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Although I agree that you can not earn an award that wasn't existence, as this is a Pack defined award I personally would file this one under "battles not worth fighting" and give them their pin.

Not counting popcorn sales events (yech), we do two Pack events a month. During the school year, one of those is a Friday evening Pack meeting. Becuase we set out calendar in early August, we expect Dens not to book events on the same day as a Pack event.

Wish I had the ability to pull this off. I think it would eliminate 90% of the problems with parent built cars: Packs should impound all axels and wheels when the kits are handed out. The night before the Derby, when the cars are to be registered, you hand out a random set of four wheels and axels to each Scout. Have the DL's teach the Scouts how to set the axels and lube the wheels for themselves. Yeah, some of the parent built cars would look nice and shinny but the Scouts who built their own would be the ones responsible for much of the performance.

Had a Tiger (or more likely his mom) come up with a fun idea last year. Most of the temporary patches come with the loops for hanging from the pocket buttons. She added a loop to the rest (hot glue gun makes fast work of that). He wears them all on thick necklace - he's already got close to a couple dozen patches as he picked up some when his older brother was in the Pack. He's the only Scout in the Pack who has an easy way to show of his collection. Looks cool too.

I summer I half-seriously threatened to do this for this year's PwD. I swear, one father turned purple and nearly passed out.

I spent 3+ years as a Webelos Den Leader. After my first year with my older sons Den, I made it clear that I had to approve all of the badges myself to my younger sons Den. I only delegated Family Member Activity Badge to the Parents that was the only Activity Badge I allowed them to sign the Handbook for. If a Scout missed doing all or part of the activity badge in a Den meeting, they had to complete the missing requirements, in writing, in the workbooks available on the US Scouting Service project site. When the Scouts turned them in, I spent a few minutes with the Scout discussing the requirements completed. Outwardly, I spent the time praising the Scout for their work, but I was also making sure they actually did what they said. Since the Scouts completed the workbooks themselves, it was pretty clear they had done the work and then I signed-off their handbooks. If they do the work in one day (which is certainly managable on several of the activity badges), more power to them.

No level requiement. If a Tiger Den is following the proscribed host family rotation method, the Tiger from the host family would in fact make an ideal Denner.

Side comment: if neither your CM or your CC are willing to make sure recruiting takes place it's time to replace them. Recruiting is the third bullet point on almost any CM position discription I've seen, after "be trained" and "plan and lead the Pack meetings." If neither of these people is willing to step up and see that recuiting is taking place, then it would seem to me that neither of them cares what happens when the CM moves on at the end of his/her term.

Buffalo, I like your solution. I think pushing the Scouts back down to the Pack level at this point will cause retention issues. One thing SM214 should do quickly is reach an agreement with the parents and the wayward DE is if these Scouts will be attending the Troop's weekend camp-outs under Boy Scout rules or if they will be adhering to the Cub Scout rules which require a parent or guardian to be present. I know those rules are interpreted differently by different units and districts, but I could see that as a potential sticking point early on. Whatever you agree to, put it in writing with the DE and include the council's Scout Executive on the correspondence. I would also get in touch with all of the aggrieved parties you mentioned and let them know this is the best way you can think of to make lemonade out of the lemons your DE dealt you. Apologize and them move on. I think it is most important to reach out to the W2 DL and try an incorporate more closely than you typically would so they dont feel slighted invite them along to Campouts your new Webelos Den is attending and invite them to a few extra Troop meetings. Also remind them that because you are taking in these 5 Scouts, the existing Webelos II Den does not need to take them in and go over the same ground (such as Citizenship and Fitness), which they presumably covered last year.

Melgamatic, I can see an established Pack with an expierenced Popcorn Kernal raising $70 per Scout. I think a new Pack without any popcorn expience will be inviting trouble if they rely heavily on fundraising during year one.

pixiewife, Has you Pack submitted a unit money-earning application yet? See question 3 on the back of that form. I know the item you're talking about doesn't have prizes, but still the scratch-off feature of it does have a "game of chance" feel to it and I'd be curious if the Council has approved this type of fund-raiser.

