SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING - Az601583.vo.msecnd

AS YOUR SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING APPROACHES: August Districts conduct School Night for Scouting training for units. Prior to the Event: 3-4 weeks prior Have the unit’s printed calendar of events ready to be distributed to new parents. Scout Talks and School Night for Scouting date scheduled with the schools. Get involved with the school’s Open House by setting up an information table. Confirm recruitment details with school administration and ask to place a Scouting promotional article in the school newsletter. Coordinate recruitment with your partnering Boy Scout troop. Coordinate recruitment with your district executive. 1 week prior Round 1 promotion flyers distributed at school to go home in weekly folders. Have all necessary recruitment tools ready, including: youth & adult applications, Parent Orientation Guides, pens, cash box with change, room decorations, New Den Leader materials, Boys’ Life magazines, sign-in roster and program helps. 1-2 days prior Finalize details for recruitment confirmed with school and recruitment team. Scout Talks conducted and second round of flyers are distributed to take home. Pack should utilize school directories to call and invite prospective new families. Day of event Current Cub Scouts wear uniforms to school. Special reminder announcements made at school over public address system. Have room set and ready to go 45 minutes prior to scheduled start time. Follow the enclosed event outline and submit new applications and fees to the district turn-in site. Week after event Follow up calls to new leaders and members coordinating future meetings. Youth Protection Training conducted for new leaders. Schedule new leaders to attend Cub Leader Basic Training. Schedule program planning session with all leaders. SAMPLE AGENDA SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING

HAVE THESE SUPPLIES ON HAND: Pens Paper Clips Petty Cash Scratch Paper Calculator Name Tags Table signs for 1st thru 5th grade Time Subject 6:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Assigned PRE-OPENING MATERIALS Scouting Literature Ceremony equipment American flag and stand Unit flag and stand Boys’ Life magazine materials EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS Pack Direct kids and parents to visit exhibit and display area. Set up a sign with unit number, chartered partner and time and place of meetings Have pack newsletter with upcoming programs and a unit leader phone list available for distributions Have Scouts in uniform Other display items might include: Campout or Cub weekend fliers, Pinewood Derby, rope-making machine, projects from past Scouts Skill Shows, pictures and/or slides of activities REGISTRATION Have boys and parents fill out a name tag. Have parents fill out sign-in sheet for boy. OPENING CEREMONY A. Teach “When The Sign Goes Up” Cubmaster Here is a simple way to get order for announcements or the next order of business. Explain that whenever you raise your hand in the Scout sign, the group is to become attentive and quiet. Have everyone practice it a few times until the proper reaction becomes automatic. This method of getting order saves your voice and nerves. Explain to boys the meaning of the “Ears of Akela”. B. Flag Ceremony Cub Den or Scout Patrol Form two lines facing each other. The flag is marched up between the lines with all personnel saluting. The flag is halted at the head of the lines and turned about face, whereupon all assembled give the Pledge of Allegiance.

WELCOME/STATEMENT OF PURPOSE School Night Coordinator Briefly state the purpose of the meeting Tell prospective members and their parents about Scouting’s opportunities in the neighborhood and inform them as to how they may participate. A. Why Scouting is important Scouting is fun with a purpose. Activities are designed to prepare boys and girls to make ethical choices and strive to achieve their full potential. Scouting develops leadership skills and teaches respect for God, country, and fellow man. B. Briefly tell how Scouting does business Our pack is chartered to (state the chartering organization) The East Texas Area Council provides literature and tools, training for leaders, volunteer and professional guidance and a major activity schedule, including provision of camp facilities. Scouting has programs that address the needs of boys in all age groups. Kindergarten age are Lions. While the design of the program is to provide an age-appropriate limited 'warm up' program for Scouts, they can be as engaged as they want to be. All activities are built for the youth and adult partner to do together. First graders are Tiger Cubs. Tiger Cubs and adult partners participate in den and pack activities together. Tiger Cubs wear the blue Cub Scout uniform with an orange neckerchief. The recommended monthly meeting pattern consists of den meetings, “Go See It” activities and the monthly pack meeting. Tiger Cubs and adult partners use the Tiger Cub Handbook to complete achievements, electives, and plan activities. 2nd and 3rd grades are Cub Scouts. You will wear the blue Cub Scout uniform with either the yellow or blue neckerchief. 2nd graders will work out of the Wolf book and 3rd graders will work out of the Bear book. You will work on achievements and electives toward your Wolf or Bear badge and arrow points. Activities include things like: Tying Knots, Building Muscles, Model Boats, Fishing, Sports, Family Outdoor Adventures, and Secret Codes. You will meet in weekly den meetings with friends, and your family will attend a monthly pack meeting. 4th and 5th grades are Webelos Scouts. You are still a part of Cub Scouting but our program is different from the younger Scouts. Your uniform will be the tan Scout shirt. You will be working on activity pins in a number of different activity areas. You may work on Aquanaut, Forester, Geologist, Scientist, Showman, Sportsman, and Outdoorsman activity pins. You will do some camping and hiking as well. Eleven year old boys can become Boy Scouts. You will wear the tan Scout shirt and green pants. You will plan and organize your own programs as a member of a patrol and troop. You can earn different ranks starting with Tenderfoot and building up to the Eagle Scout rank. Your activities are designed to take place outdoors. You will be camping, cooking, learning about first aid, and knife and ax safety. You might build towers with ropes and spars, go canoeing and sailing or climb a mountain.

