Each pack is different, and we are all trying to improve out program. But as a leader, whether you are a den leader, cubmaster or committee chair here are 5 things you can do to improve your program today.
Transcript:
Each pack is different, and we are all trying to improve out program. But as a leader, whether you are a den leader, cubmaster or committee chair here are 5 things you can do to improve your program today.
Tip 1: Set up a free outdoor event. The best way to get the scouts to be engaged is to get them moving. Kinesthetics are activities also known as hands-on activities that are fantastic for teaching by doing, experiencing, or being physically active. Go outside, plan a hike, build snow forts, have a sandcastle building event. Get them involved and connected, and they stay engaged. An engaged scout is a happy scout.
Tip 2: Take some training. Did you know the sad fact is that only about 50% of scout leaders are trained? As an old boss of mine used to say, you don’t know what you don’t know. Any problem you are likely to have with the program is covered in some kind of training. Everything from online guides where they can show you games and activities, to cubmaster specific training that outlines how the program is supposed to operate can make it easier to run your program.
Tip 3: Attend Roundtable. Roundtable is a monthly event where all kinds of boy scouting and cub scouting leaders get together to find out what’s going on at a council level and learn from scouters who have a greater depth of experience. It’s also where you can meet lifelong friends that have a similar interest – Scouting! Take advantage and bend the ear of someone who has been in the trenches.
Tip 4: Get an assistant. Succession planning is hard. What isn’t as hard is to build a team to take on some of the burden of doing your scouting job. Not only will you get someone to help out, but if you can’t make it for a meeting or event, they can back you up, and your program won’t suffer.
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Now for Tip 5: Listen to a kid. As adults we get so wrapped up in what we are doing that we can sometimes lose sight of what we are doing, and why we are doing it. Take the time to poll the kids, make sure they are having fun, and if they are not, think about what can make it a better time, better experience, or future memory.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and as we say in Woodbadge, feedback is a gift, leave yours below in the comments, with the hope we can all learn together.
I’m Scoutmaster Dave, and this was 5 things you can improve your cub scout program.