A couple things to consider: Cost of awards - becuase of the cost of belt loops and Webelos activity badges I budget $20 / Scout a year. PWD kits are not the all-in costs to build cars. With trophies, wieghts and incidentals, we budget $10 / Scout. Do you have a place to run your Derby? Even if the track is free many tracks require a flat, indoor location to work properly. How much do you need for Blue and Gold decorations? Have you budgeted for a US and Pack flags and stands? Do you have a place to meet that doesn't charge? Our basic costs is $95, before Den dues.

While I agree Scouting is worth every penny, I think you deserve a better answer as to what Scouting really costs. Most of the costs I'm mentionion don't need to be paid on day one, but they will likely be paid out of your and his pocket in the next year. While every Troop handles costs differently, here is some of what you should expect in your first year: The $15 annual registration is a small part of the cost of participating in Scouting. Unless you find a Troop with a uniform bank, you will likely need to spend upwards of $75 on a full uniform and patches. The upside is that is not an annual investment and the uniform should last a few years. Your son will need some of his own camping gear: backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad will likely be your biggest initial expenses. Most Troops do not have deep supply of these items. With other incidentals, this could easily be in excess of $200 by the end of your first year, but again, it is an up-front investment and much of this will last his whole Scouting career. You might get some of these items on loan for a couple of campouts, but in the long run you will need this equimpment. On the other hand, most Troop do have an inventory of tents and all the cooking equipmenty they need, so you don't need to buy everything needed for a week end in the woods. A week of summer camp (which is a core expierence for Scouts) is typically $350. Some Councils offer scholorships to low income families which woudl reduce the cost by half. Costs for monthly campouts are handled differentlty for each Troop. It would not by unussual to pay for, at a minimum, the cost of food. Ask the Troops you are speaking to what their policy is. Each troop has its own annual dues policy. This could be anywhere from zero to $100 a year. Again, ask the leaders of the troop you visit what their policy is. You son will likely want to attend an annual skills eveny called "merit badge midway" These are typically $30 or $35. To offset these costs, most Troops have annual fundraising events where the boys have a chance to put asside dollars to cover some or all of the above. Keep in mind that to cover all of the costs of Scouting your son will need to put in a significant effort for fundraising. My best advise would be to ask the Troop or Troops you are considering what the costs are. Ask who pays for what and what opportunities you have to reduce costs. I hope this will help you understand what you're paying in the end.

One suggestion: Call the DE and require that he/she assign you a qualified unit commissioner immediately. This should be someone who has been a Cubmaster in recent history. I would make this a deal breaker. This UC should be available to come to every Pack meeting and monthly leadership committee meeting and act as a mentor to help you get things rolling. Even if your monthly leadership meetings consist of just the two of you sitting down at Starbucks for 90 minutes, it will really help a lot. It doesn't need to be long term arrangement once you get past the annual recharter, you should have a handle on things, but I would not rely on the DE for full time support. Youve jumped into some deep waters. Ultimately, youre going to be happy you took on this role as CM, but with zero parent support you should not be reinventing the wheel on your own.

According to the Troop Committee Guidebook (mine might be dated): "The PLC puts together the annual program calendar at its annual program planning conference. It then submits the troop's yearly plan to the troop committee for its support. At this time, the troop committee may make alternative suggestions for the patrol leaders' council to consider." Based on that description the TC can't overule the PLC, only make suggestions. So technically, yes, the TC overstepped their bounds. I will say though, if those "minor" holidays are also school holidays, I would consider these to be valid suggestions and as SM, ask the PLC to consider accepting those suggestions.

