2009 SchoolNight draft - San Diego-Imperial...

San Diego Imperial Council Boy Scouts of America

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Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind

ScoutingWords to Live by:

Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent

Heartland District

Boy Scouts of America

2009

School Night for ScoutingGuidebook

www.sdicbsa.org


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Table of Contents

Overview......................................................................................................................................................4

Reaching Generation X and Millennial Parents ..................................................................................6

School Night Fundamentals .................................................................................................................... 7

Timeline .......................................................................................................................................................8

District organization and Job Descriptions ...........................................................................................9

Room Organization...................................................................................................................................12

Leadership Position Responsibilities ..............................................................................................13

School Night Script ..................................................................................................................................14

“A Boy’s Eyes”............................................................................................................................................21

“My Best Friend is a Scout” ...................................................................................................................22

Appendix

Pack Leadership and Membership Inventory .................................................... ..25 “Take a Moment to Consider” ............................................................................ 26 New Leader Orientation Meeting sample agenda ................................................ 27 Sparkler ideas for School night .............................................................................. 28 Unit Kickoff Meeting/Activity agenda .............................................................. ..29 School Night Checklist........................................................................................ 31

o School night coordinator checklisto Unit Leader

Charter Organization Night for Scouting .............................................................. 32


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San Diego Imperial CouncilBoy Scouts of America

1207 Upas StreetSan Diego, CA 92103

Dear Unit Leader:

School night for Scouting is a program designed to help units recruit and retain new youth, new parents, newleaders, and help ensure a successful Scouting program for all eligible youth. School night for Scouting ismore than just a night for kids to join Scouting. It sets the stage for your entire program year and, in manycases, the customer’s first taste of the Scouting program. We must put our best foot forward with a well thought -out, top-notch, high-caliber program.

Planning for a good School night actually starts during the summer. This is when your unit develops itsannual program plan and budget. What are the fun and exciting things you are going to do this year and whatwill they cost? Parents are more likely to volunteer and get involved in a program that is already plannedthan one that is “made up as we go”.

The second step is good promotion . Word of mouth, peer to peer recruiting , boy-talks, flyers, poster, andlocal visibility all work together to attract youth and parents. No promotional item can be left out. We can’tkeep ourselves a secret and hope people will find us.

“Every boy deserves a trained leader ”. Make sure all new and past leaders are trained in the Scoutingprogram. This means new leader essentials, leader specific train ing, and youth protection training. Your unitshould not tolerate a leader that does not go to training. Your youth and your program deserve better!

Encourage each parent to become an active Scout Parent and recruit a Scout Parent Coordinator to ensureactive parental involvement. Every parent in a non-leadership role should be asked to volunteer for 2 or 3activities throughout the year.

Lastly, don’t short-cut the school night plan, because it short cuts the program. Every aspect of the plan isimportant to the overall success. The annual program planning, promotion, boy talks, school night teams,school night follow-up, re-rallies, program kickoff, and popcorn sales all work together to get your year kickedoff to a good start and ensure a fun-filled program year that youth and parents will want to stick with yearafter year.

The only way to get Scouting into boys, is to get (and keep) boys into Scouting. Thank you for your dedicationto the Scouting movement and the work you will do this fal l in getting an increasing number of youth into yourprogram.

Sincerely

L e a h N i e l s o n

Membership Chair


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School Night for ScoutingAn Overview

School Night for Scouting is the basic building block of Scouting’s membership growth.During the last 2 weeks in September and 1st week in October, School Night for Scoutingrallies are held in for elementary school in the council .

(Where school buildings are not available, prospective Scouts and their parents may be invited toschool nights at churches, synagogues, community centers, or other large meeting places. This shouldbe done as a LAST case scenario because parents and students will go to their OWN school for ajoining night before anywhere else. If you must go somewhere else, be sure to include a map withclear directions on the flyer.)

School Night for Scouting provides an opportunity to educate parents and families aboutTiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts, organize dens, and recruit leaders.

Each school night should have at least the following people:

School Coordinator – Member of the district school night team responsible formaking sure the school night runs smoothly, manpower is in place, conductsleadership inventory with the Cubmaster, and makes sure materials are on hand.The school coordinator acts as the emcee for the evening and helps organize dens.

Unit Commissioner – Member of the district school night team responsible forhandling paperwork, collecting applications and money, help organize dens, and helpwith new leader orientation meeting - 1 week after school night.

Den Organizer – Person responsible for motivating parents into becoming leadersin Scouting. This person is responsible for “Closing the Sale.”

Boy Scout Leader – Conducts opening flag ceremony and conducts breakoutsession for all youth over 11 years of age, inviting them to join their Boy Scout troop.

Unit Leader – Responsible for introducing and highlighting pack’s program andleaders. Tells of meeting times, dates, and locations. Sets up unit display showingfun and exciting projects the pack has done in the past (pinewood derby track,pictures of camp, den projects, etc.)

School Night for Scouting is promoted by using the following available materials from yourDistrict Executive:

1. Boy Talks: Boy Talks are the single most important recruitment tool we have in ourarsenal. A properly run boy talk will excite boys about Scouting have them askingtheir parents to take them to the school night. Members of the professional staff anddistrict volunteers stand ready to help insure a boy talk is conducted if the school wil lallow it.

2. Flyers: Flyers should be handed out one-week prior to the school night and areavailable at no charge from the council office. A second set of flyers or stickersshould be handed out during the boy talk.

3. Posters: Posters should be put up in hallways, bulletin boards, and around town.Posters in schools should be up before the first day of school. Posters are availablefrom the council office at no charge.


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4. My Best Friend is a Scout: is a peer to peer recruiting campaign. Business cardsare handed out to their friends in school inviting them to a school night. Genericbusiness cards are available from the council office or you can customize and printyour own with a template on the council website. A special den meeting should beheld to train youth on how to talk to their friends about Scouting and asking them tojoin.

5. School Open Houses: Your unit is encouraged to attend your school’s open houseand hand out flyers, “Scouting Builds More Than Campfires” brochures, parentsorientation guides, etc. to promote your unit’s school night or programs. Thesesitems are all available at no charge through the council office.

