BSA Cub Pack 409

It has been a growing concern of parents and scout leaders that most cubs don't seem to be crossing over into Boy Scouts. There are as many reasons for this as there are cubs. A lot of these reasons also seem to overlap. We think our troop has narrowed in on some of the problems, and we would like to explain what we've done about it. We list here possible causes and cures in the hopes that you can give your cubs a better program that leads them to remain in scouting.
It is regretable that we lose so many cubs from the program. We asked some 8 year old kids what they thought. Some said it was the way they were treated! They were expected to act like teenagers and the leader just wasn't trained for that age group and was treating them like 15 year olds. Hence;

1. Training for leaders in handling small children.
That is why cubs are usually run by mothers. Not to be sexist, but women have a more natural way with small children. It is much different than the way you would treat teens. After all, they are called "cubs" for a reason. However, these kids are trying to grow up. They feel "older" just having a uniform on. They want to do the things the older boys get to do. Things like camping and difficult hikes. They get tired of the same lame crafts that cubs have always done. This especially applies to Webelos cubs, and that is where we lose them. It is hard to see thru the Webelos program to the end, and easier to go play. Hence;

2. Let the cubs in on some of the "big boy" trips.
At least let them see what Boy Scouts do. Many troops have both a Cub Pack and a Scout Troop and the two never see each other. The Boy Scouts should interact with the cubs both as a role model big brother type, and to teach the kids what they will need to know when they cross over. That way the child has a good idea what he's in for which eliminates the apprehension that might cause him to quit. When a child has something to look forward to, he will come back even if only to see how it turns out. But if these plans are constantly changed or cancelled the child will learn that things you look forward to may not happen. When a child is looking forward to something and it's cancelled he loses faith in his leaders. One should never break a promise to a child, especially a scout leader. Hence;

3. Follow through on your times, dates and promises.
Keep your plans for meetings and dont make promises unless you intend to follow them through.
And now, the most important problem; The program. If your meetings are more like a day care center where they do a craft and go play while the slow ones finish, then the child learns that his presence is not required and can take or leave it. Usually he leaves it. Hence;

4. Structure your program. Make the time interesting to the child.
The cub must be having fun and must also know what's next and what's expected of him. If he has tangable achievements he will return for more.
But a child who is just learning to achieve must have some things handed to him to build him to the point where he can achieve things on his own. This means taking them places that will fill a child's requirement, or building something with him making sure he feels he deserves the credit. A single incident like that can change a child's attitude and even his whole life.
Not all children have both parents. Many children in scouting have discovered it as a neccesary addition to a single parent environment. These are the kids that must be watched even more closely. It's hard to understand how some kids see the world. Through their eyes a Scout leader could be the first male figure in his life. It is important to recognize that fact and act accordingly. We should also watch the child who is disruptive. It is often misunderstood that he is just looking for attention, when in reality he is simply a brat who has never had any discipline. A young single mother can often be clueless as to how to control a child who is a brat. It is important to recognize that and apply more patience to the child.
There is a lot of psychology involved in leading small children. They all have different backgrounds and homelife situations. Some are abused, some are alone, some have a lifetime of adult experiences, some are so clueless they can't tie their shoes. Often their mindset is nothing like what you would expect from their background. So we as leaders need to know something about the family and history of a Cub, so that we can properly react to a childs needs.
That is why we are here. We are leaders because we love kids. We would like them to learn how to be good citizens and productive members of society. Please recognize when it is up to you to get him through a moment of doubt, or teach him to tie his shoes.

By the way, any Parent who wishes to help out would not only be welcome,
but would also be praised and thanked for their support.

We always need more parents.

Back to Troop 409's home page

There have been

visitors since March 16, 2000.