Let me tell you a story about a Cub Scout Pack. It was August and the Pack was holding a parent meeting to talk about the program for the coming year. The Pack has 30 Cub Scouts registered. For the past five years Mr. Smith had served as the Cubmaster: 

About 20 parents showed up for the meeting. As they talked about activities for the year Mrs. Farmer said, “Somebody should take the Cub Scouts to the Zoo.” Mr. Dixon said, “I know, somebody can lead a camping weekend at Broad Creek.” Mr. Smith, the Cubmaster said, “I need somebody to be the chairman for the popcorn sale, and I also need somebody to chair our Blue and Gold Banquet.” “Well,” said Mrs. Jones, “my boy just isn’t earning his rank advancement fast enough. Surely there must be somebody who can work with Jimmy on his rank advancement?” Mr. Horn, the Pack Committee Chair mentioned that there are three Dens without a leader this year. Can somebody be a Den Leader?

Mr. Smith looked at the 20 parents who had gathered for the Pack planning meeting and asked if somebody would help with one of the open positions. All the parents looked at each other and shared how busy they were, and they just didn’t have any time to give to their child’s Scouting program.

Mr. Smith ended the meeting saying he hoped that somebody would call him and volunteer for the open positions. All the parents in the room thought that somebody would volunteer, but when it was time for the first Pack meeting of the new school year, nobody had volunteered.

I bet you can guess the experience the Cub Scouts had in this Cub Scout Pack? I share this story as a reminder that the best time to recruit additional volunteer help is at the start of a new program year when parents are bringing their children to join. I don’t know about you, but as a parent when I signed one of my children up for an activity I expected to be asked to help out in some way. If I am not asked to help, no problem. I move onto other activities.

I would venture that there is not a Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop or Venture Crew that could not use the help of additional adult volunteers. Don’t miss your chance this fall. Make it the expectation that at least one parent of each Scout will be “somebody” and help out.

As always if you have any questions, ideas or concerns let me know.
Kenn Miller
Scout Executive
(443) 573-2507
KMiller@BaltimoreBSA.org