GUIDE FOR NEW CUB SCOUT LEADERS - Stlbsa

CUB SCOUT SIGN.CUB SCOUT SIGNThe Cub Scout sign is made by raising the right hand straight up high over the head with the palmforward. The first two fingers are wide apart and pointing up as in a V. The two extended fingers standThe Cub Scout sign is made by raising the right hand straight up high over the head with the palmfor the Scout Oath and Scout Law; and they look like the wolf’s ears ready to listen to Akela. Theforward. The first two fingers are wide apart and pointing up as in a V. The two extended fingers standthumb covers the nails of the ring and little fingers.for the Scout Oath and Scout Law; and they look like the wolf’s ears readyto listen to Akela. The thumb covers the nails of the ring and little fingers.The Cub Scout sign is given when saying the Scout Oath and Scout Law.It is also used by Akela to ask for quiet and attention. Akela in the den isThe Cub Scout sign is given when saying the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Ityou, the leader. When you give this sign, Scouts should stop what they areis also used by Akela to ask for quiet and attention. Akela in the den is you,doing and give you their complete attention.the leader. When you give this sign, the boys should stop what they aredoing and give you their complete attention.CUB SCOUT SALUTE.CUB SCOUT SALUTEA salute is a way to show respect. We salute our flag toshow respect for our country.A salute is a way to show respect. We salute our flag to showrespect for our country.For the Cub Scout salute, use your right hand. Hold yourfingersyoudo salute,for theuseCubyourScoutFor the asCubScoutrightsign.hand.KeepHold twostraightfingersstraight fingers close together. Touch the tips of thoseclose together.thosefingersatocap,yourtouchcap. If youfingersto your Touchcap. Iftheyoutipsareofnotwearingare not wearing a cap, touch your right eyebrow.your right eyebrow.CUB SCOUT MOTTO.CUB SCOUTMOTTODO yOUR BEST.Do Your BestYou can do this as a cheer.You askcan thedo thisasScouts,a cheer.YouCubYou ask the Cub ”and they respond,and they respond,“Do . Your . Best!”“Do . Your . Best!”three times —three times —gettingeachtime.time.getting louderlouder each7MEETINGu ·7DEN DENMEETING

GAMES & MEETING ACTIVITIES Have the Scouts play a game to get to know each other. You’ll find additional games in the Den Leader Guides,the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book, or on the Internet. Copy People Bingo (opposite page) or create your own. Review what Cub Scouts listed as positive behaviors during the Gathering Activity. Together as a den,create your own den code of conduct. Teach the Scouts and parents the Scout Oath and Scout Law. See page 6. Teach the Scouts and parents what “Webelos” means. See page 6. Play the “Bobcat Says Game” (below).BOBCAT SAYS GAMEWrite out the 12 points of the Scout Law asseen on page 6. Cut each word into a stripand insert each one into a separate balloon.You should have 12 balloons, each with astrip inside. Blow up the balloons and placethem in a large basket or bag. Divide the CubScouts into two teams and line them up nextto each other with the basket of balloonsbetween them.Mark a starting and finish line. Each Scoutwill select a balloon, run to the finish line, siton the balloon to pop it, retrieve the paperinside, then run back to his team and tag thenext Scout to go. Once all of the balloonshave been popped, the den leader calls “Fix!”and the Cub Scouts then work together toget themselves into the correct order for theScout Law. Have each Scout read his line,then have them all recite it together.Note: If you have more than 12 Scouts in your den,include lines from the Cub Scout motto in separateballoons. If you have fewer than 12, have the Scouts gotwice or have others fill in.CUB SCOUT SPIRITSONGI’ve got that Cub Scout spiritUp in my head,Deep in my heart,Down in my feet.I’ve got that Cub Scout spiritAll over me,All over me to stay.Find more games in the Den Leader Guides and Cub Scout Leader How-To Book or on the Internet.8 · GAMES & ACTIVITIES

GREAT GATHERING TIME ACTIVITY: PEOPLE BINGOFind a different person to sign his or her name in each box.When you get all boxes signed, call out BINGO!I have a pet.I was born inI play baseball.I have an olderbrother.(month)My shoes haveno laces.I have curly hair.My name hasmore thanseven letters.I was at a differentschool last year.My favoritefood is pizza.I was born inanother state.I have been tothe zoo.I write withmy left hand.I know theprincipal’sname.I speak anotherlanguage.I walk to school.I have read achapter book.I have a summerbirthday.I likevegetables.I know howto swim.I have traveled toanother country.

