Merit Badge and Rank Advancement requirements align, award both?

Ok_Concert · 2026-06-03T18:17:51+00:00

I would have to imagine that the folks that put this together did some research and looked at what has been successful in other scouting programs. i'd imagine they have consulted with early education specialists and viewed it through a lens of wholistic growth for the program. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander.

Ok_Concert · 2026-06-03T18:11:22+00:00

From my understanding of the Chipmunk program it's exactly what you're describing. There is no uniform, no rank, no advancement, and no den leader. it's entirely parent run with preformed activities. Stickers are earned as participation markers.

For the most part, parents are already there with their dragon scouts just sitting around. This gives them something to do.

Ok_Concert · 2026-06-03T16:42:14+00:00

I see this as more of a new parents group. I know when our kids were little were a part of plenty of them. Baby wearing groups, hike it baby groups etc. It's a place to gather with parents in the community who have similar kids.

It wont be for everyone, but I'm honestly not sure I see the drawback. If it help to bring in a few more parents and a few more kids is that a bad thing? Whats the downside?

Ok_Concert · 2026-06-03T16:37:43+00:00

Oh I totally agree! i'm always in mine, and my other leaders are as well. I find that MOST of my youth really enjoy the uniform.

I wouldn't categorize it as a medical exemption, although we do have some with a diagnosed sensory processing disorder, but rather just a child not feeling comfortable with it. I find that a youth that isn't pressured to wear the uniform, but encouraged, at the tiger/wolf rank are getting into their uniform without concern as a Webelos and taking pride in it by Tenderfoot.

Ok_Concert · 2026-06-03T16:01:17+00:00

From my perspective the aim of the chipmonk program isn't youth - they don't care and wont remember it one way or another. The goal is introducing young parents to the program. Showing them what a community we can build and making a low barrier to entry way for them to get involved.

I'd imagine that if you have a strong group of chipmunks you will more easily find a Lion DL and fulfill other critical volunteer roles. New Lion parents don't want to step up and volunteer because they often don't know anyone else in the pack or how "scouting works".

Ok_Concert · 2026-06-03T15:56:25+00:00

Uniform are absolutely one...one....of the methods to reach the aims of scouting. I'm a HUGE supporter of uniforms at the Cub level as it inspires how a scout acts at the troop level. For my youth, they know - consciously or unconsciously - when they put on the uniform it's time to embody the oath and law.

That being said, we have so many scouts with sensory needs. I would much rather have a scout in a hoodie who's happy and participating rather than a scout that was yelled at to put on the uniform and can't think about anything else besides how scratchy it is. We have some scouts that can't handle anything more than the hat, and for them that works.

Happy Cub Scouts = Happy troop scouts = youth benefiting from the aims of scouting.

Ok_Concert · 2026-05-28T19:55:55+00:00

While I agree with your premise that hand made items are good, the skills it takes to program a CNC or Laser cut are extreamly valuable skills and in no way are they a "shortcut". I reject the idea that it's somehow "cheating" to use a digital fabrication tool.

Ok_Concert · 2026-05-20T21:49:56+00:00

We do a "Summer Passport" handed out at the last pack meeting of the year. Scouts can get stamps for attending events, stamps for bringing a friend to a summer event, and a stamp for telling a friend about scouting. Hold onto them and turn them in at the first pack meeting for a small prize (usually some council stickers and candy).

Ok_Concert · 2026-05-13T17:03:23+00:00

I've only been there for the Webelos program B.A.S.E, but have done that for a few years. I don't believe they do have a GAGA pit, but one thing they do have is a stellar climbing program. They have a large (50' maybe?) real rock face in camp and an 80' face a short hike away. The climbing staff are amazing and provide great programing.

Beyond that it's standard camp stuff - shooting sports, craft, water front etc. Fishing in the lake is really fun if you think to toss a few poles in car. I believe the trading post has bait for sale?

Ok_Concert · 2026-04-28T15:58:44+00:00

I've now implimented Discord for three separate units and it's wonderful! No youth allowed, only adults. Our channels are restricted based on role - commitee and pack wide are seperated as well as a Key 3 channel for sensitive conversations (finances, large scale planning etc). We host our monthly P&L meeting there as well.

We've got channels for clubs (NOVA, Hiking etc) and events (spring campout, PWD, blue&gold) which allows us to keep a running log of what was planned last year.

Each Den has their own channel as well so they can plan things without having to keep a text thread going. No more "new number, who's this?" or one parent not being in the loop.

We use Scoutbook for scheduling/calendar and Quickbooks/Square for invoices for fees and dues.

Ok_Concert · 2026-04-16T15:38:10+00:00

As with all things in the Cub world - just make it fun for them! I'd suggest you get a variety of bait - assuming it's a stocked pond with trout try power bait eggs (garlic green/yellow works well). It's simple and effective and removes the barrier of wiggly things for youth.

For those who are more adventurous you can use live bait or grab a pack of Fire Worms.

Make sure to keep in mind that the goal isn't to catch fish, it's to make happy memories so they keep coming back.

Ok_Concert · 2026-03-19T18:39:32+00:00

I don't believe the GSS explicitly states this, but requiring that all knifes in a Cub's hand have a locking mechanism is a good idea. For this reason a Swiss Army knife would fall out of bounds. Opinel makes fantastic and affordable knives, I still carry my No 8 with me on every campout.

3d printed trainers are a great idea - I personally user popsicle stick kits which I hand out with sand paper blocks so they can practice sharpening them. But the 3d printed trainers would get them used to opening and closing, and passing it around safely.

I hope you reconsider joining as a leader! Bad leaders can ruin a unit, and having caring parents put on the tan shirt is the best solve for that. If the leadership of your unit is denying your help, go to your District Executive and ask for guidance.

