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PURPOSE: To provide a discussion topic during District Roundtables for Unit Leaders and Scouters to develop a workable program to foster greater Family participation in scouting activities.
OVERVIEW: In today's Society and change family structure, Scouting can be an opportunity to provide quality role models, both men and women, in a positive environment for all members of the family. More and more, younger parents want to more involved with
Developing a stronger family bond and be a positive part of theirs child developmental well being. At the same time, siblings, both younger brothers and sisters see the challenges and the fun that a good Scouting program can provide. We should expand our views and opportunities to take advantage of this growing trend and include both parents and siblings.
As I understand the rules in Scouting for guests such as brothers and sisters who are not registered members of the unit, are able to participate in any activity or event schedule. For instance, sisters could participate in games; activities associated with advancement in both Cub and Boy Scouts, but can not receive badges and ranks. They can receive the education, skills and fun, but be awarded a BSA Badge. This participation would foster, a positive environment for all, and expand the diversity experience for all.
The parents or guardians should be invited to attend all meeting and outing to show what positive characteristics and the Aims of the Scouting Program. Get them to help in some small fashion, during meetings and outing activities. Help with assisting the youth in whatever activity that is going on at the time. Ask them to do something small, like tying knots, or cutting out cardboard for displays, bake some cookies, sharpen a knife, what ever they feel comfortable in accomplishing a task! This will get them involved, build confidence and show their child they are interested in what they are accomplishing.
Develop a positive environment and maybe gain a new unit leader! Be careful not to push, allow them to become integrated slowly, unless they really want to be more active.
Some areas for discussion and consideration for family participation.
CUB SCOUT PARTICIPATION
PARENTS - How can we get them involved?
Ask them to come to a Den meeting to allow them to observe what happens in scouting. Also, invite any other children in the Family to attend. Keep it a family gathering and not a Babysitting necessity.
Ask the father if one is a member of the family to do a Show and Tell at a Den meeting. Relate this to an advancement skill if possible.
Ask one of the parents to plan and supervise a game that their child enjoys. Please ensure it comply with the Safe Scouting Guide.
Ask them to help during one of the Den Ceremonies during the Pack meeting.
Ask their opinion of what you are doing during Den meetings and pack meetings. Try to get them to think about the program.
Just get to ask you questions and talk about the activities your and the boys are working on, anything to break the ice and gain their interest.
SIBLINGS - Consider allowing brothers and sisters to participate in any scheduled activity during the meeting or outing. Get them involved and make the feel a part of your program. Develop some sort of certificate or token that would demonstrate their successful completion of a skill activity. This will build self-confidence and make them feel a part of the program.
BOY SCOUT PROGRAM
PARENTS - This can accomplished much the same as in Cub Scouting, but be focused more on a male family member if possible. However, do not discriminate the female member of the family. Try to get them more involved in the Camping and adventuring side of the program.
Ask them to demonstrate a specific skill such as knots, first aid, Map reading or what ever they may feel confident in accomplishing.
Invite them to a camping trip and make the adults a patrol to compete with the boys.
Ask them provide some planning ideas for Courts of Honor, Camping Trips, educational opportunities or just fun outings for the boys.
SIBLINGS - Same as the Cubs, but challenge them more and provide encouragement to participate in some of the outing activities such as camping. However, an adult member of their family must accompany them. If you take girls camping ensure to provide a female adult to help supervise.
FRIENDS - Allow the Boy to bring a friend to observe and participate in the activities much like a sibling. You may get a new member to join, or at the very least a young person to say positive things about the program to other young people. Positive feedback is the breakfast of champions!
VENTURING AND CO-ED SCOUTING
PARENTS - Same as the Boy Scouts except that this is a Co-ed program. So get both male and female parents to be there together! What a positive family experience they all can enjoy!
SIBLINGS - Same as Boy Scouting, just allow them to get involved in any way the Crew will willing accept. Remember that the Crew writes their rules, so ensure they are willing to allow siblings and friends to participate when ever possible!
FRIENDS - Get them to join by having them involved in everything!!!
CLOSING
The risk is of injury and insurance. Unless they are registered members of scouting, they are required to provide their own insurance.
Families in scouting build a stronger scouting family. We need to provide this excellent opportunity to everyone when ever possible. It could truly make scouting grow stronger and bigger! Give it a try!
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