1 Cub Scout Program Change Overview

“I (name) promise to do my best to be square and to obey the Law of the Pack.” Cub Scout Promise

Objectives By the end of this session, participants will communicate to others… –The background and imperative for change –The nature of the change –The administrative and design bodies that enacted the change –The fundamentals of the new program 3

We have changed our programs to reflect the results of a thorough program review and assessment that clearly identifies those elements that are appealing, exciting and culturally relevant to today’s youth and families. The BSA’s programs match what today’s youth both want and need. Dynamic and Relevant Program 4

Organizing Principles 5

“WHY?” - Key Take-Aways (Overall) 1.Many advancement requirements support passive rather than active behavior. 2.Leader aids are insufficient in guiding leaders on how to fulfill aims - lack tools and resources to implement aims. 3.Youth handbooks lack breadth and frequency of activities/learning situations that support the aims. a)Character: i.Cub Scout program structure does not facilitate adequate coverage of all 12 Core Values ii.The youth handbook activities do little to facilitate the discussions necessary to leverage the methods and instill values. b)Citizenship: Current activities focus primarily in the area of civics/government with less emphasis on service and stewardship c)Personal Fitness: i. Rank advancement activities do not build foundation for life-long positive fitness habits. ii. Our attention to nutrition within rank advancement is not proportionate to the need to address nutrition instruction and practices 6

Organizing Principle – All Ranks 7

Example- “Webelos Walkabout” 8

New Program Model Rank Advancement Thru Adventures For each rank, complete seven den-based adventures, including a family-based “Duty to God” adventure, to earn rank Adventures = interdisciplinary, theme-based experiences, 3 den meetings Immediate recognition after each adventure (loops or pins) Elective adventures available; same recognition approach 9

How does rank structure differ? # Defined Adventures # Elective Adventures Adventure Recognition Device Tiger61Belt Loops Wolf61Belt Loops Bear61Belt Loops Webelos52Pins Arrow of Light43Pins 10

Recognition Devices 11

Cub Scout Changes: Big Picture 1. Living the Ideals – Movement to Scout Oath and Law 2. Belonging to a Den 3. Using Advancement – Revisions to Current System 4. Involving Family and Home 5. Participating in Activities 6. Serving Home and Neighborhood 7. Wearing the Uniform 8. Making Character Connections – Scout Law Dec emb er

Cub Scout Change Summary 13 NOT Changing Family focus Ranks or approach Bobcat still first rank earned (updated) Ages (or genders) Den/pack meeting structures Outdoor program Delivery model Fun – even more than before CHANGING Oath & Law Tiger Cub becomes Tiger with new image Arrow of Light will no longer require earning Webelos Activities – more active, more aligned with Aims/Mission Advancement – simplified Academics & Sports program discontinued (5/15) Current immediate/elective recognition devices replaced One Den Leader Guide per rank Dec emb er 2013

Cub Scout Transition Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos: Convert to new program June 1, 2015 Arrow of Light Options: –Convert to new program June 1, 2015 OR –Continue using current program LDS transition plan available Details: See 2015 Cub Scout Transition Guidelines on Dec emb er

15 Youth Handbook

16 Title of Adventure Picture of Belt Loop Actual Cubs “Ethan” Inviting summary of adventure

17 “Snapshot” Action photos Requirement Helpful knowledge “Character Compass”

18 Signature Block and end of each requirement section

19 Den Leader Guide

20 “NEW ITEMS” Rationale for Adventure Takeaways For Cub Scouts Requirement Listing Notes to Den Leaders

21 Clear and Complete Meeting Plan Gathering Opening “Talk Time” Activities Explanation Step-by-step instructions Closing After the Meeting

22 All Meeting Resources follow the meeting plan Everything in one book!

23 Sample “paperwork” – can be copied or paraphrased as needed

Closing 24 Questions? Resources Follow-up Ken King Dec emb er 2013