C. Introduce Unit Leaders (if more than 1 pack represented at a school) Give each leader a minute to tell about his or her pack. Each leader should distribute a newsletter describing the unit's planned program calendar for the next 12 months, and a unit leader list including phone numbers. D. Boys' Life For over 85 years, Boys' Life magazine has encouraged youth to read. It is the official magazine of the Boy Scouts of America. There is currently over 1.3 million subscribers. When you order tonight, you will receive Boys' Life at your home every month. What a bargain. (Optional demonstration here of content of Boys' Life comparison to a comic book.) E. Individual unit meetings Invite the parents to meet with the unit leaders at their assigned meeting space. Clearly point out the location at which your pack will be meeting. You may want to consider conducting a separate program for the boys and allow the parents to attend the meeting with unit leaders without distractions. The program for the boys should give them a taste of Scouting fun and send them back to their parents anxious to attend their next Scouting meeting. PACK MEETINGS AND COSTS UNIT LEADERS A. Parent Participation Place great emphasis on each parent joining Scouting with their son or daughter. 1. Parents who have boys of Scouting age are the major source of leadership.Scouting is volunteer led. 2. Full support and cooperation of every parent is essential to a successful Scout program. 3. Parents can help the Pack to grow by serving as unit leader or den leaders, unit committee member, by cooperating on transportation for a Cub Scouting or Scout camping trip. 4. Parents need to be kept informed. 5. Parents should encourage their boys in their advancement. B. Unit Information § Leadership § Meeting place and time § Registration fee § Pack Due’s § Boys' Life subscription

C. D. E. F. G. Distribute and Review Unit Program for the Next program. Distribute and Review Applications for Membership Work on Organization of New Dens as Required. Process Application for Membership -- Youth and Adult. Make sure applications are signed and fees are collected. Scouting is and always has been designed with families in mind. The program works better and everyone gets more from it with full involvement. Then dismiss parents and boys. TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING RALLY A SUCCESS 1. Select the right person from your pack to make the School Night presentation. The presenter should be comfortable before a group, easy to understand and be knowledgeable of your Pack and the Scouting program. 2. Present a positive attitude! People want to join organizations that are fun and worthwhile. No one wants to join a sinking ship! DO NOT introduce them to Cub Scouting by telling them that your Pack has no leaders and is about to fold – or that “Cub Scouts is not a baby sitting service.” A negative presentation will have negative results. A positive and upbeat presentation will get people excited and more willing to volunteer their help. A smile is essential. 3. Use common language, not Scout terms (2nd grade vs. Wolf) 4. Make guests feel “at home” – offer to them to join in the fun, don’t “put them on the spot” to perform. SCHOOL NIGHT TO JOIN SCOUTING REPORTS COMPLETED School Night Coordinator A. Turn in report envelope containing applications and fees along with September/October pack meeting information to the school coordinator B. Straighten up meeting room facilities - remove displays - thank custodian (NOTE: School coordinators or unit leaders are expected to report results at the district School Night to Join Scouting Headquarters.)

