To Train or Not to Train
Hello from PackTrainerSteve,This post is for New Leaders looking for resources and direction. Are you asking the question "Do I really need to be trained?" The answer is Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!First, you need to at least complete Youth Protection Training. It is best to do it in a Live training session if possible, but you can also do it online. The important thing is to DO IT!Second, complete your leader specific training. This will give... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-13To PowWow or Not to PowWow
Hello Again from PackTrainerSteveWell attended PowWow last week or Cub Scout College and learned a whole lot of good stuff to take back to the Pack and Den. Yes, I had to attend a couple of not so fun, but really good for you sessions and the trainers were great. Now you are probably saying please stop with the do more training speech. I take advantage of most of the training opportunities offered because it... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-1310 tips to getting kids outside
Here are ten tips for ways to get your kids outside Lets Eat Outside Who can resist a picnic? A hunk of bread with warm water - mmmm... No matter what it is it just tastes better outside. There Is Treasure To Be Found What is more fun then to find something? You can find stuff just by walking around and keeping your eyes open, or by using something like a metal detector. You can... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-11-06The Evening before PowWow
The evening before PowWow and it has me thinking. A year ago I attended my first PowWow and it was eye opening. This one I am looking forward to learning more things I can bring back to my Den and the Adult Leaders in the Pack. I do have to learn some serious stuff, but also signed up for the fun stuff the Cub Scouts will enjoy. Well I will have an update in the... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-11-06Cub Scout Den Leaders: Keeping in Touch with Parents
Hello Cub Scouters,How often are you communicating with your Cub Scouts and parents. Do you send out reminder emails for upcoming meetings and Pack events? Email works great to remind everyone what is going on, but Den Leaders still need to pick up the phone and ask the families that have a responsibilities for the next meetings are they comfortable with it. Even if they say "we have it under control" or yes, ask again.... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-10-24Cub Scout Den Leaders: Pack Meeting in the Rain
Hello Cub Scouters,Yes it is PackTrainerSteve again and also a Den Leader. We have found that you can hold a Hayride with off and on rain. I am proud to say most of my Den showed up and had a great time. We had 100 say they would come and 60 did and most of them were my Wolf Scouts and families. If the weather forecast says rain, make sure to see what is going... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-10-24Order of the Arrow
It has come to my attention that in many areas its that time of the year... time for OA elections so I thought I would take a few moments to explain what the OA is all about and how Scouts should choose who they elect into the brotherhood. In case you are wondering I am a OA member having earned my ordeal level as a Scout and then many years later Brotherhood while on Summer... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-10-24Cub Scout Den Leaders: The Hand Book is REALY NOT THAT HEAVY
Welcome NEW Cub Scout LeadersI am a Pack Trainer for Pack 340 in Maryland and also the Wolf Den Leaders. If you are reading this blog entry you are at a great resource that will help you answer many leadership questions. First, read the handbook for the level Den or Webelos Den you are leading. After you have done that, you will have questions and doubts, ask the other leaders in your Pack for advice.... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2009-10-24Eagle Island
Many years ago when I was a Webelos Den Leader I developed a three month theme called “Eagle Island” which focused on Citizen, Communicator, and Readyman. I should point out my Webelos Den Patrol name was “The Eagles”. This post will explain in as much detail as I remember how we did this. This is just an overview, but it should be enough to get you creative juices flowing to fill in the gaps. For... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-10-24Teaching About The Outdoors
When teaching anything it is important to have everything planned out and all preparations made. The faster and smoother the program runs the more fun the kids well have, and the easier it will be on you. As the saying says “control through activity”, which basically just means if you give them time to tie there shoes, you also give them time to get into mischief. You also need to remember th KISMIF rule, Keep... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2009-10-24