Greetings Parents:

There are several differences between the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs, which is especially obvious when your son first crossed over to Boy Scouts. One important difference is the change in responsibility for advancement.

When our sons were Cub Scouts, parents had a very active role in helping our sons move through rank and awards. Once our son crossed over into the Boy Scout program, responsibility for advancement falls on his shoulders. This can be a hard transition, but it is an important one. Our goal, in Boy Scouts, is to guide the Scouts in becoming effective leaders. Learning to be leaders is the "purpose" in our fun. (One of Scouting's mottos is "Fun with a purpose.")

Adult Boy Scout leaders (both Scoutmasters and Committee Members) try to encourage each Scout to work on his advancement. We want parents to support and encourage their sons' advancement. While these steps are vital, it is very important that the Scouts take the responsibility for his own advancement. The adult role is to encourage this. Being responsible for personal advancement is part of being a leader.

Let me share one example of how this works. At the end of every Scoutmaster's Conference, the last thing I discuss with each Scout is the "next step." I ask, "What are you responsible to do next?" If they do not know, I tell them, "Be sure to call Mrs. Ringle and schedule a Board of Review." Mrs. Ringle does a very good job of reminding the Scouts to bring their Scout books and schedule a Board of Review. It is the job of the Scout to take this next step.

This is just one difference between the two programs. Of course, there are other differences.

I wrote all this to say: "Opps! At our Court of Honor last night, I forgot to extend an invitation to all parents to attend the next Boy Scout Roundtable where the topic will be the differences between the two programs."

Let me take this opportunity to invite you to join us. Here are the details for the meeting:

Date: January 10
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Greene County Career Center

I hope you will plan to attend this special Roundtable meeting.

Chuck