My Pack is based out of a public elementary school with 60% Asian and 35% Latino composition. The Pack itself follows nearly the same demographics except it is more like 55% Asian, 30% Latino and 15% everyone else. Language isn't an issue since I've heavily recruited for all ethnic groups and I've identified families with the necessary language skills to help communicate.
When I became CM, there were 12 kids. 3.5 years later, we've got about 55 scouts (11 Tigers, 12 Wolves, 20 Bears, 7 Webelos I and 5 Webelos II)(give or take 3). The secret of my Pack's success?
(In no particular order but all important)
*A "no drop off" rule
*A separate Code of Conduct that every family (parents and scouts) sign every year reminding that good behavior is the only appropriate behavior.
*A Guide to Scouting that sets forth Pack expectations and information for new parents
*Early planning
*Summer Program
*Lots of camping (early on in school year)
*Promoting the Pack at elementary schools and utilizing the BSA national advertising materials but with our own messaging (for example, this year was "Skills You Need To Know To Beat A Zombie Apocalypse")(also make sure your Council approves materials and language).
*As CM, get to know your DE really well as well as local troops
*Get involved in school activities and local government (Pack is well known in City Council and governmental staff so we get all of the fun activities and outings)
*Foster shared responsibility and POSITIVE attitude toward family activities.
*Encourage families to volunteer (or be "volunteered) since they will be at meetings anyways.
*Account for sporting activities and seasonal events (schedule meetings and events with eye toward basketball, soccer, baseball, martial arts, etc.)
*Identify potential leaders BUT really spend time evaluating to make sure that parents are positive and "treat" their own children well at meetings (don't recruit a screamer or parent who belittles own child).
*Find out about parent interests and talents (make up your own talent sheet as BSA is bit complicated).
*Use parent interests and talents in Den and Pack meetings and at outings.
*Remind families that they are leaders and that the Scout leadership only supplements their leadership. Thus, in CS the children look to their parents for support first and Leaders also look to parents for support - reinforces message of fostering responsibility
*Train your parents (meaning, encourage them to take BALOO, go to Pow Wow etc.)
*Every family to do Youth Protection (so they understand why all the rules)
*Tell families that if the children are not having fun, then that means leadership is doing something wrong - ALWAYS be responsible for your Pack. Don't pass the buck.
*If your Den Leaders or other leaders make a judgment call on activity, support them if it is within the realm of reason. Remember, this are volunteers and they don't need to be belittled, humiliated or dressed down. Always take the bullet if a parent is upset ("the buck stops with the CM/ACM/Pack Chair).
*Goal setting
Most importantly, if you are not having fun, you are definitely doing something wrong. Build out your leadership. Spread the work around. As CM, I review everything but I let the 3 secretaries and 2 treasurers work on the details. I've got 1 ACM and another in training so the workload is spread around. Since families are there, make them be the Pack Committee.
Finally, as CM, you have to demonstrate competence. If you don't know, don't make it up. Look it up, ask around, get help. But don't make it up! Be funny. Pride won't get you far but self deprecating humor will. Also, speak up. Families don't want to see a wishy washy CM. Make decision and run with it. If it is wrong, acknowledge the error and change. Remember, no pride.
My recruitment goal is 65 kids next year and 75 the following year. I've also set up goals for camping, monthly outings and optional weekend events.
It's a bit of work but everyone gets involved and they definitely have a good time.
Have fun and remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE (this is what I tell every parent)
