projects
Boys often start projects at den meetings and finish them at home with the help of a parent. Such projects
become the catalyst for parents and boys - 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 boy new skills, a project will challenge a boy to do tasks that
he hasn't currently mastered. It's not uncommon, therefore, for a boy to need help from his family to do
some of his projects. In Cub Scouting, boys are not expected to do things entirely on their own. So long as
a boy does his best to do as much as he's capable of, it's perfectly acceptable for a parent or sibling to
help him with the tasks he's unable to do on his own.
Help your son 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 boys work together to do the achievements required
for each badge. The advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal
achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work
with boys 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 signs the Cub Scout's handbook to record its completion. And when the boy has completed all
the requirements to earn an award, the parent presents that award at the next monthly pack meeting.
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 sons 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 boys cooperation and collaboration.
The pack meeting is also a monthly showcase for all that the boys have worked on in their den meetings.
Craft projects are on display, skills are demonstrated, and skits are performed to show the boys'
command of the monthly theme. While boys 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 son has
learned.
Go on family campouts with your son
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 son's den and pack
It's important to remember that the adult leaders of your son's den and pack are volunteers who give their
own time to provide a quality program for your son. 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, blue and gold banquet, or field days 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 son the importance of helping others. So be on the lookout for opportunities
for you to help the den, the pack, and its leaders.
Cub Scouts 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 your son in Cub Scouting are:
- Work with your son on projects
- Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail
- Participate in monthly pack meetings
- Go on family campouts with your son
- Provide support for your son's den and pack
The Cub Scout years are developing years for young boys, falling between the dependence of early
childhood and the relative independence of early adolescence. As he grows, your son will gain the ability
to do more things on his own but at this stage of his development, your help is critical.
Work with your son on projects
Boys often start projects at den meetings and finish them at home with the help of a parent. Such projects
become the catalyst for parents and boys - 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 boy new skills, a project will challenge a boy to do tasks that
he hasn't currently mastered. It's not uncommon, therefore, for a boy to need help from his family to do
some of his projects. In Cub Scouting, boys are not expected to do things entirely on their own. So long as
a boy does his best to do as much as he's capable of, it's perfectly acceptable for a parent or sibling to
help him with the tasks he's unable to do on his own.
Help your son 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 boys work together to do the achievements required
for each badge. The advancement plan provides fun for the boys, gives them a sense of personal
achievement as they earn badges, and strengthens family understanding as adult family members work
with boys 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 signs the Cub Scout's handbook to record its completion. And when the boy has completed all
the requirements to earn an award, the parent presents that award at the next monthly pack meeting.
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 sons 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 boys cooperation and collaboration.
The pack meeting is also a monthly showcase for all that the boys have worked on in their den meetings.
Craft projects are on display, skills are demonstrated, and skits are performed to show the boys'
command of the monthly theme. While boys 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 son has
learned.
Go on family campouts with your son
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 son's den and pack
It's important to remember that the adult leaders of your son's den and pack are volunteers who give their
own time to provide a quality program for your son. 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, blue and gold banquet, or field days 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 son the importance of helping others. So be on the lookout for opportunities
for you to help the den, the pack, and its leaders.