Family involvement is essential to
Cub Scouting's success. When we talk about "family" in Cub Scouting,
we're sensitive to the realities of present-day families. Many Cub
Scouts do not come from traditional two-parent homes. Some boys live
with a single parent or with other relatives or guardians. Cub Scouting
considers a boy's family to be the people with whom he lives.
The family is probably the most
effective mutual-help organization to be found. Family life has its
good times and bad times, but, above all, it is people giving strength
to one another when needed, people caring and letting it show, people
leaning on one another, and people feeling loyal to one another. It's
worth the effort to keep a family strong. For this reason, Cub Scouting
seeks not only to help the boy, but to unite and support the entire
family.
In
turn, family involvement is vital to the success of the Cub Scout
program. At this age, boys are only beginning to discover their
individuality—and as much as they seem to want to take on tasks and
responsibilities on their own, they still look to their family for help
and support. Family involvement provides that help and support for boys,
and it is positive reinforcement for the lessons learned in Cub
Scouting.
The advancement program is part of the fun of Cub Scouting. To advance
in rank, boys must complete certain activities, called "achievements" or
"electives," to earn each badge as they progress. A parent must sign
the Cub Scout's handbook to certify that the boy completed the activity.
This is an excellent opportunity for families to get to know their sons
better. Family members and boys get much satisfaction from it.
Weekly den meetings are intended for the
boys to interact with one another and their leaders in a small group
setting. Any gathering on the pack level, however, is intended for Cub
Scouts and their families. Your family is not only welcome, but
is expected to attend the monthly pack meetings, take part in special
events such as the pinewood derby or the blue and gold banquet, and
participate in the family camping program. Besides delivering the Cub
Scout program, pack activities tend to be social events that bring
together Scouting families in your community.
In
various other ways, your family can pitch in to support your son's
pack—by lending a hand at meetings, offering additional assistance with
special events, helping to coordinate major activities, or assuming a
leadership position in the pack. While none of this is strictly required
of you, any support you can give the pack ultimately benefits your son.
It's no coincidence that the packs that deliver the best program to the
Cub Scouts are those that get the most support from families, who work
together to make the pack a better, stronger organization.