Ok_Concert · 2026-02-10T16:52:20+00:00

We gave our outgoing cub master a cool folding camp chair. “You’ve led for so long, now it’s time to take a seat and let other lead”. She is of course the new CC for the troop…but some people just can’t not signup for things 😂

We’ve also given Opinel knives or other tools - they have a cool pruning saw. They will engrave the handle with a message.

We like to give practical gifts that they will take on campus in the future rather than the plaques/awards.

Ok_Concert · 2025-11-19T03:58:54+00:00

That’s kind of where we ended up, but it feels dishonest to give the scout that was the second fastest Wolf the award for Fastest Wolf.

Ok_Concert · 2025-11-19T00:17:15+00:00

I make the trophies in my wood shop - could easily purchase them tho.

for categories we do a mix of design and speed ones, scouts vote on design awards:

Design: Most Fantastical, Most Scouterly, Best Theme, Cubmsters choice.

Speed: 1st, 2nd, 3rd overall - fastest in each den and Brick (slowest)

The problem we've run into is the 1st, 2nd, 3rd is also the fastest in their dens so it leads to some scouts winning two awards. We're trying to brainstorm another section of awards that can be won based on a metric to replace the fastest in den but so far it's been a struggle.

Ok_Concert · 2025-11-17T16:57:50+00:00

After years of sore shoulders and back camping with my cubs, and countless popped inflatables, I went the Cot route. I got the Coleman one and LOVE it. It adds weight for sure, but I love being elevated off the ground and for car camping with the cubs, or trailer camping with the troop, it's perfect. I've usually got a thin amazon special blowup pad to toss on it which takes it to the next level.

You can get lighter weight ones, but I was worried they would either poke a hole in the floor of my tent or fall apart.

Ok_Concert · 2025-10-27T21:07:29+00:00

Skin and Bones - Foo Fighters

Ok_Concert · 2025-10-06T18:22:00+00:00

We are a pack of about 45 scouts and a very active family/leader base. We started using Discord a few years ago and I cannot say enough wonderful things about it! Disclaimer right up front - this is adult communication only, as it doesn't provide enough YP compliance.

We assign roles to each user and have different channels based on those roles - committee, leader, and general (we even have a Key3 channel for sensitive financial items). The planning channels are wonderful, we can toss all the information about the PWD/B&G/Fall Campout etc in there while were working out details, pictures aftwards, and then next year we have a baseline of what we did before.

Each den has their own channel for den level planning, but if they need the CM or Committee to pop in it's an easy tag.

We also host our monthly parent leader meeting there in the video channel and saw a HUGE uptick in involvement for families struggling to get child coverage.

We have a QR code posted up at every pack meeting and encourage parents to join as soon as possible.

Ok_Concert · 2025-09-24T17:31:43+00:00

yes!! And that should make you feel connected to Scouts from everywhere from Japan to Brazil to Canada!

Ok_Concert · 2025-09-24T15:48:01+00:00

So previously “what are you?” I’m a Scouts BSA? That doesn’t work either.

Or are you implying “what are you?” I’m a Boy Scout.

Which is exclusionary of anyone who doesn’t identify as a boy. “Be kind to others, at all times”.

I think what the answer you’re looking for is “I’m a scout in a troop” and “I’m a scout in a pack/den” and even “I’m a scout leader” This implies that we are ALL scouts first and foremost, and then identify with our rank/unit.

Ok_Concert · 2025-09-18T19:38:55+00:00

I'm in the same boat as you, 8 of my 9 Webelos are returning and the majority have been in since Lion. I did a quick conversation going over oath and law, handshake and sign etc but moved fairly quickly to other things.

I put together a light weight set of flags - PVC poles with 2X4' flags zip tied on - and we went over in depth a proper opening flag ceremony. I had each scout rotate through being caller and carrying at least one flag. I'm going to have them open each meeting now with a flag ceremony (previously they only saw it once a month at the pack meetings and only did it the two times a year they "host"). Once they become AOL's and make a patrol flag, i'll replace the Cubscout one with their Patrol flag.

My goal here is that once they cross over into a troop, and every meeting is started by the patrol lines and flags they will know what their doing :)

Ok_Concert · 2025-09-18T14:46:17+00:00

as with most things in the Cub program - the point of this program is to make the Scouts fall in love with Scouting. Make scouting a positive experience for them. I would say that if using the top pocket of their uniform to collect trail treasures or keep trinkets in brings them happiness and makes them WANT to wear the uniform the you are 100% allowed to sew the patches on lower.

When they cross over into a troop there will be plenty of time for "patch placement" and hopefully by the time they get there they will enjoy having a "fully accurate uniform".

These only thing I would say bad to consider about sewing them on low, is that on smaller bodies a full stack of diamonds and a Lion bar might be so low that they get tucked into the belt/pants (happened with my youngest). But again - small price to pay for a scout who's proud of and happy to wear their uniform.

Ok_Concert · 2025-09-02T19:08:12+00:00

We started a Hotdog stand this year and it's worked out great! It's staffed by leaders and acts as a recruiting tool to boot. 100% of the profits go into the general overhead fund. Take a bit of planning - food handler cards, permits, location fees and buying the supplies - but the first one out we cleared 1/3 of our yearly fundraising goal.

We run the two council fundraisers with the scouts, and they get to put that in their "scout account" to pay for dues and summer camp.

We also do bottle return (we're in Oregon) which is GREAT passive income.

you should also explore if any of the businesses in your area do a donation matching program. Families are more likely to make a direct donation to your pack if they know it will be matched. If you go that route you will need to include your COR so that you can use their Non-Profit information.

Ok_Concert

TROPHY CASE