BOBCAT REQUIREMENTSAll Scouts earn the Bobcat badge upon joining — they learn the Scout Oath, Scout Law, handshake, salute, sign,and motto. After receiving the Bobcat badge, Scouts work on rank requirements based on their grade or age.As a den leader, you will guide your Scouts in earning the Bobcat badge as soon as possible, usually within theirfirst 30 days.o 1. LEARN AND SAY THE SCOUT OATH (with help)Before Cub Scouts agree to the Scout Oath, they need to know what itmeans.On My Honor I Will Do My BestSaying “on my honor” is like saying “I promise.” It means that you will doyour best to do what the Scout Oath says.The Scout Oath has three promises. Let’s look at what they mean.To Do My Duty To God And My CountryAnd To Obey The Scout Law;A duty is something you’re expected to do. At home, you might be expectedto make your bed or take out the trash. You also have duties to God andto your country. You do your duty to God by following the teaching of yourfamily and religious leaders. You do your duty to your country by being agood citizen and obeying the law. You also promise to live by the 12 pointsof the Scout Law.To Help Other People At All Times;Many people need help. A friendly smile and a helping hand make life easierfor others. By helping other people, you are doing a Good Turn and makingour world a better place.To Keep Myself Physically Strong, Mentally Awake,And Morally Straight.The last part of the Scout Oath is about taking care of yourself. You stayphysically strong when you eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise.You stay mentally awake when you work hard in school, learn all you can,and ask questions. You stay morally straight when you do the right thing andfollow the 12 points of the Scout Law.10 · BOBCAT

o 2. LEARN AND SAY THE SCOUT LAW (with help)The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. He does his best to live up to the Scout Law every day. It is not easy todo, but a Scout always tries (he does his best).A SCOUT IS.TRUSTWORTHYA Scout tells the truth and keeps hispromises. People can depend on him.LOYALA Scout is true to his family, friends,Scout leaders, school, and country.HELPFULA Scout volunteers to help otherswithout expecting a reward.FRIENDLYA Scout is a friend to every one, evenpeople who are very different fromhim.COURTEOUSA Scout is polite to every one andalways uses good manners.KINDA Scout treats others as he wants tobe treated. He never harms or killsany living thing without good reason.OBEDIENTA Scout follows the rules of hisfamily, school and pack. He obeys thelaws of his community and country.Every day, he does his best to followthe 12 points of the Scout Law.CHEERFULA Scout looks for the bright side oflife. He cheerfully does tasks thatcome his way. He tries to makeothers happy.o 3. SHOW THE CUB SCOUT SIGN(and tell what it means)o 4. SHOW THE CUB SCOUT HANDSHAKE(and tell what it means)When you shake hands with another Cub Scout, place thefirst two fingers of your right hand along the inside of hisright wrist.o 5. GIVE THE CUB SCOUT SALUTE(and tell what it means)Salute with your right hand. Hold your first two fingersclose together. Touch the tips to your cap. Touch youreyebrow if you are not wearing a cap. This is the way toshow respect to your leaders. You salute the flag to showrespect to our country. And you can greet another CubScout this way.THRIFTYA Scout works to pay his way. Heuses time, property and naturalresources wisely.BRAVEA Scout can face danger even if heis afraid. He stands for what is righteven if others laugh at him.CLEANA Scout keeps his body and mindfit. He keeps his home and hiscommunity clean.REVERENTA Scout is reverent toward God. Heis faithful in his religious duties. Herespects the beliefs of others.o 6. KNOW THE CUB SCOUT MOTTO“Do Your Best” is one of the most important things CubScouts learn. When Scouts compare themselves to otherpeople, they can become complacent (if they’re highachievers) or discouraged (if they have to work harderto accomplish the same goals). Focusing on doing theirpersonal best helps them feel good about themselves andsee their potential for doing even better. Help kids see thatno one can find fault with them if they always do theirbest.o 7. GO OVER YOUTH PROTECTION(with parent or guardian)Read and complete the exercises in the booklet “How toProtect Your Children From Child Abuse”found in the frontof each Cub Scout handbook.BOBCAT · 11