SAMPLE PACK CALENDAR CUB PACK 123 Sponsored by XYZ Elementary PTO Since 1950 School Night to Join Scouting September 1 September 21 October 25 Pack Meeting – Theme: Cooperation Induction of New Bobcats Pack Meeting Theme: Responsibility Hayride and Pumpkin Carving Contest Prizes for best costume Welcome new Tiger Cubs* November 8 & 15 Scouting for Food Here’s our chance to help the hungry November 17 Pack Meeting Theme: Citizenship December 15 January 19 February 2 Pack Activity Caroling at Harvey Nursing Home Games for the whole family Theme: Respect Pinewood Derby Theme: Positive Attitude Every Scout wins Tigers race at 6:00 p.m. * Wolfs race at 7:00 p.m. Bears race at 7:45 p.m. Webelos race at 8:30 p.m. Scout Sunday* Religious awards presented at 10:00 service Donuts juices and coffee following with Boy Scout Troop and Venture Crew. February 10 Blue & Gold Family Banquet Theme: Resourcefulness March 16 Pack Meeting Theme: Compassion

April 17 Pack Campfire – Scout Camp Come and bring the family for songs, ceremonies, and bring marshmallows and other goodies for afterwards. Bears graduate to Webelos and spend the night – parent & son. Tiger Cubs graduate to Cub Scouts.* Theme: Faith May 18 Pack Picnic – Wild Park Bring your family picnic and join us for games, races, and fun. starts at 1:00 Theme: Health and Fitness June 8-13 Webelos Den #2 attends week long Webelos camp. June 23-27 Cub Day Camp – Glen Park – A whole week of fun! June 28 Pack Meeting Theme: Perseverance July 10-12 Webelos Mini-camp for Webelos Den #2 3 days at Camp May July 16-17 Dad and Lad for this year’s Tigers, Wolves & Bears. July 19 Pack Swim Party Theme: Courage August 15 Pack Picnic Theme: Honesty Pack Leaders: Cubmaster: John Scouter Assistant Cubmaster Harvey Wheat Den Leader: Cindy Jones Den Leader: K. C. Lucas Tiger Cub Coordinator: Tom O’Hara Webelos Leader: Bill Marks Assistant Webelos Leader: Gary Mulligan Popcorn Chairman: Lindsey Best Institutional Head (Executive Officer): Bill Thomas Charter Organization Representative: James Howell Pack Committee Chairman: Lynn Smith Advancement Chairman: Bob Winn Treasurer: Eileen Jacobs Blue & Gold Chairman: Jean Horn Pinewood Chairman: Bill King Scouting for Food Chairman: Bill Etter

Pack Marketing Techniques The following ideas are things that leaders and Scouts can do in preparation for this fall’s School Night and all year long in a variety of settings. They may seem obvious, but they are easy to do and are a great conversation piece while creating awareness of Cub Scouting in your community. 1. Cub Scouts and Leaders “Sport” your uniform often Materials Needed: Your uniform! Timing: Whenever possible be creative! Steps: Wearing the uniform is like a walking billboard, and can grab the attention of youth and adults. The uniform also serves as a conversation piece. Scouts and leaders should wear their uniforms to school, church, the grocery store, library, sporting events, any place you can think of! The uniform (or Scout attire) is a great way to show the presence of Cub Scouts in your community and spread the excitement. Be sure that every member of your pack wears their uniform to school on the day of your Join Scouting Night and to school the days your pack meetings and den meetings. Remember that the uniform is not complete without the person inside. Be knowledgeable about what all the patches mean and share the excitement of Scouting. 2. Encourage Cub Scouts to talk about Scouting with their friends Materials Needed: Experiences and stories that show how and why they enjoy Scouting. Timing: As often as possible. Steps: Word of mouth is one of the most powerful and lasting forms of advertising. Kids talking to others about the fun they have is a great way to spread the excitement among youth. Use the “recruiter patch” or create your own pack incentive program that rewards your Scouts if they bring a friend to Join Cub Scouting. 3. Adults should do this too (Word of Mouth) Materials Needed: Voice, conversation and excitement of Scouting. Timing: As often as possible. Steps: Cub Scout families consistently see the value of Scouting in their own lives and by this they are our best sales people. Share Scouting’s benefits and excitement with other parents. Most families are looking for programs filled with excitement and opportunities for leadership development and positive values. Most families are involved in lots of activities including sports and church. Use these forums to interact with parents and share Cub Scout stories. 4. “Show and Tell” Materials Needed: Timing: Steps: Photographs, awards, uniform, pinewood derby car and other exciting visuals. Before the pack’s Scout Night and any time during the school year. Encourage youth to use Cub Scouting as a part of their “Show and Tell” opportunities in school. Peer-to-peer recruitment is very successful and this is a great forum for Scouts to share their stories and the excitement of Cub Scouting. Be sure that they are prepared with a story or exciting information. If possible, provide stickers or other handouts for the Scouts to distribute at the conclusion of his presentation.