6. School Service projects and uniform days: Encourage youth to wear theiruniform to school the day of the school night and to every pack meeting. Speak to theprincipal about the pack conducting a 1 or 2 service projects annually for the school.This could include weeding flower beds, picking up trash on the playground, orconducting flag ceremonies.

7. School Newsletters: Regularly submit articles about activities to your schoolnewsletter to keep not only current parents informed about upcoming activities, butallows others to see what is happening as well.

8. Fill-the-den: Does every den have 6-8 youth active in them? If not, encourageactive recruitment until they are all full. A den of 2 or 3 kids miss a lot of the fun ofCub Scouting. Ever try a rely race with 2 or 3 kids? Also, is your pack serving 20%of the boys in each grade level? If not, that grade is being underserved by your pack.

9. Planned program: Build it and they will come. A well planned, promoted programwith a trained leader will grow the program

10. Parent to Parent Recruiting: Parents help promote Scouting to their son’s socialcircle by talking with the friend’s parents and handing out flyers a t their son’s daycare, Sunday school class, sporting teams, etc.

11. Church Bulletin Inserts: These are placed in bulletins at local churches orchurches of your present members.

12. Sunday School Talks: If your charter partner is a church, ask them if you canconduct boy talks during Sunday school to invite youth to join your pack. Also askmembers of your pack to do the same to their church.

13. Information table at Church : Pack sets up an information table in front of churchin August. New youth could sign up for Scouts at this table and then are invitedeither to the first pack meeting or the school night to organize into dens.

14. Leadership Biographies: A recent study conducted by the national council showedthat Gen-X and Gen-Y parents were more likely to allow their sons to join programsand activities, and more likely to get involved themselves, if they know a little aboutthe other people involved with the organization. Put together a short paragraph oneach key leader in your pack and distribute at school night.


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Reaching Generation X and Millennial ParentsGeneration X, born between 1965 and 1976, includes about 49 million Americans,making up 17% of the US population. The Millennial generation, born between 1977 and1994, includes 75 million Americans, making up 25% of the US populations.

Most Generation X and Millennial parents want their children to participate in after -school activities. Most (85%) say they will involve their children in one to four activities,with more than 57% indicating they will limit their children to two or fewer activities.

To make Scouting one of these activities Generation X and Millennial parents choose,remember that:

We have a dual audience: parents and youth. Both search out information aboutwhat opportunities are available. We must have a message that appeal to youth thatfocus on fun activities, and messages that appeal to parents that focus on their child’ssuccess.

Generation X and Millennial parents believe it is very important for youthorganizations or activities to teach their son values such as honesty, loyalty, andleadership. That’s us!

Most parents (74%) want to know who will be interacting with their children. Theyprefer in-person registrations to on-line or telephone.

Generation X and Millennial parents are willing to volunteer; they just prefer not tohave a leader role. Instead they prefer task that have a specific start and end date,such as projects like the blue and gold. They prefer helping roles, such as a teamparent. Think about how to break down larger jobs into smaller roles, and askparents to take on specific tasks.

Generation X and Millennial parents are usually concerned with the here and now.Unlike baby boomer, they generally are not planning their child’s future beforeyoungster enters preschool. Therefore, the Eagle Scout rank, while held in highregard, is not something than most are thinking about. Generation X and millennialparents usually have a time horizon of about 6 months.

Time is the most important resource – don’t waste it. Don’t spend hours explainingthe program. Get to the point, register them, and let them get back to their otheractivities.

Provide biographies of all leaders so the parents can get to know more about who isworking with their son.

Inform parents that all leaders go through background checks, and those withcriminal backgrounds are not allowed to participate in Scouting programs.

Invite all parents to participate in unit activities and encourage them to becomeregistered members.

Encourage parents to read and discuss with their children the Youth Protectionmaterials in every handbook.

Highlight the achievements that youth can earn in Scouting. Remember to keep thisspecific to the program in which the child will be enrolling .

Inform parents about the leadership opportunities that can build youths confidence.


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School Night for Scouting Fundamentals

Objective

1. Explain opportunities for adult leadership. Every parent should be encouraged tochoose between “Boys or Books”, meaning either helping as a den leader or assistantden leader (boys), or in a pack committee position (books).

2. Provide the parents with basic information about their role in Scouting including:advancement, pack participation and support.

3. Explain a little about the program to the boy and his parents. Show how Scouting isFun!

4. Fill out applications and collect registration fees.

Some Basic Principles

1. All adult leaders must be approved by the chartered organization.

2. Never hold the School Night in combination with a packmeeting or other activity.

3. New dens should be organized with 5 -8 boys.

4. Training is vital for new leaders. Training opportunities should be shared with newleaders the evening of school night including: fast start, new leader’s essentials,leader specific training, youth protection and roundtables. Direct themwww.scouting.org for fast start training.

5. An orientation meeting should be held within one week of school night with newleaders. (See appendix for agenda.) The Cubmaster and unit commissioner should runthis meeting.

6. A parents meeting should be held with the September pack meeting that takes placeafter school night to give parents the annual calendar and budget for the year. Thisneeds to be done before the popcorn sale begins (for new youth), so youth and parentscan sell popcorn to pay for their year of Scouting. Packs are encouraged to make thismeeting special by holding it at a fun location; bowling alley, fire station, etc. (See

sample agenda in appendix)

Unit Planning

Each unit needs to take these important steps in preparation for School Night for Scouting:

1. Attend the district school night kickoff, held in August. Units will receivetraining on their role for holding a school night.

2. Conduct a leadership audit. This exercise will identify recruitment needs forschool nights. For example; if you have five returning bears, you know that if morethan three third graders show up at school night, you will need to recruit a new bearden leader. Don’t forget about committee members. This process should becompleted with your unit’s school night coordinator.

3. Annual program planning and budgeting – Over the summer, every pack shouldconstruct an annual program plan and budget. The calendar and budget should behanded out and explained at a parents meeting during the September pack meeting.


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School Night for Scouting Timeline

May: District annual program planning kickoff roundtable.

June: Hold a program planning brainstorming meeting with all parents to get ideas ofthings to do next program year. Discuss all aspects of the program: pack meetings, fieldtrips, games, activities, themes, advancement etc. Make assignments to find out moreinformation (availability, cost, etc.).

July: Put together a draft program calendar and budget for the year. Conduct a leadershipinventory so you know what leaders are coming back in the fall and which are not.

