Cub Scouting’s BSA Family Program By Timothy Nord
What is the Family Program? The BSA Family Program is a series of activities designed to help strengthen the family. All family members are encouraged to participate and may earn the BSA Family Award.
Why Do We Need It? The family is the basis of our society. The BSA has a great interest in the strength of the family, relating directly to our aims. Scouting is a valuable resource that can help families.
Purposes of the BSA Family Program To help strengthen families. To encourage family involvement in scouting.
How Do You Get Started in the Program? A family may choose to participate on it’s own, or The Pack may choose to introduce it as part of the yearly program.
How Does A Pack Introduce It? Select a Program Chair Conduct an Orientation Meeting Introduce purposes Go over requirements Present Contents of the Activity Book Discuss how the Pack will support and recognize the program.
How Does the Program Work? The BSA Family Activity Book is the primary resource. You have 12 months to complete the program. A family chooses 10 activities, 2 from each of the 5 major categories.
Family Program Topics Learning Through Fun and Adventure Strengthening Family Relationships Developing Character Teaching Responsibility Handling Difficult Situations
1. Learning Through Fun and Adventure Enjoying Family Fun Knowing It’s Make-Believe Cultivating Talents Being Patriotic
2. Strengthening Family Relationships Making Mealtime Meaningful Strengthening Family Traditions Understanding Siblings Showing Love Communicating Sharing
3. Developing Character Learning Duty to God Fostering Self-Esteem Accepting Success Trusting Giving Accepting Differences
4. Teaching Responsibility Developing Responsibility Being Prepared Planning and Organizing Managing Money
5. Handling Difficult Situations Overcoming Obstacles Adjusting to a Move Coping With Long-Term Illness Loss of Loved Ones
What Do You Earn? The family earns a certificate. Each participating member may choose either a patch or a pin. The award may be won more than once.
Resources Cub Scouting’s BSA Family Activity Book #33012A. Cub Scout Leader Book, chapter 30. Scouting Magazine - Family Talk Pack Family Program Chair. Tim Nord (nord@ithaca.edu)