Cub Scouts 2010 Operational Overview 1212010 Agenda Cub

Cub Scouts 2010 Operational Overview 1/21/2010

Agenda • • • Cub Scouts: Image vs. Reality Pilot Test Results What Changes (and doesn’t) Rollout Schedule & Available Support Benefits Reminder – Your Role Update on Merit Badges & Awards

The Ideal In-Home Advancement Fun Pack Meetings Weekly Den Meetings

Reality Challenges the Ideal Societal Obstacles Reality Reflected in Data • Changes in family structures • Increased demands on parental time • More competition for boys’ interest • Shift in new leader expectations/style • On average, dens meet 2. 4 times per month • Less than 30% of den leaders attend monthly Roundtables • Less than 1 in 3 CS leaders buy or are provided Program Helps • Peak membership was 1972, declining 1%/year • National retention levels are around 65%

BAY LAKES COUNCIL EXPERIENCE • One leader with a handbook • Series of notes = den meeting plans • Focus on handbook activities in the den

Pilot Test Results Pilot Phase Units/Dens Council(s) Prior Year Retention Pilot Retention 2005 -2006 20 65% 86% 2006 -2007 178 63% 85% 2007 -2008 1117 64% 89% Average Increase In Retention = 20 Percentage Points

What Do Den Leaders Think? Satisfied with the ease of preparation (87%) and the den meeting activities (86%) Over 60% of den leaders were more confident working with their boys. Den leaders more satisfied with their role (97% pilot; 88% non-pilot) Almost all (95%) would recommend using Fast Tracks to another den leader

2008 + Central Region Pilot 11, 000 dens signed up

For the 2010 -2011 Program Year THE method of Cub Scout delivery supported by National Council!

What is Cub Scouts 2010? • It’s Cub Scouts (the 2010 is when it starts) • It’s a method of delivering the existing program that is handbook based and focuses on den meeting activities leading to youth advancement. – Recognizes shift in family dynamics by moving MOST advancement into the den – Provides den leaders with specific den meeting plans to ease planning and enhance meeting organization

What’s Not Changing? • Foundational elements of the Cub Scouting program (purpose, methods, core values, etc. ) • Youth handbooks, achievement activities or advancement requirements • Pack meeting structure (7 steps) • Role of Roundtable in communications & training

What Is Changing? • Themes as we know them (craft/seasonally based) will be eliminated • Themes will be replaced by a monthly focus on the twelve core values of Cub Scouting: September 2010 October 2010 Cooperation March 2011 Compassion Responsibility April 2011 Faith November 2010 Citizenship May 2011 Health and Fitness December 2010 Respect June 2011 Perseverance January 2011 Positive Attitude July 2011 Courage February 2011 Resourcefulness August 2011 Honesty

What’s Changing? • Majority of advancement happens in den (not a change for many) • In-den advancement: den leader signs handbook • In-home advancement: parent/guardian signs & den leader initials to acknowledge • One Cub Scout den meeting structure (7 steps – Wolf/Bear) All Ranks Before the Meeting Gathering Opening Business Items Activities Closing After the Meeting • Share/Discover/Search no longer part of Tiger Cub den meeting structure

What’s Changing • Training is changing to recognize: – The change in delivery method – The increasing time pressures on our volunteers • New Fast Start for Den Leaders and Cubmasters – Less Scouting history, BSA organization and administration – More about how to run den/pack meetings and use the new delivery method • Revised Position Specific: – New online version for den leaders, Cubmasters and pack trainers – Continued support for in-person, Power. Point version

What Is Changing? • New Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide • Replaces the annual Program Helps • Designed as “onestop” resource for den leaders & Cubmasters • Available online and via Scout Shops

Se e Ha nd ou t New Resource Guide Table of Contents • Light introduction into Cub Scouting (not to replace Leader Book) • Tips and suggestions on den meetings, pack meetings, using the Guide • Den meeting plans for ALL Ranks • Pack meeting plans • Resources

Resource Guide Availability • Current Fast Tracks den meeting plans are available as meeting-by-meeting download at no charge. • New plans and the Resource Guide will be offered as follows: Option 1. Individual Item Download Pricing No Charge Description/Functionality Download plans individually. This is the functionality/pricing today with Fast Tracks. 2. Full Resource Guide Download TBD One download, full book, all ranks 3. Purchase Physical Resource Guide TBD Physical Resource Guide, three hole punched, shrink wrapped.

What’s Changing? New Covers for Leader Publications • Project started with design of the cover for the NEW Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide • Review of existing publications – Significant diversity of look – Lack of compliance with current brand standards – Text dense interior content • Broadened objectives: – Provide a cohesive look across leader publications which presents BSA as a knowledgeable, training-smart organization – Leverage best-in-class practices in educational and training publication to assure materials are easy to read, understand find for volunteers

Lots of “white” = inviting Image to represent Cub Scouting’s Spirit Where appropriate image will reinforce content Each book will have different art/image

ROLLOUT

scouting. org/cubscouts 2010 What, Why, When, How Sample of Resource Guide. Video Pagesof&Mike Cover Surbaugh’s Top Questions from and Answers Hands, Top Hands & to Most Volunteer Breakout, and Professional’s Questions Operations Summit Presentations Available via Supply or as high res PDF Summarizes rational, pilot history, benefits, etc.

Rollout Schedule - Publications Publication Nature of Change Timing/Comments Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide New 4/30 CS Leader Book Major Re-write 4/30 w/ new cover, shorter with less duplication CS Roundtable Guide New 4/30 w/ new cover CS Academics & Sports 13 new awards 1/2010, subsequent reprint will have new cover. CS Leader How To Book No changes New cover @ next reprint Webelos Leader Guide TBD 4/30 w/ new cover Youth Handbooks Minor revisions As Supply requires (Summer 2010+)

Rollout Schedule - Training Timing/Comments Fast Start Training for Den Leaders & Cubmasters 4/30 Position Specific Leader Training (Power. Point) 4/30 Position Specific Leader Training (Online) May 2010

So What’s In It For Cub Scouting? Scout Execs + Membership & retention Improved vol & staff satisfaction DEs & Commissioners Easier Recruiting New leaders online faster Cub Scouts Fun with advancement activities Cubmasters Pack operates together More recognition & parental involvement Den Leaders Planning & execution simplified Meetings more fun & easier to run

Your Role To Ensure Success 1. Talk about the benefits of the change to your councils and districts. • • Increased retention/more youth served More fun for the boys thru advancement activities More satisfied den leaders/easier to plan and run meetings Easier for a new volunteer to get started 2. Aggressively promote the website to staff and volunteers. • • • Newsletters Websites Emails to all volunteers 3. Ensure that the delivery change is part of key training and planning meetings for 2010.

What’s The Opportunity? 20% Point Increase In Retention X 2008 Cub Scout Membership = 350, 000 Additional Youth Served

CUB SCOUT QUESTIONS?