At January's Round Table we shared ideas for
February's Core Value and Theme
Core Value: Resourcefulness
Theme:Invention Convention
February Pack Resource Sheet (begins on page 93)
February Pack Meeting Plans: “Resourcefulness” AND “Invention Convention”
Gathering Activity
Geometrical Structures
Put out mini-marshmallows and toothpicks for building geometrical structures. These can also be used on the tables at Blue and Gold. The Scouts and their guests will build their own centerpieces!
Print out Cub Scout Core Value coloring sheets
Opening Ceremony
Invention Convention
(Link to Inventor Cards)
Materials: Cubmaster and six Cub Scouts holding cards with their assigned letter and a picture of the
invention on front and script on back.
Cubmaster: This month’s theme is “Invention Convention.” And we have something to tell you about some genius inventors.
Scout: “G” is for Gutenberg. He invented movable type for printing, so that we can have books, papers, and magazines to read. He was resourceful in applying what he learned from others.
Scout: “E” is for Edison. He gave us many electrical ideas, but perhaps his greatest was the light bulb to help light up our world. He was resourceful in using over 1,000 different materials before finding the one that worked.
Scout: “N” is for Newton. He discovered gravity and worked with electricity. He was resourceful, using that apple for inspiration.
Scout: “I” is for Irving. He was a genius with his pen. He wrote many stories, which young and old have enjoyed for ages. He was resourceful in learning about where he lived.
Scout: “U” is for Urey. He made his discoveries in chemistry and nuclear power, which will be used for many generations. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1934 for his discoveries.
Scout: “S” is for “Scouting,” which helps every boy develop genius in his very own way. Cub Scouts are always resourceful when they do their best.
Cubmaster: Now let us salute the genius that is in every boy by standing and saying our pledge to the flag of our country.
Genius Kits
What Is a Genius Kit?
It’s a group of 20 or more odds and ends thrown together into a container and given to a boy so he can turn the pieces into a creation of his own. (Variations include letting the boys pick their own items from a large open container of odds and ends.)
The object of the genius kit activity is to let the kids use their imaginations to come up with the most unbelievable creation using only the items in the kit. You will be amazed at the results!
How do you run a genius kit activity? It can be run in two different ways: One is to give the kids a chance to pick their own items from a general junk bin, and then let them work on making their creations. The other way is to give each boy an identical genius kit and have each one come up with his own creation. You can also customize rules depending on how you want to conduct the event.
For example, when all the boys have the same items, you might want to instruct the boys that only the materials supplied and clear glue can be used. This keeps them from adding to their creations so you can maintain a level playing field.
Finally, this activity doesn’t lend itself to a large group setting. The hot glue and white glue can end up everywhere and might hurt someone. You might choose to have the boys work on the projects at home and bring them in for display and judging. To judge the projects, create several categories and be generous with ribbons.
Training Topic
Advancement: Role of Family and Leaders
Introduction:When parents sign their son’s application to join Cub Scouting, they are also agreeing to help with
advancement for their son. There is a reason that the No. 1 indicator for success in Journey to Excellence is advancement. A good program that supports advancement for boys also provides the basis for retention and a number of measurable outcomes for the pack.
•Opening question:
What do we mean by advancement?
—Response should include information on activities and also stress that it is more than signing off on achievements. It is “not what the boy does to the wood, but what the wood does for the boy.” Make sure boys are learning and growing as they work towards advancement.
•Follow-up question:
How is it measured?
—Response may include use of the books, signing of activities, and presentation of badges/patches.
Repeat that advancement is a method used by the BSA to accomplish its mission: “The mission of the
Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
•Follow-up question:
How does your annual plan support advancement?
—Responses may include planning activities that will support achievements or elective completion for boys, such as those found in Cub Scout day camp and resident camp activities, as well as pack outings.
I just wanted to show you some ideas of ways to keep your pack on track and make sure boys are
advancing in the Cub Scouting program.
•Show the JTE scorecard—the first item is advancement.
•Show the district advancement reporting paperwork and discuss Online Advancement for the unit.
•Show the Guide to Advancement as a resource for Cub Scout advancement chairs.
•Highlight the parent responsibilities as found in the Cub Scout Leader Book, Chapter 5: Family
Involvement.
“Families are the basis of our society. In the family, children learn about love, values, and social
interactions while they prepare for today’s world. The family is vital to the future of our communities and our nation. The Boy Scouts of America has a great interest in the strength of the family. Cub Scouting is a family program. Family involvement is vital to Cub Scouting’s success.”
Ideas of how to involve families?
Here are some examples of family involvement:
• Working with their Cub Scout on advancement projects and activities
• Attending pack meetings with their Cub Scout
• Presenting advancement awards to their Cub Scout at pack meetings
• Becoming a leader
• Providing ways for their Cub Scout to earn money he needs for den dues
• Helping at an occasional den meeting on a specific project or activity badge
• Providing refreshments
• Providing transportation
• Assisting with den outings
• Telephoning
• Helping teach a Webelos activity badge
• Attending a council-organized family campout with their Cub Scout
• Attending a pack overnighter
As families become involved, they have a more vested interest in the Cub Scouting program and a better understanding of how it works so they can help their own boys to advance and love scouting.
Resources:
•Journey to Excellence
•Cub Scout Leader Book; Unit Leadership Enhancement
•Cub Scout Leader Book, page 71
•Guide to Advancement found online at http://www.scouting.org/
GuideToAdvancement.aspxGuideToAdvancement.aspx
Advancement Ceremony Idea
Invention Device
Cubmaster: In keeping with this month’s theme, invention convention, I would like to unveil my latest invention. (Uncover or bring in Box.) This amazing device is able to collect all the information that comes in from our pack committee members, den leaders, and parents. It can then determine which Cub Scouts are eligible for which awards. Allow me to demonstrate. (Place each item in the box and announce which requirement it represents, like “Duty to God” or “Feats of Skill.” Pick up pre-positioned award from rear of box.)
Cubmaster: Will (name) and his parents please come forward? (Present awards).
Commissioner’s Minute
Your Toolkit
• Identify personal strengths.
• Use the talents of those in your group.
• Focus on what you do have, not on what you don't have.
• Think about how you can, rather than why you can't.
Cheers
Carpenter (Pretend to be holding a hammer in one hand and a nail in the other. Start pounding the nail with the hammer while saying, “Bang, bang, OUCH!”)Light bulb (Put hands above head like a light bulb and say “Brilliant!”)
Model T (Crank with hand and make a sound like a motor turning over.)
Ben Franklin (Hold your hands like you are flying a kite. Jerk your hands while saying, “ZAP, ZAP, ZAP!”)
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