So I signed my 6yo up for Cub Scouts, I know there has been a lot said, some I agree with, here regarding their recent changes but I feel that depending on the overall Pack management Cub Scouts still hold a great value to a boy.

That being said, they do not have a Den Leader for Tigers and I was asked if I would like to volenteer. Now I have led people since I was a young corporal and have lead teams of Engineers, tower hands even teams in foriegn countries....but a room full of 6-7yo and maybe more importantly their parents scare the crap out of me!

I know some of you have done this in the past and am looking for first hand experiences. I have a lot more time then I used to and travel only once a month and even then can set my own schedule. I read that they normally meeting at individuals homes and the SWMBO was not too keen on that.

I want to experience this with my son and support him.....plus with my background I think I could make a fun and important impression on these boys...

Just nervous about taking the leap

Plus I look good in khaki and can wear a campaign hat

Was a Tiger Cub leader for several years.

Parents are supposed to participate, but 99% of mine just dropped their kids off and showed up back to get them late.

Do it. It is fun. It can also be some work and frustrating, but still fun and good for the boys.

I was an Assistant Scoutmaster when mine were in BSA. My wife was a Den Leader, and then was the Pack Master for a year when ours were in Cub Scouts.

Despite any reservations you have about BSA's politics, it is still a great program at the Troop and Den level. It is great for kids.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jhe888,

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Originally posted by dewhorse:
Plus I look good in khaki and can wear a campaign hat

Den Leader Dewhorse reporting for duty...Bring the pain!!

Do it.

One of my greatest regrets with my son was not getting involved more deeply in the BSA program earlier on with him. I was traveling a lot at the time, but there's no excuse for not taking that time when I could have.

I tried to make up for it the last 3-4 years he was in and was helping in every way I could as an ASM and eventually SM in his small troop, but couldn't get back those early years.

quote:

Originally posted by dewhorse: I look good in khaki and can wear a campaign hat

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
Do it. It is fun. It can also be some work and frustrating, but still fun and good for the boys.

Agree. I was a Scoutmaster for many years. Very rewarding for all (most) concerned. Of course, Tigers is cat herding at its best! ;-) But its fun to watch them learn.

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Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
Was a Tiger Cub leader for several years.

Parents are supposed to participate, but 99% of mine just dropped their kids off and showed up back to get them late.

At that age that’s a no no. Parents are not supposed to do that. They should stay and observe if they won’t help manage the meeting.

Arrow Of Light Den Leader jumping in. Here are some of my thoughts:

1) The Den is where the rubber meets the pavement and you will have the most opportunity to give to, and influence the Scouts. It has it ups and downs, but watching them progress through the ranks is very gratifying.

2) I did not become a leader until Wolf year, when I stepped up to Asst. Den Leader. Up until then, my son enjoyed Scouts, but it was just another activity. When I became a leader, he was confused at first and asked me why. I told him that I thought it was a valuable program and I wanted to do my part to help out. As he processed that thought, I could almost literally watch his attitude change from "this is fun," to "this is great!" I can say that within our Pack, to a "t", the Scout whose parents are leaders are more involved, proactive and get the most out of Scouting. Leadership by example, your son is watching and learning loads from your actions. My son is so proud when he sees his Dad up in front leading, running camp outs, etc.

3) Eventually, I became the Den Leader, with a couple of Assistant Den Leaders. Some parents can be a challenge, so I keep detailed records and communications within the Den. These records are invaluable for resolving issues and jarring memories. We don't have body cams, but the records are a good second choice. I had one SJW mom that blamed me for a host of her troubles, until we pulled out the documentation to show I had done all that was supposed to be done. Her son didn't make rank because they didn't come for 3 months, and I had the attendance records to prove it.

4) Do not be shy about "voluntelling" parents what you need help on. You are a Den Leader, not Den Servant. The majority of parents are glad to help, they just might be shy about taking a formal role. Take a parent background/skill survey. I found numerous parents that either could directly help organize an activity, or knew someone that could help. Ideas like site visits to interesting places. One of our contacts is a sports writer for the local paper, so our Scouts toured the sports news room. I had connections that arranged a tour of a Forensic Anthropology Lab. While some parents can be a pain, most are great resources.

5) If your pack is young, or doesn't seem to provide you with enough support, reach out to the District and attend their Round Tables. Some one in your area knows the answer to your question, and can help with ideas, or problem solving. BSA has training and resources for everything under the sun, though it is not always well known. Your District Executive should be able to hook you up with anything you need.

Oops, I just noticed its time for me to go teach Scouts how to cook in Dutch Ovens at camp!

Remember, be safe, and have fun!

It is an excellent opportunity to spend good time with your son and make a difference in other young men's life.

Remember, it's only an hour a week.

Assistant Scout Leader here, I also vote to do it.

You get to set the tone. Enjoy it.

quote:

Originally posted by DrDan:


4) Do not be shy about "voluntelling" parents what you need help on.