I'm surprised your DE hasn't approached you on spliting yet. I know last year a significant part of their personal evaluations was how many new units were created in their district so stay on high alert You do need to break apart the 20 boy Den. Take tohe DL out fro Coffee and explain to them that having a super Den does a disservice to the rest of the Bears. He should ask his or her ADL (or best helper if they don;t have an ADL) to form a new Den. With 26 Bears, you should have four Dens anyway. Then tell the parents there is a new Pack policy capping Dens at 8 Scouts per Den. Let the DL's and parents decide how best to allocated the Scouts witgh both new and returning scouts in each Den. Parents should have a say, but if their first choice is full, then they need take their second or third choice. Make sure your DL doesn't "cherry pick" his favorite Scouts. In the end, if no one is willing to join the Den run by the "doesn't show well" DL, then you need to face facts that it just isn't going to work out, find a new leader for your fourth Den and put that former DL in an ACM position or give them another committee job.

My 2 cents worth. Remember, the money belongs to your chartering organization ("CO"), NOT to the Pack. Unless you have a "parents of Pack ###" type CO (which would likely be impotent), I would contact your chartering organization representative and have them help step in. I do think pulling out $333 per graduating Webelos is going to cause the Pack stress, especially when next years graduates ask for their cut. Unless there was a widely publicized incentive program in advance of the last fund raiser which created these Scout accounts, there is something very seriously wrong here. Ask to see last year's and next years budget. If the treasurer did in fact keep good records, you might be surprised how much it costs to run a Pack. Even if you pare your costs down to BSA registration, Boys Life, and awards, youre almost certainly looking at $45 - $50 a boy. Throw in pinewood derby kits, handbooks, the summer BBQ, it goes up fast. My base budget is $95 a Scout. That doesn't count the occasional uniform you need to buy for the new Scout whose parents are out of work, or the Scout who cant pay their dues. If they are leaving you with only $2,000 and 19 boys, you will likely be out of money in one year, and will be relying entire only your next fundraiser for next years funds. Budgeting isnt the most exciting part of Cub Scouts, but its a necessary evil, so I wish you the best. By the way, I personally believe you should have, at a minimum, a six month reserve when you are done fund raising to cover unexpected growth, a poor fund raising program or a delay in recieving fund raising payments. So keep that in mind when evaluating how far the $2k will take you.

From the concepts and guidelines in the requirement book (also on the page referenced above) Participation may take place at home, with the family, or within a den, a pack, or the community. Each Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout will be presented with the appropriate recognition item for completing the requirements, whether he does so as an individual Scout, with his family, with his den or pack, or in his school or community. The only exception to those guidelines rule is the shooting sports loops and pins which must be earned at a council/district day camp, resident camp, or council-managed family camping programs. As for as these being a money sink, we do have a couple of limits to keep from bleeding cash for these. Parents can approve only one or two of these per month. We did have a parent turn in 15 at one time once and rejected most of those, and explained that the work should really have been done recently, so the Scout is being rewarded for work actually rememebrs performing. Also, Scouts are allowed to earn each belt loop only once. Webelos who earn a beltloop a second time for one of their activity badge requirements receive a card but no belt loop. Since many of them don't have any room left on their belt anyway, its not an issue.

I have two personal rules for Den management. 1. Scouts and parents are free to choose which Den they want to join - although suggestions are made, no one is forced to be with any one Den leader. If you force a parent to put a boy into a Den where they don't like the leader or there is a personality conflict betweeen two boys, they will drop from your unit. 2. Den Leaders are free to cap their Den size, so long as they are will to take at least 8 Scouts. I also will not force a Den leader to take more boys than they want, or they too will burn out. Of course if they do insist on a cap, they need to be willing to split in a way to make the new Den a viable one. In your situation, I agree with your CM. I would tell those parents who don't like the leader in Den 2 that Den 1 is full but they are free to start Den 3. One thing I have learned was that boys should not be allocated between Dens during a split by the leadership committee. It should be done by the Den Leaders and parents at a Den parent meeting. Just make sure that the current DL understand that his goal is to make two equal Dens and not to take the cream of the crop. If the DL is focussed on the success of the new Den, this works very well. Of course, you do need a sense of what is happening with the leader in Den 2. Find out if there really is a problem. If he can't keep 4 boys in his Den, then its likely time for a leadership change.