August: Finalize calendar and budget; put in a calendar/newsletter format andhandout/mail to all existing parents. Attend district school night training meetings. Meetyour school night coordinator, commissioner, and den organizer to begin planning the schoolnight program. Work with school night coo rdinator and school to set school night date.Hang posters and set boy talk date. Train den leaders on how to run “ My Best Friend is aScout” den meeting and hand out business cards.

September: Hand out 1st set of flyers one week prior to school night, have boy talksconducted 24-48 hours before school night, ensure posters are up prior to first day of school.One week prior to school night current den leaders conduct “ My Best Friend is a Scout” denmeeting and hand out two or three business cards per Scout. Scouts are encouraged to wearuniform the day of school night. School night occurs during the 2nd through 5th week ofschool.

School Night: Den displays are set up in advance. Greet parents and youth as they arrive.Be on the look out for and identify potential leadership. Set up game/activity for youthduring breakout period. Ensure cubmaster signs all applications and treasurer is inattendance to collect registration money and write one check so paid applications can beturned in and youth registered. Set date for new leader orientation meeting.

24 hours after school night: Follow up with all youth and parents that did not hand inapplications and pay the night of the school night to encourage them to join.

48 hours after school night: Follow up with all youth and parents that did join at schoolnight. Welcome them to the pack and remind them of their 1st meeting.

1-week after school night: New leader orientation meeting for all new leaders to ensurethey have done Fast Start training, 1st meeting is planned, and they know where the nexttraining course is located.

1 month after school night : Hold a “second chance to join” rally.


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School Night for Scouting

District Organization

DistrictExecutive

District Chair DistrictCommissioner

Membership Chair

School NightChair

New UnitChair

Transition andRetention

Boy ScoutRecruitment

VenturingRecruitment

School NightCoordinators

New UnitOrganizers

(1/New Unit)

School NightCommissioners

DenOrganizers

Boy ScoutRecruiter

Job Descriptions

District Membership Chair duties:

Recruit and lead the district membership committee consisting of at least the followingmembers

o District school night chair (Cub Scout recruiting)

o District Boy Scout recruiting chair

o District Venturing recruiting chair

o District new unit chair

o District retention and transition chair

Work with the council membership committee to create, improve, and implement councilplans for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venture recruiting, new unit campaign, Webelos toScout transition, leadership recruiting, and effective use of den chiefs.

Reach district membership goal as agreed upon by the district committee in conjunctionwith the council strategic plan.

Through the district membership committee, implement council recruiting campaigns,new unit campaign, and Webelos to Scout transition.

Market Scouting to potential new youth and adults through the council membershipplans.

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District School Night Chair Duties:

Recruit enough district school night personnel to ensure that a school night coordinator,school night commissioner, den organizer, and Boy Scout leader is at every school nightand no one person is at more than five schools.

Work with district school night teams to implement the council school night plan districtwide.

Reach district membership goal.

Hold regular “turn in” meetings and follow up with district school night team to monitorprogress of the school night campaign. Emphasis should be placed on recruiting enoughvolunteers to effectively run the campaign, conduct school night at every school, andapplications turned in immediately following the school night.

Conduct school night training for district school night team and unit leadership

Work with schools, units, and school night team to schedule and coordinate school nightdates.

School Coordinator Duties:

Attend school night training.

Conduct leadership inventory with Cubmaster to verify returning leadership and assessrecruitment needs

Coordinate with unit leadership, unit commissioner, and den organizer to assure schoolnight is fully staffed.

Serve as coordinator for three to five schools and ensure schools have a successful schoolnight.

Preside at the school night for assigned schools.

Collect applications and registration fees at school night. Complete school night reportenvelope and turn in to your district executive at the school night report meeting thatevening.

Coach unit leader on their role and responsibility at the school night.

Work with unit leaders to develop and implement a promotion plan for school night forevery school.

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School Night Commissioner Duties:

Attend school night training.

Attend school nights for assigned units.

Have parents complete attendance roster upon arrival to school night. Hand out packetsto parents after sign-in.

Assist in the organization of new dens.

Assist with set-up and clean-up at school night, and help the coordinator with thecollection of applications and fees.

Assist with den leader orientation follow up meeting, one week after school night.

Unit Leadership Duties:

Attend unit leader school night training at your district’s school night kickoff in August.

Coordinate the selection of the school night date with your unit, district school nightchair, and school.

Identify existing leadership and leadership needs in your unit. Communicate thisinformation to the school night coordinator.

Identify returning unit members and den assignments. Communicate this information tothe school night coordinator.

Recruit enough unit leaders to help with the school night as needed – set up, decorations,displays, refreshments, etc.

Provide interesting displays of activities your unit has done in the past for the schoolnight pre-opening.

Encourage all unit members to wear their uniforms to school the day of the school night.

Follow up with all new leaders and boys to make them feel welcome and a part of yourunit.

Arrange for “Fast Start” training the week following the school night for all new leaders,and invite them to attend an upcoming basic training.

Ensure den leaders hold a special meeting to conduct the “My Best Friend is a Scout”program one week prior to school night in order to promote attendance and fill existingdens.

Put together leadership biographies for distribution at school night.

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Entrance

Registration Table

2nd GradeTable

3rd GradeTable

1st GradeTable

School OrganizerTV/DVD

Scouting Literature

Pack/Troop Display

11 Year Oldor Older

Table

4th GradeTable

5th GradeTable

Den Organizer duties:

Attend school nights for assigned schools

Attend school night training

Be a good public speaker and a good “closer”

Responsible for recruiting parents as leaders into the Scouting program either as denleaders, assistant den leaders, or committee members using the motivational items in theschool night script.

Boy Scout Recruiter duties:

Attend school night for assigned schools

Conduct opening flag ceremonies

Conduct breakout meeting for all youth over the age of 11 to inform about Boy Scoutsand invite to join their troop.

Room Organization

Above is a sample layout of a typical school night setting. Be sure all tables are clearly marked by assigned grade.As parents and boys enter the room, ask them to fill out attendance rosters and give parents orientation packet.Assign them to the appropriate tables at this time.

Doing this simple task at the beginning will save a tremendous amount of time and organization later. Parents arealready “circled up” and the school night registration process can begin.

