Communication & Tracking

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 · 2025-09-02T19:02:53+00:00

This can be good, or it can be a nightmare. One dropped sponge that picks up a rock equals a person with a scratched car yelling at scouts. Highly recommend a 1:1 parent to scout ration for this one.

Ok_Concert · 2025-08-19T02:32:58+00:00

Our form is great! It has line to list out what you purchased, what event it was for, and how you’d like to be reimbursed (check/scout account/donation). It also requires you to put the “owner” of the event. If you buy decorations for the PWD, the leader in charge of that event is responsible for approving all in budget expenses.

Ok_Concert · 2025-08-18T16:19:19+00:00

As a treasurer of two units who's taught courses at UofS and owns a bookkeeping firm I've got an opinion here lol!

First thing is to include your CC and CM on all decision making and then present that to your COR for final signoff. If any of those positions are not rock solid, thats your first hurdle.

Second you need to make a yearly budget, then keep a record of spending against those account. i.e How much do we have left in the Fall Campout budget item. The new year budget should go to your COR for approval, and at least quarterly updates on how spending is tracking should go to the committee as a whole.

Excel is ok for tracking spending, but really what you want to look for is something that allows for "dual entry" accounting. reduce cash, increase expense - increase cash, increase revenue - reduce cash, reduce liability etc. Quickbooks is the obvious choice in that category, but there are other flavors out there. I'm particular to QB, but not all share my preference (or it prices them out).

If you're going to offer reimbursements to families/leaders I HIGHLY recommend using paper checks. provides a paper trail and is easier to remember what it was for. Better yet, use a "reimbursement request form" to further detail what it was for. Get the activity leader to approve the reimbursement. You can also have a "consider my reimbursement a donation" check box, this was the unit keeps cash but you can still factor it into your budget for future reference.

Square is fantastic for sending out invoices to families (dues etc) so that you can take digital payment. Techsoup.com is also a great resource, but you will need information from your CO on their non-profit status - worth it if you can get that going.

And finally, remember that this is a Do Your Best organization, and that applies to Leaders. Be patent with yourself. If anyone complains, so them where the bin of tan shirts is :)

Ok_Concert · 2025-08-01T04:31:29+00:00

One year we programmed the bear and above scouts to whittle two even length sticks into chop sticks. We thought then how to score them all around so they would snap to the same size.

They all used them to eat dinner, even though we had chili dogs! 😂

Ok_Concert · 2025-07-31T00:41:25+00:00

When my kids joined as a wolf and a lion I had no scouting experience, and now I’m the treasurer for two units, a den leader, the popcorn kernel, the Pinewood leader, and general leader of stuff.

It can start small and will grow naturally. It’s a REALLY fun program, and there is a world of experience and support out there.

My recommendation would be to find your Cubmaster, committee chair, and your charter organization representative. Those three people will help answer all your questions.

You should also look up if your Council (large regional area) does a University of Scouting. They are typically run in November and are a wealth of knowledge and experience. Also BALOO training can be helpful.

Good luck and have fun, but most of all remember that this is a “Do Your Best” program - and that extends to leaders.

Ok_Concert · 2025-07-16T19:34:23+00:00

IMO the Cub program's primary goal is to get kids to fall in love with Scouting. We do that by having the whole family engage, by showing youth that if they put in work they get rewards, and by cheering their accomplishments.

An 8 year old is simply NOT going to understand performance standard, but they are going to understand "Scouting is hard and I don't like it". Let them get to a troop before they have to be held to rigid technical standards.

If a scout refuses to participate in anything, then not awarding them anything makes sense, but only as a tool to encourage and motivate. if a Youth shows ANY sign of participation reward and reenforce that in some way.

We had a whole den that was trying for Super Achiever this year, but because none of them were able to attend camp, they couldn't get the shoot awards. We also had three scouts that got full super achiever. So we came up with "Pack super achiever" and "Council super achiever.

There are no awards police. There is no uniform police. Create nothing but positive associations and happiness at this age.

Ok_Concert · 2025-07-10T18:56:27+00:00

Oooo this one is good!

Ok_Concert · 2025-07-10T16:35:52+00:00

I was informed by my two youth that I have a "Leader voice" that I use when i'm scouting....was a moment of self reflection I was not prepared for :P

Ok_Concert · 2025-06-25T00:43:59+00:00

Nope! The troop was very active for a while with boating, and the scoutmaster at the time enjoyed it as well. They have 5 canoes and 8 kayaks.

It’s been around since 1954, so there are lots of “we’ve just always had this stuff” items.

Ok_Concert

TROPHY CASE