Our Council requires advancement forms for Rank badges but not for activity badges. I wish it was otherwise, but so be it. If awards are not listed on ScoutNet, I would suggest that the parent contact his former Pack's CM or CC and ask for replacement cards.

We do a relay race called rescue the baby. Divide the Den into two teams and give the Scouts one or more length of rope each. They'll need to join all the ropes together using sheetbends to reach the baby. Each scout on the team must add at least one rope to the string. Your better knot tiers will invaribly help the slower ones out, which is really the goal here. Have them tie one end of the joined rope off to a pole using a two-half hitch and put a bowline on the other end. Have a leader wear a baby bonnet and have a pacifier. Wear a diaper if you're really brave Have the Scouts standg the appropriate distance from the scouts and then have them toss the coiled rope to the baby. Winner is the first team to get their bowline to the baby. Only real problem with this race is you need a leader on each rope to judge if the knots are tied correctly before the rope is tossed. After the first meeting you try this, you can do it at subsequent meetings, only switch it to rescue the bag of candy - put a small bag of candy with 1 Hersey's Kiss per scout on a chair that they need to rescue. Winner gets the spoils.

You're closer to the situation than I am, so I suspect youll have a better solutions than I could provide, but one though I had was to divide responsibility a little wider than is usual. Unilaterally appoint the Scout who you groomed as SPL to an ASPL position. Alternatively, if he is 16, you can make him a JASM (which is legitimately a SM appointed position). Redefine the leadership roles in the unit. Explain that the new ASPL / JASM position will be responsible for planning the monthly outing and lead one Troop meeting a month. Use whatever excuse you like - shared responsibility / training for next year, whatever. Of course, you will still need to mentor the actual SPL to lead in the way you expect. I agree with John-in-KC's comments. If after a month, you consider his meetings to be sub-standard, put him on notice. After another month, perhaps its time to put him on probation. Hopefully, if he has a good model to follow (the other Scout), your SPL will step up. You never know, if he really understands the expectations he might surprise you. If not, remove him from the role, but I would only do this as a last resort.

The previous CM in my Pack allowed one of our Scouts younger brother to become a Tiger when he was still in Kindergarten, something I didnt find out until 15 months later when I did the Packs annual recharter. I have been this boys Den leader for four years now, and he has had a very hard time keeping up with his Den mates in the requirement work. For three years the fact that he has had one year less of school has been very apparent and he hasnt really gotten as much as he could out of Scouts as he should. Now the hardest part for this boy is going to come at the end of his second Webelos year. Most of his Den will bridge to scouting in March, or at the latest, the end of May if they havent finished their Arrow of Light. Unfortunately, the Scout who joined a year early will not meet the Boy Scout joining requirements at that time even if he earns his Arrow of Light. That means he wont be able to join a Troop until the following fall at the earliest, over 6 months later. I would strongly urge you to keep the boy in the appropriate age group. Let him make new friends in his Den. Let him know that hell see his buddies at Pack meetings and other outings. On another topic, to mistysmere, there is no requirement that Scouts be Bears to earn their Whittlin Chip. The Guide to Safe Scouting does allow Wolves to use pocket knives and the award is taught to Wolves at most Cub Scout where the award is offered. As you alluded to, individual Scouts maturity level must be considered and regardless of what age they are, some Cub Scouts cannot handle the responsibility of having a pocket knife yet. Thats probably also true of one or two Boy Scouts I know. Never-the-less, Wolves are allowed to earn the badge. Of course, if the Scout earns the badge as a Wolf, hell need to retake the badge as Bear to have it count towards advancement, but I would consider having that information reinforced by a second round of training to be a good thing.

I am most certainly a supporter of no electronics rules. I don't care if your phone has GPS, is your only timepiece and serves in an emergancy as a flashlight substitute. I don't want to see it. Still, I had to bite my tongue at the last troop meeting. Someone asked the question how high the summit of Half Dome was. No one knew, but one former Scout pulled out his iPhone and had the answer in under a minute.

Although most of Redwood Empire Council is outside of the Bay Area, it does cover Sonoma County, which is also a part of the Bay Area, so make that 8 councils