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Leadership Position ResponsibilitiesCommittee Chair Cub Scout Den Leader

Conduct monthly pack leaders’ meeting tohelp plan the program. Ensure thatcommittee members give adequatesupport for running the program to theCubmaster and den leaders. Recruitadditional leaders as needed. Attend newleader essentials and pack committeeleader specific training.

Committee Members

Attend monthly pack leaders’ meeting tohelp plan program and take care ofrecords, finances, advancement, activities,membership, etc. Attend new leaderessentials and pack committee leaderspecific training.

Cubmaster

Conduct monthly pack meeting. Aid denleaders by coordinating monthly programfor all leaders. Attend monthly packleaders’ meeting and monthly roundtables.Has one or more assistant Cubmasters.Attend new leader essentials andCubmaster leader specific training.

Tiger Cub Den Leader

Conducts two monthly den meetingslasting about 1 hour with a den of six toeight boys and their adult partners andone “Go See It” meeting monthly. Denmeetings are held in boys’ homes orschools in rotation. For each meeting, theden leader works with the host Tiger/adultpartner pair to plan the meeting. Attendmonthly pack leaders’ meeting. Tiger denleader has parent/adult helpers. Attendnew leader essentials and Tiger Cub denleader specific training.

Meet weekly for about one hour with a denof six to eight boys. Den meeting is heldin den leader’s home, a church, or othersuitable place. The den leader determinesthe time, day, and location of den meetingthat is most convenient for him/her.Attend monthly pack leaders’ meeting.The den leader has one or more assistantsand parent helpers. Attend new leaderessentials and den leader specific training.

Webelos Den Leaders

The Webelos den leader is the same asCub Scout den leader, except working witholder boys, the Webelos. Encourageperiodic parent/son overnight campoutsand join activities with a Boy Scout troop.Attend monthly leaders meeting. Webelosden leader has one or more assistants andparent helpers. Attend new leaderessentials and Webelos den leader specifictraining.

Adult Partners

Attend Tiger Cub den meetings and packmeetings with their Tiger Cubs. Whenhosting the den meeting, the adult partnerworks with the Tiger Cub and the TigerCub Den leader to plan and lead themeeting. Attend pack meetings with theirTiger Cubs.

ScoutParents

Assist pack and/or den with specificprojects as needed by the leaders. Allparents help their son’s withadvancement. Review individual boybooks for Wolf, Bear, and Webelos.

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Outline for School Night for ScoutingPresentation

I. Pre-Opening – 30 minutes before the opening ...................School Night Coordinator

A. Have the troop set up displays (picture boards, tents/canoes, awards, pioneering projects, etc.

outside, in the hallway, and/or in the breakout room for the 11 year old boys). Have the pack set updisplays (picture boards, pinewood derby track, crafts, etc.) Pack display should be set up inthe cafeteria or main meeting room for the school night. Put directional signs onentrance door with directions to the meeting room.

B. Greet people as they arrive and introduce yourself to them, making them feelwelcome. Look for people that may make good leaders .

C. Be prepared with pre-opening activities to keep boys and parents involved.

1. Meeting can be killed quickly with uncontrolled running, shouting andhorseplay.

2. Use the following suggestions to keep the group under control.a. Have parents and boys stay seated together at their grade

appropriate tableb. Sing songsc. Play gamesd. Perform skits

e. Show of Boy Scout displays (have boys climb on monkey bridge, etc.)

D. Have table tents and den/patrol flags to tell people where to sit (by grade). Make sureto have plenty of pens at each table. Direct every boy over 11 years of age to the “BoyScout” table.

E. Utilize current adult leadership to keep boys and parents in assigned room and out ofthe halls and other areas.

F. Have parents fill out the attendance roster as they arrive (this is different than the den

roster they fill out later).

G. Distribute information packets to parents.

H. Have parents fill out den/patrol roster sheet after they are seated at the correct table.This will be used by the Den Leader/Scoutmaster to find out who is in their den/troopand to make sure they are contacted about the first den/troop meeting.

I. Be sure to start on time.

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10 Minutes

School Night for Scouting ScriptII. Opening ............................................................ School Night Coordinator

Good evening and welcome everyone. I am __________ , and Ihave been a Scout leader for . I am looking forwardto spending some time with you this evening and sharing withyou how you can get involved with your son in a great familyprogram.

Our goal this evening is to accomplish the three things: Inform you about the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting

program Sign up boys for Cub Scouting/Boy Scouting - now how

many boys here want to be a Cub Scout/Boy Scout? Showme your hand.

Organize our dens/patrols.

I would like to start off our evening with an opening ceremonyby Scouts of Pack/Troop .

(Scouts to conduct brief opening ceremony and/or posting of colors,Pledge of Allegiance, etc.) Lead in Cub Scout promise and law of the pack.

(School night parent envelop)

(After the Pledge of Allegiance, 11 year olds are dismissed to another room for theirportion of the meeting. Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster runs t he 11 year-oldbreakout. The school night team continues on with the Cub Scout school night.)

Boy Scout Breakout(See Boy Scout Recruiting Guidebook)

Have the senior patrol leader show contents of his backpack and explain what theyneed to bring camping, and how to pack it. Focus on items that the boy most likelyalready has so he/his parents don’t have to go out and purchase new campingmaterials immediately. Hand out the “Your first campout” materials list and telltime/date/location of their first campout. Have them bring these materials to thefirst troop meeting to make sure they are properly prepared. Explain that the troopmeets weekly (time/date/location) to review/learn skills needed on campouts and toplan outings.

While the senior patrol leader is doing this with the Scouts, the Scoutmaster can talkto the parents about the troop. Talk about troop meeting times, campouts, and troopcommittee times. Hand out annual program plan to parents and briefly review.Review the Boy Scout recruiting guidebook in the school night crate that explain: 1)the aims of Scouting, 2) methods of Scouting, 3) troops annual program plan and, 4)how parents can get involved.

After the 11 year olds have had a chance to leave the roo m with the Boy Scout recruiter.

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Ladies and Gentlemen – look around. We’re a fine grouptonight. All together, we are a Cub Scout pack.

Some Cub Scout activities are done with the entire pack.

Each individual table is a Cub Scout den. Many of the funthings we do in Cub Scouting are done by dens.

