Ten Things All Parents Should Know About Cub Scouts

The Utah Parks Council (which is a fantastic source of information for those Scouting nerds like myself who enjoy garnering as much information as they can from all types of sources across the Scouting-world), published an article recently and I wanted to share part of it with you because... well, it's so true and it's great information to keep in your forethought when you're getting into the program.

Whether you grew up in the Scouting program, or are completely new to the idea of the Boy Scouts of America, know that you don't have to come from a Scouting background to be a great Scouting leader -- you simply have to believe in the program and have a desire to make a positive influence on the youth that surround you -- including your own son!

So, that being said, here are 10 things all parents should know about cub scouts

1) Cub Scouts is amazing, and the program encourages moral choices and behavior. The more you learn, the more you’ll like it.

2) Cub Scouts requires resources: time, people, money. It requires more than a meeting... Boys need uniforms, handbooks, etc. Boys also meet more frequently the higher the ranking in the program.

3) If the program isn’t run well, it’s just a pain and won’t accomplish its purposes. It takes PEOPLE, however, to make that happen!  By the way, that means YOU!

4) Den leaders are crucial to the success of Cub Scouts. This is an important calling. Boys want leaders who inspire, prepare, and are fun.

5) Cub Scouts is fun! Fun is so important! Cubs are young and active, and Scouting shouldn’t just be like school. LEARN BY DOING!

6) Faith in God and Cub Scouts are not mutually exclusive. The two programs go hand-in-hand, so remember to connect them.

7) Training for leaders and two-deep leadership is not optional. Training teaches leaders, and two-deep leadership protects leaders and boys. Every boy deserves a well-trained leader!

8) Den meeting is for working on advancement, not just goofing around so parents can do the work at home. Even though they should have fun, they should be working towards goals and learning (learning can be fun too). 

9) That being said, no boy will ever advance without the support of his family. He needs you!

10) A well functioning Cub Scout Pack leads to experienced, confident, excited 5th graders who love Scouting... and who move onto Boy Scouts to continue to discover their leadership skills and potential.

From school to work to home to sports to youth to scouts, we get that you are swamped with responsibilities, but helping to keep your eyes on the purposes of the program and knowing that a plan is in place for you to follow will help make it a success for everyone!