Parental Involvement in Cub Scouts

I remember going to Cub Scouts as a boy. My mom would drop me off at the Den Mom's house, then retrieve an hour or so later. I never saw the other dens until Pack Meeting time (I really don't have memories of pack meetings....so maybe they didn't actually happen?)

These days, though, every Akela (recognizing not all adult partners of scouts are their parents) is a cornerstone of Cub Scouting. Without them our program would be almost impossible to deliver.

But how do you get them involved? Akelas, listen up...this is about you and your scout!

Committees serve to handle any events that occur outside of the den meetings. Blue and Gold, Pinewood Derby, Popcorn...all of these can (and should) be organized and managed by Akelas with registered leader support and advising. Here are some ways to ensure solid committees:

-Assign committees by rank. Tigers take Christmas paras and party; Wolves take Pinewood Derby, etc. After 2-3 years your pack will have a large supply of Akelas experienced in a variety of events (read succession planning).

-Akelas are often willing to help out, but lack the experience or depth of understanding of a project that registered leaders may have. That's OK, ask them to do something specific, "Jennifer, could you pick up cups and plates? Mike, could you move these tables to the fellowship hall?"

-Use the family Time and Talent forms provided by BSA (available at www.usscouts.org) or make your own. Worried about collecting and sorting all those sheets (possibly a big task for larger units)? Try an online site like Survey Monkey. It's free!

Akelas are a valuable resource to be appreciated and utilized. There's no reason for leaders to be overwhelmed with work. Remember, the Cub Scout follows the Akela, and the Scout helps the Pack go. Connecting the dots, the Akela, as well, helps the Pack go!

Have success ideas for getting Akela involvement? Drop a reply!