Once a month all the dens will gather together for a packactivity. One of the things we do at pack meetings is have funtogether and do things like sing songs. Let’s sing a song nowtogether:

(Lead a sparkler or lead a song to help people understand Cub Scouting is fun andhow dens can interact; see Appendix or Group Meeting Sparklers for ideas.)

Let’s give ourselves a hand for that outstanding performance!

Now we have a short video to show a few of the things CubScouts do.

(Show PSA’s Here)

I would like to introduce you to the Cubmaster of Pack ____.

Cubmaster – briefly review highlights of pack’s activity schedule.

III. How Scouting is Organized ..................... School Night Coordinator

(or show adult leader recruiting video here.)

A. Why people join Scouting:

Your son is about to join the world’s premier character b uildingmovement.

He joins to have fun. You want him to grow up to be the best kind of citizen. Working together we’ll make both happen – fun and character building.

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B. Scouting has a track record:

Scouting has been helping boys have fun and parents guide their children inthe right paths for 99 years. We’re pretty good at what we do!

Today, here in the San Diego Imperial Council, which administers Scoutingin Oakland and Macomb counties in Michigan, 13,300 children and 5,000parents are involved!

C. How Scouting does business:

1. The unit is “owned” by a community institution such as school, church, civicgroup or group of citizens.

2. San Diego Imperial Council provides program literature and othermaterials, training for leadership, insurance, special activities and twoScout camps.

3. Families with sons of Scouting age are the only major resource of Scouting’sleadership:

1. Program leadership is totally volunteer.

2. Over 5,000 volunteers in San Diego Imperial Council.

D. The Three Legged Stool of Cub Scouting

1. Den Meetings Small groups of 5-8.

Meet for an hour a week.

Under leadership of a den leader and an assistant.

Follow lesson plans in program helps (display) or fast tracks.

While creativity is always welcome in Cub Scouting, simply followingthe lesson plans in the program helps or fast tracks will lead to fun,educational den meetings.

2. Pack Meetings

Once a month all the dens come together for a pack meeting to:

a. Recognize the boys for their achievements.b. Let dens show off what they did during the month.c. Have fun activities or contests.

Pack meetings are family affairs.

3. Advancement

Hold up each book and explain very briefly (in 2-3 minutes total) how thebooks are organized, how they’re similar and different.

a. The Tiger book has a series of activities done at home as afamily, together as a Tiger Cub den, and a series of “Go SeeIt” meeting activities.

b. The Wolf book has 12 achievements centered on the Scouts“Duty to God, Country, Family, and Self”. Also have electiverequirements to work on both at home and at the denmeetings.

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c. The Bear book as 24 achievements, however, only 12 arerequired to earn the Bear badge. This give the Cub Scouts agreater flexibility of the requirements they wish to do.

d. The Webelos program, Scouts work on activity badgesthroughout the year in 5 areas: Physical Skills, MentalSkills, Community Involvement, Technology, and Outdoor.

e. Advancement is a family activity.

4. Summary

a. When all 3 legs of the stool are strong, Cub Scouting works well.b. In addition to these three parts of our local Cub Scout program,

there are community wide activities like those in the opening videofor our Scouts

5. Let’s make sure we know who’s here: (Circle up)

1. Ask parents to raise hands by the grades of their children – so youknow how many are in each group.

2. If any group has more than 8, split them into 2 new dens.

(Send youth out of room to play game or participate in activity here.)

IV. Organize Dens....................................................................Den Organizer

1. Introduce self – briefly (1 minute), tell why you’re a Scout leader/how yourfamily has benefited.

2. Set the stage (the object is to get them excited about the fun and opportunities of being aleader, and set their mind at ease concerning the time involvement and difficulty.)

Suggested outline and phrases:

1. Many of you tonight will have the opportunity to be leaders in CubScouting.

2. State firmly that many people don’t volunteer because they are:“Not interested – No time – Don’t know how.”

3. Counter these reasons with:We know you are interested or you wouldn’t be here.

Out of 168 hours in the week, you can surely find a few hours tospend with your son and his friends.

We find time for what’s important to us.

We will show you what to do at a training session next week

(Parent Orientation Meeting ran by unit leadership and unit commissioner. Seeagenda in appendix. Set this date at the end of the school night after everyoneleaves except for the leaders.).

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4. Explain jobs

a. Den leader – (Hold up program helps or fast tracks )This is a realopportunity to get to know your son. If all you do is follow theprogram outlined here, you would have a good meeting. As aden leader, you will receive these. They take a 1 -hourmeeting and break it down into 7 parts and tell you exactlywhat to do each week. You meet at your convenience on thetime, location and day of the week.

b. Assistant den leader – The assistant helps the den leadermake the den meetings fun and exciting.

c. Parent Committee members. The parents’ committee is theadministrative body of the pack. They determine such thingsas finance, policy, leadership, transportation, records andoutings, as well as helping plan pack meetings. This isaccomplished at a once-a-month pack leaders’ meeting.

5. Motivate

Look at your son – if he is 8, 9 or 10, he probably has alreadyspent half of his life at home with you – when he is 18, 19 or20, the chances are he will be gone – into the service, tocollege or working somewhere. Now is the time he needs you.Now, you, his parent, are the most important and influentialperson in his life. In just a few short years when he is 12 or 13his peers will gain more and more influence. I’ve never hearda person say, “I wish I’d spent more time at work”, but I haveheard many a person say, “I should have taken more timewith my children.” Point out that children of this age modelthemselves after and want to be like their parents. In a fewyears, their peers, not parents will fill this role.

(See “Take a Moment to Consider” in appendix for other motivational ideas.)

6. Appoint a sharp-looking parent in each group to be the discussionleader. (You will know who to appoint after observations/discussions you had during

the pre-opening portion of the meeting, upon recommendation from the currentleadership, from answers on the volunteer indicator, or from those with prior Scouting

background). I’m going to leave you to determine the best personavailable to serve as den leader, assistant den leader and members ofthe parents’ committee for your den. For your son’s sake, thisdecision must come from you. When you have reached this decision,let me know and we will register the leaders and boys.

(Read “A Boy’s Eyes.”)

