infoscouter

We present the graduating Cubs with their next neckerchief and book. Our graduation happens at our spring pack campout, so the ceremony is tied to the theme of the campout. This year's theme is space, so I plan on doing something with planets or rockets.

National Supply sells a holder you can add to the flag pole, which allows them to display better and not tangle: http://www.scoutstuff.org/streamer-holder.html I have also seen units attach them to a second flag in the manner of a coup stick: http://www.nativecrafts.us/barred-turkey-coup-stick-p-1147.html

My most effective FOS presentations are 1) short & 2) personal. The council may give you lots of facts and figures to spout. Know the most important two or three points. Let the brochure or handout cover most of the rest of the stuff. Tell a personal story about how Scouting and camp have had an important impact in your life, or that of your son. Let that story talk for you about why your families should support Scouting. Keep it to ten minutes - max. Tell them you'll be glad to answer questions at the back of the room. Do try and collect the Cubmaster's or Committee Chair pledge card in front of the families, so they can see that the pack leadership supports the campaign.

It won't help for this year, but next year, phrase it as an "early bird discount". If they have the fee in x amount of time the price is "discounted" to whater it really costs per Scout. The "regular" price includes the late fee. Somehow, telling them they're getting a deal makes people more willing to get things in on time (somtimes). Other things to try - "save the date" type reminders 4 or 3 months early. Time speeds by for people - it feels like things you know to expect (like annual dues) sneak up on you. Make sure dues/recharter deadlines are on the annual planning calendar, and published where parents can see them. Some years we offer payment plans, allowing parents to pay in installments, but they pay a premium to do so.

In our district we have a "Spousal Award" which is awarded to supportive spouses at the district dinner. Too few of them are handed out IMO. There is this: http://www.scoutstuff.org/wife.html - which is a certificate (there's a husband one too).

In addition to what's mentioned above, the OA is supposed to promote long-term camping in their council. and support the Cub Scout outdoor program: http://www.oa-bsa.org/resources/videos/cubscoutguide.pdf

In "BSA Speak" family camping is a council or district operated event, run by trained staff. It's not taking your family camping . If your council runs a "Dad and Lad" or "Mom and Me" or "Fun with Son" weeked end - THAT's Family Camping, in BSA's parlance. Our council also runs Family Camp at our two long-term Boy Scout camps. This is a staffed camp, with program elements, BSA swim and health form requirements for a week. Usually its the spouses and families of Scoutmasters who attend, but doesn't have to be. http://www.manypoint.org/content/family-camp

The Cub Scout who showed up in purple, gold and black Zubaz with his uniform shirt finally pushed me over the line. I started encouraging "generic" blue pants.

It was not uncommon for "society" women, such as Daisy Gordon Low, to use maiden names as a way of keeping a connection to a prominent family. Now days you see it with many prominent women in government and industry - Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Among the women who attended my all female college is is also a convention. I myself use my maiden name, and my married name as my legal name. They are not hyphenated - just three names.

The idea behind the ambient temperature showers was part of the sustainability of the Summit. See: http://www.summitblog.org/so-whats-the-story-on-showers/

You could have a plaque made that the donor is able to display at their business. Some with like: "With appreciation for your donation to support xxxx's Eagle Scout service project benefitting xxxx"

Thanks for the information! Have you participated in it any specifically? Any significant issues you've run across so far? (Yes, I'm nosy.) We had our first successful Lion den last year, after a previous attempt which didn't 'gel'. I generally like the program. Its low key enough for five year olds, and the materials incorporate solid direction for parents on how to be involved with their son. Our Grand Adventures took awhile to take off, but I know of other packs who were more successful with them. We converted a parent to a Tiger leader for this year, who has committed to taking training, so I'd say it was a good start.

The camping standard which referenced a minimum number of square feet is apparently no longer in force. I just had this discussion on another list, and took the opportunity to look at the newest standards: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/outdoor%20program/pdf/430-056.pdf. There is no reference to size of tents.

Our council (Northern Star) moved from the pilot phase of this program to full implementation last year. More than 75% of our packs have a Lion Cub Den. The program is very much like the old Tiger Cub program. There is one den meeting and one "Grand Adventure" (field trip) each month. At this time, Northern Star is the only council officially offering this program. I do not know if there are plans for a national implementation. More info: http://www.northernstarbsa.org/YouthPrograms/CubScouts/LionCubs.aspx http://www.northernstarbsa.org/Forms/Membership/LionCubsProgramFall%202012Info.pdf

The Guide to Safe Scouting indicates that all co-ed camping has to have co-ed supervision. I can't imagine that Philmont will let them trek with just two female advisors.