The family orientation of Cub Scouting makes parent involvement an integral part of its success. Dens and Packs succeed or fail based primarily on Family involvement, whether that’s parents, guardians, grandparents, or aunts/uncles (collectively, we’ll refer to them as adult or parent). Kids look to their adults first for encouragement and kudos in the Cub Scouting Activities. That want YOU to be as proud as they will.
Families can contribute in many ways — there are things event the most time-constrained parents can help with. We expect every Parent to support our Pack in some way of involvement
Here are some ways Parents and Guardians are involved in our Pack
- Be a Den Leader / Assistant Den Leader for your child’s den (commitment –prep and put on at least one meeting per month + active in the Pack meetings with your Den)
- Be active in the Pack Committee and perform one of the ongoing monthly roles (commitment — monthly Committee meeting + your work outside the committee. Some roles include
- Treasurer (planning the budget, tracking finances, writing checks)
- Advancement (purchasing ranks and adventure belt loops each month)
- Wreath Sales Coordinator (plan and support the wreath sales which provide 90%+ of our Pack’s fund)
- Camping Coordinator (plan and put on our Camping events, reserving campsites, reserving Winter and Summer Camp)
- New Member Coordinator (plan and coordinate our year-round recruitment strategy)
- And more!
- Be active by leading / working on one or more (depending on amount of time) “one-day” events that are a commitment for a day
- Pinewood Derby – set-up and tear down
- Concessions stands during Pinewood Derby
- River City Days and Taste of Chaska Booths
- Run activities for the New Member orientation
- Plan special activities / programs for the Pack meeting
- Lead a special adventure for the Den or Pack
Go to our Pack Leadership Needs list for more information on roles and where you can contribute.
Of course, your primarily role as a parent is to spend time with your child, encourage and support them in their Cub Scouting adventures, and enjoy your time together!
For our Kindergarten (Lions) and 1st Graders (Tigers) their adult will need to attend every den meeting and activity. The 1:1 relationship between the Scout and Adult is a part of the experience at this age
For our Wolves and Bears, adult involvement is still required (and all events are encouraged) but they are able to participate in activities provided enough adults are in attendance.
For Webelos and Arrow of Light — there are more opportunities where the Scouts will work together and with a couple of leaders. Parents or other adults are always welcome!
Learning about my Role –
As a new parent, you may be wondering how you learn about your role and what is expected of you. Don’t Worry – there are lots of opportunities for training where you can get the basics and advanced training.
Youth Protection Training (online at www.My.Scouting.org ) – Every parent needs to complete Youth Protection Training if you have not yet done so
Position Training (online at www.My.Scouting.org ) – whatever role you have, the basic trainings are available online on a self-paced e-learning. These trainings give you the introduction to your role to help orientate you
University of Scouting – Northern Star Council hosts a University of Scouting full-day training twice (2x) per year in October and April. Much like college, you register online for the advanced classes for your role.
Wood Badge – Scouting’s Advanced Training for all leaders is held over two weekends (Friday – Sunday). This training focuses on general leadership (useful for Scouts and professionally) and the overall aims and purposes of Scouting.