7. Leave them. Walk out of the room. Don’t stand around to answertheir questions or you will end up trying to select their leaders. Ifthey have questions, answer them briefly and leave the area. In theevent a den can’t find the leadership, try this – “I realize you arehaving difficulty, perhaps all of you work, or have smallchildren, or work shifts. I can’t solve your problem for you.For your son’s sake, please try one more time to solve yourproblem. Perhaps all of you will have to work as assistants –see what you can work out and I’ll check with you in a fewminutes.” Only as a last resort, try to place these Cubs in otherdens. No den should have more than 8 Cubs.

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8. Recognize Leaders. As leadership is secured, call for attention, askdiscussion leader to introduce the leaders, assign them their dennumber and ask everyone to give them a hand.

(Present new den leaders with a den leader orientation book.)

9. Registration – NOTE: Review fees with Cubmaster; below is BSArecommended:

a. Ask one of the new committee members to get the AdultApplications complete with the $10 registration fee, and thencall you. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AREMANDATORY!

b. Count money and applications. Ask den leader to get all ofthem completed with the $22.00 ($10 registration and $12.00Boy’s Life fee). Ask him/her to put den number in top lefthand corner of application. Den leader gives cover ofapplication to cub to start learning Bobcat requirements.

c. Walk parents through filling out the applications; includingboy’s first and last name, address, city, state, zip code, date ofbirth, phone number, and parents’ information.

d. Den Leader makes list of boys, parents and phone numbers.(He/she keeps this.)

e. Collect above information from each den.

f. Congratulate all new Scouts.

10. All den leaders, assistants and committee stay; other parents may gohome. Set a meeting date, time and place for an initial pack leader’smeeting. (This meeting helps: introduce leaders, makes sure dens are organized, den

leaders have materials and meeting place, assign jobs to parents committee, fillleadership vacancies.)

Take a few minutes to review Den Leader Orientation Kit.

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“A BOY’S EYES”

“I’d like to be a Cub Scout”...(His eyes were clear and true)“I’d like to learn, and play, andbuild,Like Jim and Freddy do.”

“I know how to use a hammer;I can drive a nail if I try...I’m eight years old, I’m big andstrongAnd hardly ever cry.”

I gave him the applicationAnd parent-participation sheet.(His eyes were filled withsunshineAs he left on dancing feet)

Next day my friend was backagain,A dejected little lad.“I guess I’ll skip the Cub Scouts.”(His eyes were dark and sad.)

“My mom is awfully busy,She has lots of friends, you see,She’d never have time for a Den,She hardly has time for me.”

“And dad is always working...He’s hardly ever there,To give them any more to doJust wouldn’t be quite fair.”

He handed me back the papersWith the dignity of eight years,And smiling bravely left me.(His eyes were filled with tears.)

Do you see your own boy’s eyesAs other people may?How he looks when you’re “toobusy”Or “just haven’t time today”?

A boy is such a special gift...Why won’t you realizeIt only takes a little timeTo put sunshine in his eyes.

You say, “I’ll start tomorrow”But tomorrow is far away.He’s a boy for such a short timeSo won’t you start today?

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Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind

ScoutingWords to Live by:

Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent

“My Best Friend is a Scout”

Objective: The “Peer to Peer” recruiting campaign is designed to ensure more boys are giventhe opportunity to join the Cub Scout program and existing dens are filled.

Timeline: Units may conduct a Peer to Peer recruiting campaign throughout the year. At adistrict level, the campaign will be emphasized throughout the months of September –October.

Business Card Templates

There is something special about business cards. Cub Scout s love to pass them out to theirfriends. Scout business cards will be provided to each unit to have youth customize and handout. You can also go to the council web site and customize and print your own.

Your pack may want to offer incentives for each card that is returned to the school night,redeeming it for pinewood derby kit, patch, or other recognitions.

(Front of Card)

(Back of Card)

Please join Scouting with me.

Date: _____

Time:_____

Location: _

Contact Info:

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“My Best Friend is a Scout”Den Meeting Outline

I. Before the meeting:a. Select a game from the “Group Meeting Sparklers” or “How to Book.”b. Talk to parents ahead of time and have them stay for this special meeting (if

possible).c. Send “My Best Friend is a Scout” letter to the parents of the boys in your den.d. Hand each Cub Scout 2 or 3 business cards to hand their friends.

II. Opening:a. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.b. Talk about the importance of the Cub Scout promise.c. Recite the Cub Scout Motto (Do your Best). Ask the Cub Scouts what “Doing

Your Best” means to them.

III. Business Item:

a. Introduce the new “My Best Friend is a Scout” theme. Tell them that theyare going to play an important role in getting their friends to sign up forScouting with them this year. Ask them if they would like to be in Scoutingwith their best friends.

b. Give each Scout 2 or 3 business cards to give their friends inviting them to aschool night or special pack meeting.

c. Instruct them to give their friends a business card tomorrow at school, or thenext time they see them.

d. Ask each Cub Scout to say out loud the two most fun things they did inScouting last year. Some things that should come out are: day camp, earningawards, pinewood derby races, den trips, projects, etc. It is important thatthey tell their friends about these fun things! (If you are a new p ack or a newden, remind them of the fun and exciting things planned for this year.)

IV. Activity

a. Play the game or activity you selected above from the “Group MeetingSparklers”, or the “How to Book”.

V. Closinga. Remind boys to “Do Their Best” and to invite their friends to join Cub Scouts.

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“My Best Friend is a Scout!”Sample Den Leader Letter to Parents

Dear Parent:

This fall we are asking your Cub Scout to help make a difference in the lives of his friends bypersonally inviting them to join Cub Scouts. Studies have shown that boys tend to gravitatetowards participating in activities where their friends also partici pate. I believe that yourson is more likely to stay in Scouting and get the full benefits of a proven program if hisfriends are in it with him!

What are those benefits again? Learning new things Develop new skills Develop a sense of belonging Enjoy a “safe haven” for activities Learn citizenship, character, and fitness Develop leadership skills Develop self-confidence as he earns badges Spend “quality time” with family and leaders And, yes, have a lot of fun too!

Please help your son participate in the “My Best Friend is a Scout” program by remindinghim to do a few things:

First, make sure he attends the special den meeting next week so that he can learn how touse the recruitment materials. If possible, I would l ike you to attend with him.

