How Can I Help?

An Army of Volunteers

Scouting operates through volunteer leadership.  Volunteer leaders are an example of the Scouting principle of service to others. Naturally, parents are the primary source of leaders in the Scouting program. You volunteer not only to serve Scouting, but also to serve your son and his friends, and to have the chance to be a positive influence on the youth in your community.

What does it take to be a volunteer? A long, rich background of Scouting involvement is NOT required! What is needed is a desire to work with and help young people, a willingness to make time in your weekly schedule, and the rest is easy! Lots of resources and training are available and many people will support your efforts.

What Do You Receive in Return?

Being a leader is fun, challenging, and rewarding. Leaders find that their experiences help them to become better parents. The following are some of the many dividends that will enrich your life as you dedicate your time, talent and enthusiasm to Scouting:

• Fun and fellowship with other families, sharing your pride in the boys' accomplishments.
• The privilege of helping to enrich and strengthen families.
• A chance to help boys learn good citizenship and to help shape them into men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the need of others.
• The opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of boys as they grow strong in mind and body.
• A code to live by which will set a worthwhile example for both boys and adults.
• The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement, and pride in being publicly identified as a part of this organization - wearing the Scouting uniform is a visible means of showing you believe in and stand up for the ideals and objectives of the Boy Scouts of America.

How Much Time Does this Take?

A well-organized, well-run pack will require a time commitment of about 1 to 2 hours per month, excluding Pack, Den, Committee Leadership Meetings and Position Training.  Some special functional tasks, like the running of the Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold Banquet will take more time in the month of the event.

How Can I Plug In?

Take a basic inventory of your skill sets and interests.  Do you enjoy leading and being out in front?  Or do you enjoy being in background?  Do you have good organization skills?  Are you good at handling finances?  All of these skills are useful for a successful Cub Scout Pack.

A form that we ask each parent to fill out is the "Parent and Family Talent Survey Form" as it helps the Pack know what kinds of skills that you have and it also helps you to think about ways you can contribute.

There are 3 categories of 'Positions' in Cub Scouting:

• Leadership
• • Leadership positions are those positions which work directly with the Cub Scouts.  Leadership positions consist of Cubmaster, Den Leaders, Assistant Den Leaders and Pack Trainer.  Click here for a more detailed description.
• Committee
• • Committee positions handle the administrative side of running a Cub Scout Pack.  Committee positions consist of Committee Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Advancement Chair, Public Relations Chair, Outdoor Activities Chair, Membership and Reregistration Chair, Friends of Scouting Chair.  Click here for a more detailed description.
• Special Positions
• • Special positions are generally task-focused, such as organizing and running the Pinewood Derby, planning, organizing and executing the annual Blue and Gold Banquet.