DENS ARE PART OF THE PACKThe Cubmaster leads the pack and the packmeetings. He or she is a primary source of informationfor the group and will be able to answer most of yourquestions.The monthly pack meeting brings together denleaders, Scouts from every den, and their familiesto showcase everything the Scouts have learnedand done in their individual den meetings. The packmeeting gives Scouts a larger experience beyond theirown den, and helps them to connect their individualactivities to the entire Cub Scouting program.Planning Pack MeetingsWhile the Cubmaster is responsible for leadingthe pack meeting, he or she plans and conductsit with the help of other leaders. Every den sharesthe responsibility by doing its assigned parts. Thechallenge is to conduct a brisk, fast-moving meetingthat will hold the interest of Scouts and familymembers. The secret to a good pack meeting isplanning carefully to include a balance of seriousnessand fun, the involvement of many people, and a livelypace.CUBMASTER’S FIRST 8WEEKS OF RESPONSIBILITIESWeek 1 Create a My.Scouting.org account and takeYouth Protection Training and HazardousWeather Training. See pages 21 and 20. Contact all den leaders to confirm date andlocation of all den meetings. Take position-specific training. Contact all den leaders about selling popcorn.See page 21. Conduct leaders meeting to get acquainted,plan first pack meeting and answer anyquestions. Assign parts of pack meeting to dens andprovide materials on what to do at the packmeeting. Plan next 3 months of pack meetings andpack activities. Encourage all leaders to take online trainings. Inform leaders of upcoming leader trainingsessions and invite them to attend roundtablemeetings.Week 2 Contact pack committee chairman to makesure that all committee members understandtheir role. Follow up with den leadersto see how first den meetingwent and answer anyquestions. Plan on attending CubLaunch. See page 24. Conduct an exciting PopcornKickoff. See page 21.Week 3 Talk with each den leaderabout their den meetings.Discuss any concerns andanswer any questions. Ask if the den leaders needany materials for their denmeeting or the pack meeting. Ensure that each den hasturned in the Cub rankadvancements to the packadvancement chairman, sothat awards may be acquiredon time.12 · PACK MEETING

CUBMASTER’S FIRST 8WEEKS OF RESPONSIBILITIESWeek 4 – Pack Meeting Week Follow up with den leaders on how thepopcorn sale is going. Confirm attendance from each den. Prepare an exciting recognition ceremony forScouts’ accomplishments during the summer.Week 5 Conduct leaders meeting to plan next packmeeting. Assign dens part of the upcoming packmeeting. Follow up on any needs from thedens. Follow up on Scouts who have not beenattending den meetings.Week 6 Communicate with den leaders on theprogress of the Scouts on their advancementand their popcorn sale. Make sure that the den leaders understandthe Bobcat rank requirements as well as otherrequirements they need to turn into the packadvancement chairman during week 7.Week 7 Plan and prepare for Bobcat Ceremony thatwill be held at the next pack meeting. Ensure all new Scouts have completed theBobcat rank. Make sure that the ceremony will bememorable for the Scouts and parents.Week 8 – Pack Meeting Week Conduct the second pack meeting after signup. Conduct impressive Bobcat ceremony. Communicate how to turn in popcorn orders. Remind parents of popcorn order turn in date. Plan for the pack to attend a district/councilCub Scout event.Cubmasters: Get trained with leaderspecific training! See page 20.There are no hard-and-fast rules for planning andconducting pack meetings. Each meeting must beplanned individually, keeping in mind the businessitems to be covered, the ceremonies to be held, andwhat is necessary for balance in the way of games,songs, cheers and other fun. Elements of a successfulpack meeting include the following: A detailed, well-planned, written program that isconducted without delays.* All equipment and materials on hand before themeeting begins. The meeting place is safe, clean, and largeenough. A good seating arrangement. The meeting is no longer than an hour andopens and closes on time. Announcements and speeches are not too long. The meeting is planned so that every denparticipates in some way. Impressive recognition, advancement, andgraduation ceremonies are held.* Visit resources/pack-meeting-plans for meeting plans.continued on page 14.PACK MEETING · 13