Second, the day after the next den meeting, remind him to take his business cards to schoolto give to his friends. The invitation is personalized and comes directly from your Cub Scoutto his friends.

Third, on the morning of the school night (listed on the materials), be sure he reminds hisfriends of the meeting that evening.

Another way you can help is to follow up with the parents of your son’s friends andencourage them to come to the meeting. Your son will have more fun in Scouts if his friendsjoin, and you may make some new friends yourself!

Many thanks to you and your family for choosing Scouting for your son. The time you spendwith him in Scouting is very important and will help him to grow into the best adult he canbe!

I’m looking forward to seeing you and your son at our next den meeting.

Sincerely,

Den Leader

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Pack Leadership and Membership Inventory

Cubmaster:

Assistant Cubmaster(s):

Number of Tiger Cubs registered: / 8 = dens needed.

Tiger Cub Den Leader(s) Needed: Have: Need to recruit:

Tiger Cub Den Leader(s):

Number of Wolf Cubs registered: / 8 = dens needed.

Wolf Den Leader(s) Needed: Have: Need to recruit:

Wolf Den Leaders(s):

Number of Bear Cubs registered: /8 = dens needed.

Bear Den Leader(s) Needed: Have: Need to recruit:

Bear Den Leader(s)

Number of 4th Grade Webelos: /8 = dens needed.

4th Grade Webelos Den Leader(s) Needed: _____ Have: ______ Need to recruit: ______

4th Grade Webelos Den Leader(s) _________________________________________

Number of 5th Grade Webelos: ________/8 = __________ dens needed.

5th Grade Webelos Den Leader(s) Needed: _____ Have: ______ Need to recruit: ______

5th Grade Webelos Den Leader(s) _________________________________________

Pack Committee Chair: _____

Pack Treasurer: __________

Pack Secretary: __________

Pack Outdoor Chair: _______

o Family Camp: _________

o Day Camp/Webelos Camp:

Pack Trainer: ____________

Pack Advancement Chair: __

Pack Popcorn Chair: _______

Pack Activity Chair:________

o Pinewood Derby: ________

o Blue and Gold Banquet: __

o

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Take a Moment to Consider

1. Consider this, you own a new car. A person you vaguely knowwants to take your car for one hour a week. Now, do you handthem the keys, wave good-bye, and say “See you in an hour!”Of course not! Is your son any less important to you than acar? Your child is your most-prized treasure.

2. Scouting offers quality time for you and your son together.Your involvement in Scouting ensures this. Your involvementwill ensure that your son has a great time and learns manynew and wonderful skills. Who knows, maybe you can learnsomething new too.

3. Surveys indicate that boys of 8 or 9 years of age rank as theimportant influence in their lives:

#1 Parents#2 Teachers#3 Church Leaders

When those same boys reach 14 and 15 years of age theyindicate the primary influences in their lives are:

#1 Friends#2 Television

While parents, teachers and church have fallen to 6th, 7th and8th most influential factors in their lives.

4. We’re not asking you to make a lifetime commitment – but justfor the rest of this school year to commit to helping your sonand his friends with a weekly activity.

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New Leader Orientation Meeting(Sample Agenda)

This meeting is to be scheduled after the school night with the new den leaders and assistantden leaders. This meeting is conducted by the Cubmaster and Unit Commissioner andshould take place within one week after the school night.

I. Welcome and Introductions Cubmaster

II. T r a i n i n g Unit Commissioner Each new Den Leader was given a copy of Fast

Start after school night. Review and ask if anyquestions.

Tell of upcoming New Leader Essentials andLeader Specific Training in district and encourageattendance.

Promote roundtable

III. Den Program Cubmaster Confirm that all dens have 1 st meeting time, date,

and location set. Offer assistance if they do not. Review requirements for Bobcat. State that it is

the goal of the Pack to present each new youththeir Bobcat badge no later than the October packmeeting.

Review program helps and how to use. Make surenew Den Leader is comfortable and ready to host1st den meeting.

IV. Pack Program Cubmaster Review plans for September pack meeting and

make sure each new den leader understandshis/her part.

Make sure new den leaders know this is a familyprogram and to help make sure parents in theirden also know.

Review annual program plan and budget. Makesure new den leaders know how much they haveto spend on their den the coming year.

V. Pack Committee Committee Chair While Cubmaster meets with new den leaders,

Committee Chair meets with new members ofcommittee.

Share committee needs with parents; ask wherethey are best suited to help.

Let parents know of committee meeting times. Promote New Leader Essentials and Leader

Specific Training.

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Sparkler Ideas for School Night

Cub Scout Advancement Song – Tune: Farmer in the Dell

Cub Scouting we will go, Cub Scouting we will go, Hi, ho, the dairy -o, Cub Scouting we willgo.Tiger Cub makes a Wolf, Tiger Cub makes a Wolf, Hi, ho, the dairy -o, Tiger Cub makes aWolf!The Wolf makes a Bear, the Wolf makes a Bear, Hi, ho, the dairy -o, the Wolf makes the Bear!Then next is Webelos, then next is Webelos, Hi, ho the dairy -o, next is Webelos!Webelos makes a Scout, Webelos makes a Scout, Hi, ho the dairy -o, Webelos makes a Scout!A Scouting we will go, a Scouting we will go, Hi, ho the dairy -o, a Scouting we will go!

Cub Scout National Anthem – Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic

I like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes! I like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes! I likeBanana’s Coconuts, and Grapes! (Shouted) That’s why they call me “Tarzan of the Apes”!

Black Bug – Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic

When one black bug bled blue-black blood, the other black bug bled blue (4 times).

Chorus:Glory, Glory how peculiar (3 times).(Verse)

When one sly snake slides up the slide, the other sly snake slides down (4 times).Chorus:

When one pink porpoise pops into the pool, the other pink porpoise pops out (4 times).Chorus:

When one greedy goat grabbed gracious green grass, the other greedy goat grabbed glue (4times).Chorus:

Paul Bunyan Cheer

Divide the audience into 2 groups; the Chips and the Chops. As you point to each group theyholler in unison, “Chip” or “Chop”. This is repeated faster and faster until the tree ischopped down and they all holler, “Timber” and “Whoosh” as the tree hits the ground.