5. Develop a Pack Information Sheet Materials Needed: Paper, pen or computer, key information on your pack. Timing: Have sheet prepared to give (e-mail, fax or send) to any interested family at any time throughout the year (in addition to your Join Scouting Night). Steps: This is your chance to brag about your pack! Include items such as time, date and location of pack meetings, list of upcoming events, Den Leaders and Committee Members’ names phone numbers and e-mails, and other exciting details about why you are involved, including pictures. Provide your sponsoring organization a copy of the sheet so that they can answer any questions they might receive regarding your pack. Make sure that your pack committee and parents have copies of the sheet to distribute as well. Pack 123 Information When does Pack 123 Meet? We meet on the first Monday of each month at First Lutheran Church, 5150 Oak Street at 7:30 PM (Dens meet weekly based upon schedule) What activities Go On Throughout the Year? Pumpkinfest, Pinewood Derby, Field Trips, Advancement, camping, fishing, citizenship skills And so much more!!! Tell Me About Scouting Your Cub Scout is a member of a den. Most dens have six to eight boys and meet once a week. Den meetings are a time for learning new things and having fun. Dens are led by a team of adult volunteers - the Den Leader Assistant & Den Leader(s). Den leaders are usually parents of boys in the den. Your Cub Scout is also a member of a pack. Most packs have several dens and meet once a month. Pack meetings usually follow a suggested theme and are a time for boys to be recognized for their accomplishments during the month, to perform songs and skits they’ve learned in den meetings, and to have fun with the entire family. Please contact one of the following for more information: Cubmaster John Smith 903-555-1212 Committee Chair Robert Jones 903-555-2112 6. Join Scouting Night Information Flier Materials Needed: Work with your District Executive to order council provided fliers or create your own. Be sure to include the date, time, and location of your meeting and contact name(s) and phone number. Timing/Steps: Plan your Join Scouting Night within the first few weeks of the school year. Meet with facility contact early to get your meeting booked. Order your fliers through your District Executive. Before your Join Scouting Night, be sure fliers are delivered to the school (or schools) and any other outlets including churches that do not host packs, seven to ten days prior to the meeting. Tip: If you are delivering fliers to schools, offer to pre-stack groups of fliers for the individual teacher’s boxes. This will save time for the office staff and help to ensure their delivery. Know the number of classrooms beforehand. 7. Personalized Invitation Letter (direct mail approach) Materials Needed: List of all kindergarten through fifth grade youth, envelopes, stamps, and Cub Scouting book stationery or cards. Work with school officials, PTA, church or sports teams to secure list of names and addresses. Timing: Should be mailed or delivered seven to ten days prior to Join Scouting Night. Steps: Boys love to receive their own mail! Personalize a letter or card including a description of Cub Scouting, date, time, and location of Join Scouting Night, and

Tip: contact name and information. If addresses are unavailable, or postage is too costly, seek permission to deliver the personalized invitations to the classrooms. Make sure that cards or letters are individually addressed to each youth. If you have e-mail addresses, e-mail the invitation! September 1, 2014 Dear Sam, You and your family are invited to a meeting next Wednesday, September 12, 2013 at the Community Elementary School to find out about the fun and excitement of Cub Scouting. Many of your classmates are members of Pack 123. If you like going on field trips, hiking, doing crafts and having fun—Cub Scout is the place for you. Meet us in the in the cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. with a parent. For more information, call John Smith at 314-555-1212 Sincerely, Members of Cub Scout Pack 123 8. Telephone Call to Families Materials: - Telephone, list of phone numbers and volunteers. Timing: - Two to three days prior to your Join Scouting Night. Steps: - A telephone call to the parents of a potential Cub Scout

AS YOUR SCHOOL NIGHT FOR SCOUTING APPROACHES: August Districts conduct School Night for Scouting training for units. Prior to the Event: 3-4 weeks prior Have the unit's printed calendar of events ready to be distributed to new parents. Scout Talks and School Night for Scouting date scheduled with the schools.