For Leaders

For Leaders


No single person, no matter how talented, can make Cub Scouting work. Instead, it takes a Pack leadership team that includes the Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmasters, Pack Committee Chair and Pack Committee members, Pack Trainer, Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders, Den Chiefs, and parents. 

 

Each Leader has a specific role to play, while all share responsibility for recruiting, training, and planning. 


Leadership Basics

 

Like the scouts they lead, Cub Scout leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and from all sorts of backgrounds.  However, successful leaders share some common traits:

Successful leaders also share their commitment.  Being a Cub Scout leader means more than an hour a week at a Den Meeting or an hour a month at a Pack Meeting.  You'll likely spend an hour of preparation for each hour of program.  Planning meetings, training courses, and monthly roundtables also take time, but they are critical to delivering a quality program.

 

Lastly, successful leaders share a good attitude.  Showing confidence and enthusiasm inspires scouts to believe and follow.  Be optimistic and perform your Cub Scouting responsibilities wholeheartedly.  Plan your work, and then work your plan.  You will be successful, and you will make a difference in the lives of the scouts you've committed to lead.


Pack Procedures

 

The successful management of a Cub Scout Pack requires the cooperative efforts of all Den and Pack leaders.  Packs run most efficiently when governed by a set of bylaws that complement the established policies of Boy Scouts of America and the guidelines described in the Cub Scout Leader Book.  The Pack Committee for Pack 1 Richmond has adopted a set of bylaws.  Click here to review.


Record Keeping


Cub Scouting works best when it is well-organized and well-administered.  While most boys and parents will be only vaguely aware of how the Pack is managed, effective management makes possible the program they enjoy and benefit from.

 

Pack and Den Leaders must keep accurate records.  Questions on the status of advancement, finances, and membership can be easily answered if a good record keeping system is in place.  Pack 1 Richmond records the majority of its records through a 3rd party vendor called PackMaster.  This online solution provides real-time, sharable data and reporting for:

Each Leader utilizing this system will be assigned a unique logon and password by the system administrator, currently the Cubmaster.

 

All other records are managed using BSA forms or customized forms.  Examples include:

As part of their training, new Leaders will be giving a toolbox of forms and records by the person currently holding the position.  No alternate versions of forms should be used without the permission of both the Pack Committee Chair and Cubmaster.


Training 


Research shows the importance of trained leaders. A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be, so every Scout deserves a trained leader.

Pack 1 Richmond is committed to a 100% trained leadership team and requires its registered leaders to be fully trained for their role.  Minimum training consists of Youth Protection Training and either live or online version of position specific training.  New leaders are expected to complete their training within 90 days of beginning their position.  The Pack Trainer will coordinate training for new leaders and will assist them in attaining this standard.

Numerous supplemental training opportunities exist for all leadership positions.  Pack 1 encourages leaders to seek out additional training to aid in their continued development.  The Pack Trainer will communicate such opportunities as they are available.