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Unit Kickoff Meeting/Activity(Usually the September Pack Meeting)

Purpose: The purpose of the unit kickoff meeting is to accomplish 3 tasks:1. Welcome the new youth and parents that just joined your unit at school

night.2. Communicate your unit’s annual program plan and budget to the parents of

the unit.3. Kickoff your unit 2009 popcorn sale.

Timing: This meeting should take place the last week in September, after your unit’sschool night and before the start of the popcorn sa le (for your new yout).

Arrangement: Parents and youth should set at table(s) by den. Den Leader and Assistantshould be at the head of each table.

Before the meeting: Webelos den briefed on proper flag ceremony. Pack annual programplanning and budgeting is completed. Popcorn Kernel attends districtpopcorn kickoff and training. All applications are turned into Scout Officefrom School Night. Advancement report filled out and awards purchased.Den leaders have 25-minute activity planned during parents meeting.

Location: Should be in a fun location such as a roller rink, park, fire station, etc.

I. Opening Ceremony - 3 minutes Webelos II

A. Pledge of AllegianceB. Cub Scout Oath and Law

II. Introduction of pack leadership – 2 minutes Committee Chair

III. Annual Program Plan – 10-15 minutes CubmasterA. Hand out and go over pack program calendar including:

a. Monthly themesb. Special events and activities each month

i. Take time to review each major pack activity. For example:In October we will be having a costume party and hayride.Games will include bobbing for apples, etc.

IV. Den Leader breakout – During Parents Meeting Den Leaders

(Den leaders take youth to another area for game or activity.)

A. “Get to know you” activityB. Parents role in the advancement programC. Den meeting time, date, locationD. Game

V. How Parents help – 5 minutes Committee ChairA Need to have parents help on committee to make annual

program plan happen. Have parents sign up to help onone or two activities throughout the year.

B. Den Leaders and assistants.C. Meeting times.

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San Diego Imperial Council Boy Scouts of AmericaVI. Annual Budget – 10 minutes Pack Treasurer

A. Total cost for the year:a. Activity feesb. Registration/Boys’ Lifec. Awardsd. Special event/activity cost

B. One fund raiser for the year to pay for program, not multipleC. Per-boy cost.

Youth brought back into the room with parents

VII. Popcorn sales training and kickoff (30 Minutes) Popcorn Kernel

See separate agenda for Popcorn Kickoff

VIII. Recognition Ceremony – 10 minutes CubmasterA. New Scout induction

a. CeremonyB. My Best Friend is a Scout KickoffC. Camp Recognition

a. Special recognition for those who attended campD. Advancement

a. Hand out Awards earned over the summer.

IX. Closing Webelos II

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Checklist for District School Night Team

Before you leave home:

Contact District Headquarters, Phone # _______

Prepare your pre-opening activity and select sparkler.

Wear your uniform.

Review agenda and practice your presentation.

Take a pocket calculator

Take some change, both bills and coins

Take masking tape

Take School Night Crate (double check inventory) When you arrive at

the School –At least 1/2 hour before the start of the program.

Organize your materials and set up the room properly

Check with other School Team Members on their part of the program.

Assist Pack and Troop Leaders with their displays

Organize your pre-opening activity.

Station either yourself or another School Team Member at the door to fill outattendance rosters and welcome families to the School Night.

Keep boys and parents in assigned room

Boys and parents should sit together

The general presentation

Begin on time

Follow script

Collect all applications and fees.

After the meeting

Make sure Unit Commissioner and Cubmaster work with new Den Leaders andschedule new leader orientation meeting.

Clean up room.

Meet district executive at ____________________________ to turn in report envelopecontaining applications, money, and attendance rosters.

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School Night Checklist for Unit Leaders

Before you leave home:

Wear your uniform .

Make sure arrangements are in place for opening ceremony and pack displays.

Make copies of your meeting schedule (pack calendar).

Make copies of your pack leadership’s contact information.

Communicate leadership needs to school night coordinator.

Ensure participation from all leadership.

Make sure pack check book will be at school night.

Bring copies of leadership biographies for distribution.

When you arrive at the school -At least 1/2 hour before the start of the program.

Set up den/pack displays.

Prepare opening ceremony.

Welcome guest as they arrive

The general presentation

Follow script

Introduce all leadership

After the meetingMeet briefly with new leaders to schedule a new leader orientation (no more than one

week after school night)

Clean up room.

Sign all adult applications. Write one check to cover registration cost.

Make sure school coordinator has one copy of applications (signed), fees, and copy of

attendance roster.

Take copy of Den roster and attendance roster. Follow up with unregistered youth.

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Chartered Organization Night for Scouting

Purpose: Many of our chartered organizations, especially religious organizations, have youthand families that should be invited to join Scouting. Often, these boys are invited to school nightprograms for units that serve other organizations, or in light of the growing home schoolpopulation, never received an invitation. The Chartered Organization Night for Scouting will helpthese families get a head start to join “their” pack or troop.

Plan: Prior to the scheduled school night, designate a night for chartered organizations to inviteprospective Scouts and parents from among the membership to join their Scouting unit(s). Thismeeting should be held at the chartered organization’s facility.

Schedule: These things need to be done on or by:

June: District membership committee member(s) contact charter organizationrepresentatives to determine which organizations wish to participate.

July: Plans are discussed at district membership committee meeting. Unit sets up adisplay table the last 2 Sundays in July and the first Sunday in August. Thistable display includes pictures of youth at camp and other fun activities the packparticipated in last year. Hand out flyers inviting youth to the school night or1st pack meeting.

August: Contact Unit Leaders of packs and troops of organization’s unit(s) andsecure personnel to assist with chartered organization night.

Secure support of executive officer, through the charter organizationrepresentative, regarding meeting place and distribution of promotionalmaterials.

Deliver promotional materials (flyers, posters, bulletin inserts, yard signs, etc.)to chartered organization for distribution to Scout aged members and families, andto other members of the organization. Conduct boy talks in the Sunday Schoolclassrooms. Have inserts in the church bulletin.

District School Night Team conduct rallies where appropriate and p ossible, toinvite boys to the chartered organization night and/or school night serving thatorganization’s units.

Follow School Night for Scouting script to conduct the CharteredOrganization Night for Scouting.

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Add round up flyer request form and backof flyer example here!

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