A mother asks ” I understand that I cant do his next advancements until after May graduation BUT can I keep doing electives and getting credit for them?”
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts is a program offered by the Boy Scouts of America for boys in 1st through 5th grades. Find helps for the Cub Scout program on this page.
Carnival Ideas for Grin and Bear It
A reader asks “Curious as to what others had done for the putting on a carnival (Bear Requirement for Grin & Bear It). Any ideas would be appreciated!”
The Germ Song for Germs Alive!
Sandie sent in this question: Where do I find the “Germ Song”, the Mucus demonstration and the Sneeze demonstration? Thanks for the question. These are all requirements for the Wolf Germs Alive! adventure. The song and instructions for the demonstrations can be found in the Wolf Handbook. The sneeze demonstration involves putting confetti in a […]
Issues While Rechartering
A reader asks “Does the BSA ever deny a charter during recharter, and for what reasons would they deny a recharter?”
Who Should Wear a Boy Scout Uniform?
A reader asks if she should wear a Boy Scout uniform. She is a committee member and religious emblems counselor.
What’s In Your Budget?
A reader asks about what is typically included in a pack budget. She is the new committee chair and most of the committee is also new.
Scheduling Cub Scout Adventures
A reader asks some questions about scheduling Cub Scout adventures. What order works best? Should they finish one adventure before starting another?
What Should a New Den Leader Know?
A reader asks “What should a new den leader know?” Here is my top ten list for new den leaders.
Scouting Resources and Scout Support Groups
A reader is looking for resources and support groups for parents of Scouts and spouses of Scouters.
Moose with the Juice Song
The song about the moose drinking his juice is a favorite for all ages. It works at a Boy Scout campfire or at a Cub Scout back to school program.
What Is the Role of the Pack Committee Chair?
A reader has been told that the role of the pack committee chair is only to handle the recharter. Normally a pack committee chair would do much more than just fill out some paperwork each year.
Can an Adult Serve as a Den Leader for Multiple Dens?
John sent in this question: “Can a den leader serve as den leader for more than one den?” My understanding is that it is really not recommended.
Den Leader Neckerchiefs
A reader asks a question about den leader neckerchiefs. Which neckerchief should a Cub Scout den leader or a Webelos den leader wear?
Happy Mother’s Day
I’d like to wish all of the Scouter Mom’s out there a Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of our youth
Who Plans Pack Activities?
A reader asks “Isn’t it the responsibility of the committee to plan the year, and the Cubmaster to execute?” Ideally, the committee chair would work cooperatively with the Cubmaster, the activity chairs, and other committee members.
Playing Games with Varying Skill Levels
A reader asks how to approach games when the smallest kids are always “out” first and the stronger kids get to play longer.
Can Women Be Assistant Scoutmasters?
A reader asks “Are single moms allowed to be assistant scoutmasters and go along on outings and campouts with Boy Scout troops?”
What Is a Pack Meeting?
A reader asks “What is a pack meeting?” Can additional pack activities be considered the pack meeting for the month?
Visiting a Boy Scout Troop
A reader asks if he can do the den visit to a Boy Scout troop without the rest of the den.
Scouting Right Away
“A boy on joining wants to begin Scouting right away” – Robert Baden-Powell
Cub Scout Program Updates
Information about the Cub Scout program updates which take effect on June 1, 2015.
Cub Scout Song Book
Amy wrote me and asked me if I would post a Cub Scout song book she made to fill a ticket for her Woodbadge course. My answer was yes!
The Fleur de Lis and Scouting
What does the fleur de lis symbolize in Scouting? A reader asks if it is appropriate to give a fleur de lis plaque to a Cub Scout who has earned his Arrow of Light but is not continuing in Boy Scouts.
Christmas Games: Stocking Surprise
Stocking Surprise is an easy game for your Christmas themed meeting or party. It works with almost any age group. When choosing items for the “stocking”, think of all of the senses. Include something with a scent, or something which makes noise. Include it in your Christmas games this year.
Making a Film Skit
The Making a Film skit is one of the most versatile skits in a Scout’s arsenal. It can be adjusted to any theme or holiday.
Gifts for Scout Christmas Celebration
A Cub Scout leader asks “We plan to have a party before the winter break and wanted to get each boy a little gift. Do you have any suggestions?”
Information from New Scout Moms (or Dads)
What do you which you knew when you started out in Scouting? What one piece of advice would you give to a new Scout parent?
Den Doodles
Den doodles are used to recognize Cub Scouts for participation in activities and any other behavior which needs encouragement.
Carve the Pumpkin Halloween Song
If you have a den meeting or pack meeting near Halloween, then this song is a fun way to get everyone singing. And it is not just for Cub Scouts! This would be fun at any class party or Halloween party. It is not gory, so it is fine for very young children.
Genealogy Requirements and Non Traditional Families
How do you do Cub Scout genealogy requirements when you have children from non-traditional families who may not know who their grandparents or even parents are?
Pack Meeting Ideas
It’s important not to keep repeating the same meetings with Cub Scouts over and over again. By the time they reach the end of their Cub Scouting career they will have been in your pack for over four years. Young kids need variety to keep their interest level.
Bicycle Rodeo Applause
A reader asked “Do you any applause that would work for the Bike Rodeo?” so here are an applause, a cheer, and a song you can use at your bicycle rodeo.
The Noble Captain Kirk Song
Everyone familiar with the Star Trek series knows how much they like to beam people back and forth the transporter. Sing this song as a tribute to the series.
Star Wars Song
A while back, I posted the Fast Food Song. This week, I have a Star Wars song with the same tune. Sure, Star Wars isn’t science, but it is science fiction and it’s fun. That’s enough reason to use it to add some pizazz to any science themed meeting.
Nova Awards Program (STEM Award)
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The NOVA Awards program combines knowledge of STEM concepts with hands on activities.
Scout Oath
When you read the Scout Oath as is used by the BSA below, it is clear that the Scout Oath contains the same or parallel thoughts for the concepts in Baden-Powell’s original promise.
One Scout Oath and Law – Our Changing World
All BSA programs to use the Scout Oath and Law – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. I think the consistency is good, but I will miss some aspects of the old versions,.
Halloween Craft, Snack, and Game Ideas
Craft, game, and snack ideas for your Halloween party or meeting. While some work best for younger kids, others are also appropriate for the older Scouts.
I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes Song for Cub Scouts
I Like Bananas, Coconuts, and Grapes is a very simple song, which makes it a perfect interlude for a Cub Scout meeting. It is sometimes called The Tarzan Song.
Catching Flies for Reptiles – A Homemade Trap
Here is a tip for Scouts working on the Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge for a homemade fly trap to help save money feeding your critters.