Great advice especially this. Either the other parents want to help and need directing/permission or the leader thinks they have to do everything and complain how no one is wanting to help.

What a coincidence, I am the Tiger den leader this year, and was asst den leader last year for Tigers. My 2 boys are Tiger and Wolf this year. Both of my boys were Lions as well in Kindergarten. In our den, it is expected that each parent will lead at least 1 required adventure of their choosing.We have 1 required and 1 optional den meeting each month, plus the pack meeting.

If you'd like we can bounce ideas off each other via email or a phone call. I also have some notes from when I lead the "Team Tiger" adventure last year. I'm a bit of an Excel freak, so I created some artifacts in Excel for the adventure. Nothing major, but may save you some time.

I'll send you an email.

I was. The crazy female running the division gave me so much grief I quit.
She wouldn't let us be guys. Capouts required a parent with every child. No open fire pits. Couldn't roast marshmallows or hot dogs .... The stupid list goes on and on....

Please do it and good on you for caring and giving the time and love.

quote:

Originally posted by 1967Goat:
What a coincidence, I am the Tiger den leader this year, and was asst den leader last year for Tigers. My 2 boys are Tiger and Wolf this year. Both of my boys were Lions as well in Kindergarten. In our den, it is expected that each parent will lead at least 1 required adventure of their choosing.We have 1 required and 1 optional den meeting each month, plus the pack meeting.

If you'd like we can bounce ideas off each other via email or a phone call. I also have some notes from when I lead the "Team Tiger" adventure last year. I'm a bit of an Excel freak, so I created some artifacts in Excel for the adventure. Nothing major, but may save you some time.

I'll send you an email.

Thank you and thank everyone for sharing their experiences......sounds like I should do it.

quote:

Originally posted by dewhorse:

quote:

Originally posted by 1967Goat:
What a coincidence, I am the Tiger den leader this year, and was asst den leader last year for Tigers. My 2 boys are Tiger and Wolf this year. Both of my boys were Lions as well in Kindergarten. In our den, it is expected that each parent will lead at least 1 required adventure of their choosing.We have 1 required and 1 optional den meeting each month, plus the pack meeting.

If you'd like we can bounce ideas off each other via email or a phone call. I also have some notes from when I lead the "Team Tiger" adventure last year. I'm a bit of an Excel freak, so I created some artifacts in Excel for the adventure. Nothing major, but may save you some time.

I'll send you an email.

Thank you and thank everyone for sharing their experiences......sounds like I should do it.

yep, do it.I had a bunch of jobs in our local pack and troop from Packmaster to committee work, to scout master and Charter representative (if that's the right name, it's been a bit.) The last job I listed has the responsibility to see that the club is adequately led and has trained and engaged leadership. As I caught on to the job I told parents, with a straight face and in complete truth, that being a scout leader is a schuck; You volunteer, you look good to other parents, you get to wear a cool hat, but the truth of the matter is you are learning more and having more fun than the boys. Do it.

I was a Tiger, Cub, Boy, and eventually Eagle Scout, though never with my Dad (who is honestly amazing). I was blessed that others in our church were seriously involved in making the troop great and instructing a younger generation. While my dad is an amazing person and has taught me a great deal, my Scoutmasters and instructors in scouting also had significant involvement in my rearing and teaching. If you are able, get involved, and set an example of manhood for the next generation. I have no doubts of my father’s manliness, but did learn a great deal from my scoutmasters that serves me to this day (and of course will continue in the future). My current work schedule doesn’t allow me to participate with a local troop, but I do get involved with fundraising drives for the council.

quote:

Originally posted by wishfull thinker:

quote:

Originally posted by dewhorse:

quote:

Originally posted by 1967Goat:
What a coincidence, I am the Tiger den leader this year, and was asst den leader last year for Tigers. My 2 boys are Tiger and Wolf this year. Both of my boys were Lions as well in Kindergarten. In our den, it is expected that each parent will lead at least 1 required adventure of their choosing.We have 1 required and 1 optional den meeting each month, plus the pack meeting.

If you'd like we can bounce ideas off each other via email or a phone call. I also have some notes from when I lead the "Team Tiger" adventure last year. I'm a bit of an Excel freak, so I created some artifacts in Excel for the adventure. Nothing major, but may save you some time.

I'll send you an email.

Thank you and thank everyone for sharing their experiences......sounds like I should do it.

yep, do it.I had a bunch of jobs in our local pack and troop from Packmaster to committee work, to scout master and Charter representative (if that's the right name, it's been a bit.) The last job I listed has the responsibility to see that the club is adequately led and has trained and engaged leadership. As I caught on to the job I told parents, with a straight face and in complete truth, that being a scout leader is a schuck; You volunteer, you look good to other parents, you get to wear a cool hat, but the truth of the matter is you are learning more and having more fun than the boys. Do it.

Well then I am the Lead Schmuck....said yes, so much to do in the next 45 days