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Theme:

Week One – Parent Orientation & Planning Meeting

Adventures

Snapshot of Pack Meeting

This meeting resource is for the Cub Scout Parent Orientation and Planning Meeting. This meeting is focused on welcoming new Cub Scout Parents to the Pack, introducing them to the Cub Scouting program, having fun, and emphasizing teamwork (there is NO kids plan for this meeting, as it is focused on adults). During the meeting, there should be enough opportunity for the parents to get to know one another, understand the fundamentals of the Cub Scout program, and learn how the Pack will operate. The final portion of this meeting is used to plan out the Pack calendar for the upcoming couple of months.

Safety Moment

Prior to any activity, use the Scouting America SAFE Checklist to ensure the safety of all those involved. 

 

All participants in official Scouting America activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and applicable program literature or manuals. Be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Scouting America practices, policies, and guidelines.

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Before the Meeting

The Cub Scout Parent Orientation & Planning Meeting is focused on sharing information about the Cub Scout program with newly registered and interested families.  This will likely be the pack’s first event, occurring before the first “official” Pack Meeting.  Frequent communication in various ways will be required to make sure everyone knows about the meeting. 

 

It is recommended that each parent is called to give them a chance to ask questions and remind them of the meeting.

  • 30 days before the meeting, confirm access to the meeting location
  • Coordinate with your local council and school district to distribute information about the meeting

    • Include date, time, location, and contact information for questions
  • 7 days before the meeting, send out a meeting reminder
  • 3 days before the meeting, send out a second meeting reminder
  • The morning of the meeting, send out a third meeting reminder
  • Using the blank calendar and the Pack Planning Checklist, create a draft Pack Calendar.

On the day of the meeting, set up the meeting location to allow for enough seating for all expected parents.

Supplies
  • Printer
  • Blank adhesive name tags (1 for every person)
  • Permanent markers
  • Sign-in sheet(s)
  • Pens
  • Scouting America Youth and Adult Applications
  • Draft pack calendar (one for each family)

During The Meeting

As parents arrive, welcome them and ask each person to fill out a:

Hand each parent a:

  • Draft pack calendar
  • Welcome! New Cub Scout family pamphlet
  • Family Talent Survey
  • Pack-specific information packet

Ask parents to have a seat.

Opening Remarks

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to our Cub Scout Parent Orientation Night!  My name is (name), and I’m proud to be part of Pack (number).

 

Cub Scouting is all about fun, friendship, and family.  It’s a program where kids and parents learn, play, and grow together.  We build things, go on adventures, serve our community, and celebrate our accomplishments along the way.

 

Whether you are brand new to Scouting or already part of our Pack, we’re excited you’re here!  No matter what your family enjoys — the outdoors, crafts, science, or just spending time together — there’s a place for you in Cub Scouts.

 

Tonight, you’ll get a taste of our engaging program — meeting new friends and discovering how families are at the heart of everything we do.  As you meet our leaders and take part in the activities, imagine the fun and adventures waiting for your family this year: campouts, the Pinewood Derby, hikes, service projects, and pack events where everyone joins in on the fun.

What Is Cub Scouting Overview

Remind everyone that the contents of this discussion can be found in the Welcoming New Families to Cub Scouting pamphlet.

 

1. Introduction

  • Brief personal introduction and reasons for involvement in Cub Scouting.

2. What is Cub Scouting?

  • Core values and principles: character development, leadership, citizenship, personal fitness, personal safety, family and reverence, and the outdoors.
  • Ages and ranks: Kindergarten – Lion rank, 1st grade – Tiger rank, 2nd grade – Wolf rank, 3rd grade – Bear rank, 4th grade – Webelos rank, and 5th grade – Arrow of Light rank.
  • Earning rank: Each Cub Scout must complete the six required adventures (based on the core values and principles of Scouting), as well as two elective adventures from a variety of fun, age-appropriate topics.

3. How Cub Scout Packs Work

  • Overview of a Pack: explain the structure, leadership roles, and activities.
  • Overview of a Den: explain the structure, leadership roles, and activities.
  • Overview of communication: explain methods of communication within the Pack, including Scoutbook, emails, committee meetings, social media, etc.
  • Briefly discuss upcoming events and the Pack calendar.

4. Importance of Family Participation

  • Emphasize that Cub Scouts is a family-based program. Families are welcome and encouraged not only to attend, but also to participate, volunteer, and get involved.

5. How to Join (for those who have not yet registered)

  • Explain how they can submit applications for Cub Scouts and adults.
  • Explain any associated costs and fees of joining.

6. Questions and Closing

  • Open the floor for questions about the program or Pack activities.
  • Remind adults about upcoming events.
  • Encourage adults to reach out with any questions.

Thank everyone for attending and express enthusiasm for their potential involvement in the Cub Scout Pack. Share that the next part of the meeting will be a discussion of your plans for the next month.

Monthly Pack Planning

Discuss the following items:

 

1. Pack calendar using the Pack Planning Checklist

  • Ask parents to identify additional dates that should be added to the calendar.

2. Plan for the upcoming month

  • Review the first month’s pack planners – Week #2, Character & Leadership, and Personal Fitness Planners. Fill out each week’s planning sheet to assign tasks to each parent.

3. Ask each family to complete the Family Talent Survey.

Closing Remarks

Thank you all for joining us and taking part in the fun.  I hope you got a sense of what Cub Scouting is all about.

 

Thank you again for coming, for your enthusiasm, and for being a part of the fun tonight.  But most importantly, thank you for giving your child the chance to begin their adventure along the Cub Scout trail.  We are delighted to have you in our Pack For the journey ahead.  If you have not joined us yet, we welcome you to join the Pack and share in the fun.  Please talk with our leaders before you leave tonight — we’re happy to answer any questions and help you get started.  Together, let’s keep the spirit of Cub Scouting alive!

 

Remind everyone of the next pack meeting or activity.

After The Meeting

  • Follow up with new families via phone and email.
  • Update the Pack calendar as needed and print copies for Week #2 meeting.

Additional Resources

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