SUGGESTED PACK MEETING FORMATSBefore the MeetingClosingAdult leaders in the pack gather early to be sure themeeting place is prepared; the room is set up, exhibitsand displays are prepared and equipment is ready.Plan a gathering activity that provides interestingthings for Scouts and families to do while waiting foreveryone else to arrive.The closing begins with announcements about specialevents, upcoming activities, and the date of the nextpack meeting, followed by Cubmaster’s Minute and aclosing ceremony.OpeningA brief ceremony marks the beginning of the meeting.Opening pack ceremonies often consist of a flagpresentation, a brief prayer, or a song.After the MeetingFollowing the pack meeting, some packs providerefreshments for an informal fellowship session, andthe leaders and Scouts help put the meeting spaceback in order.Ceremony SuggestionsSkit/SongThe program section of the meeting may includepresentations and performances by the dens thatdemonstrate things the Scouts learned during themonth, activities involving the entire audience, or afeatured event.RecognitionAn important part of the pack meeting is formalrecognition given to the Cub Scouts who have earnedrank badges, Adventure belt loops, religious emblems,or other awards, and the leaders who have earnedtraining awards or other awards.Simple ceremonies open and close pack meetingsand mark important events or accomplishments in thelives of the Scouts and families. Flag ceremonies teach Scouts how to handleand display the American flag. Induction ceremonies welcome new Scouts andtheir families into the pack. Advancement ceremonies celebrate thecompletion requirements for Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf,Bear, and Webelos ranks and the Arrow of LightAward. Closing ceremonies bring the meeting to a closeand send everyone home with inspirational ideasto remember.n Overnight Camp n STEM Camp n Family Camp n Cub Day/Evening CampsCamp Card Helps Scouts Earn Their Way To Camp!Selling Camp Cards helps ensure that every Scout goes tocamp. Money raised also can be used to cover the cost ofbadges and advancement, special events, and pack andtroop equipment.Units participating in this program earn 50 percentcommission for each Camp Card they sell.RDSAMPLE CAWhat’s on the card?Regional retailers and family attractions that offerdiscounts! Snap‑off cards are good for one‑time use, whilethe back of the card contains several offers for continuoussavings.For more information, visitcampcard.stlbsa.orgor contact Ben Brennecke at 314.256.3092or ben.brennecke@scouting.orgThe sale begins February 1 and ends April 3, giving units two fullmonths to sell and close out their accounts. The program is RISKFREE. Units simply return any unsold cards by April 3, 2020.14 · PACK MEETING

RESOURCES:BOOKS & INTERNET.RESOURCES: BOOKS & INTERNETRESOURCES:RESOURCES: BOOKSBOOKS && INTERNET.INTERNET.DenGuidesDen LeaderLeader GuidesTiger,Wolf, Bear,and Webelos/Arrowof Lightguidesare essentialforLion, Tiger,Wolf,GuidesBear,and Webelos/Arrowof Lightguidesare essentialDenDen asuccessfulprogram.Eachhasfor runninggreatGuidesden Webelos/Arrowmeetings and havinga sonthe How’sandHow’sWhy’sandof CubScouting,completeEach Wolf,hasrefreshersectionson gsandaa d ing,completerefreshersections onon thethe How’sHow’sandmore),Why’sandof on the How’sWhy’smaterialsof Cub ndas,materialslists, ty resources,resources, helpfulhelpfulCubhintsScoutand more),more),andanappendixwithevenLeader Bookactivityresources, helpful hints and more), and an appendix with evenmoremore resources.resources.BasicinformationaboutBookyour role as a CubCubScoutLeadermore tleader and howa packruns.Basicinformationaboutyourrole asaaCubCub leBasic information about yourrole asas a Cubleaderand howahowpackBasicinformationaboutyour runs.roleScoutandaaruns.packScout leaderleaderandhowpackruns.as a CubCubScoutLeaderHow-ToBookScout leader and how a pack runs.Ideas for den and pack activities including crafts, games, ub ScoutScoutLeaderHow-ToBookactivities,recipe

Make sure all Scouts have popcorn materials. Review Bobcat requirements with the Cubs. See page 10. Prepare a simple poster with the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout Motto. Consider signing up for supplemental Cub Scout Leader Training, University of Scouting. See page 20. Follow up with any new Cubs who