Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts

My son joined as a tiger cub when he was in 1st grade...because his best friend was. He loved it early on. Then when the boys started reaching 3 or 4th grade and were not sticking with it he was disappointed. Our rule was always that if you signed up for something you were committed for that season or year whatever it was. For Cub Scouts it was that year. If when it was time to renew you didn't want to then that was fine. For Webelos it was an almost 2 year committment. Every year, close to the end he would want to quit but when it was time to renew he was ready to begin again.

It was often hectic because my son did a sport each season but he learned to stick with things and set priorities. He is now an Eagle Scout.

I think it is a great program. He now knows how to cook for himselft, he knows survival techniques, dedication, and service. It may not be for everyone but it is of value for everyone.

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I'm a Cub Scout (Webelos) leader and an Assistant Boy Scout Leader. Both of my boys have (over all) enjoyed Scouting and I'm with them. Sometime (like any extracurricular activity) it can be a chore to get everything done and still want or afford to go to a Scout meeting. This is the age is when the boys change, they figure out which activity THEY want to do - sports, Scouts or whatever. I would encourage you to continue w/ Scouting because Webelos is when things start to get better. They can do more activities to prepare them for Boy Scouts. More camping, hiking, fun projects and everybody's favorite...KNIVES and FIRE. Another Pack may work out better. Or you can pitch in and help the leader to help make it more fun. Coming from a leader's perspective, it can be hard to keep the boys entertained and interested.
But in the end, Scouting is not for everybody. As a boy, I was into baseball and soccer. And I've lost a few kids out of my Den over the years to both of those sports - and that's fine. You're right in making him go through with his commitments, that will lead to good decision making down the road. Ultimately it's got to be his choice but just guide him along his path and support him with whatever it is that he does. But in closing, I do have to say this...Scouting can mold a little boy into a great young man - I seen it happen with lots of kids every year.

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My son is about to be a 2nd year Webelos, and I have been his den leader since Tiger Cubs (not necessarily my first choice though). I think it's a great program, but like every other extra-curricular activity, it depends on the individual and the family whether it's right for you. I have come close to not continuing in the program because my son loves the camps and social activities, but doesn't always like completing the requirements. FYI, the requirements do become much more detailed and time-consuming at the Webelos level. In addition to camping and outdoor skills, we have learned about citizenship, environmental issues and serving others. I think there are a lot of advantages to the program, but it's not worth it if your son doesn't enjoy it and it interferes with other activities. Since I've been a den leader, we've had numerous scouts come and go in our den. I don't take it personally--situations and interests can change. My son and two other boys are the only ones who have made it from Tigers to Webelos in a den that has ranged in size from 4 to 8 over the years, with various boys coming and going.

I would not let finances be the reason to quit, however. Our program is very reasonable in cost, and our local scout organization is adamant that any boy who wants to participate in scouting should be allowed to participate regardless of ability to pay. We provide scholarships for boys who might not be allowed to otherwise participate or go to camp. Used uniforms are often available at lower cost. If money is the reason to not continue, I would look around into lower cost programs or scholarships.

Finally, if you decide not to continue, I agree with the other poster that it isn't really quitting, especially if you discontinue between levels and not during the middle of the year. Goals and interests change and you and your son have decided to spend your time on different activities.

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I agree with Denise. Our older son was going to join cub scouts when he was 7. We were invited to the first meeting free of charge (it wasn't through a church). It was an awful experience all the way around. Last year our younger son (then 8) decided to join. We joined through a church group and it has been wonderful. I would highly recommend the church route. I'm not sure what your fees are in Texas. In Oregon I paid $70/yr and it included the boys life magazine. Good luck.

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Webelos is when all real good stuff starts!!!! Stick it if you can. Camping , archery, building fires, knifes and sooooooo much more. My son loves it!!! It really picks up now. Hope you can hold on!

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If he is not enjoying it anymore then you should give him the option of something else, a sport etc. but something. I also would not refer to it as 'quitting' as that has a negative connotation. Teach him about making decisions and use this situation. Talk to him about it, present him some options and let him decide. Make it clear that he is deciding to try something new, he has decided Boy scouts isnt what he wants to do/enjoy anymore...I think its so important to instill that in children now so when they are older 'parents' arent such a crutch when it comes to making decisions. I also feel children should be involved in activities where skills are learned, they are social and must committ to the length of registration at the minimum (unless of course it was something ailing or physical)

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My oldest quit when he was a Webelo. My youngest just bridged to Boy Scouts this year. I can tell you I really wish my Oldest would've stayed now. Boy Scouts is so much different and the opportunities they have for various activities is fantastic. There are several boys in football, basketball, etc. The way many of them handle it in our troop is that there just may be a time of year they aren't there very often. It may take them a little longer to get their ranks and merit badges, but they seem to do just fine. We visited 4 different Boy Scout troops to find the right one for us and my son loves it. My older boy would've too if we had known more about what they do and how different it was being a Boy Scout vs a Cub Scout.

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My youngest son, now 21, just sent me this the other day. Type this in your browser: http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2010/02/yea-boy-scouts-by-pe.... Our own story is very similar. Our sons started as cub scouts and Webelos and then got into Boy Scouts at age 11. It's the main reason they are the young men they are today. Through all the icky stuff in middle school and high school, they made it through because they had adults who cared about them (from Scouts). They were involved in many activities, but all Scouts find time to do scouting and sports, band, etc. It taught them to focus on something besides themselves. They earned the Eagle Scout award, but more importantly they learned about themselves, about surviving in nature and how to give to others. Also had a great time doing it and the friends they made in Scouts are still their closest friends today. They'll both graduate from college in the next year and a half. Scouts was important for all of us as a family.

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I think you just have to make a decision on what's best for your family. Why is he being persuaded to go to functions? Does he not find them fun, or is it because his friends no longer go or is he getting pressure it's not "cool" anymore? Both my brothers are Eagle Scouts. My dad was always very involved with the troop, and it is a big commitment from the family- a kid can't do it without some support. I remember that this is the age-webelo- where kids started to phase out because the commitment became greater. All I can say is there are so many good reasons to continue. The life skills they learn and the life lessons are invaluable. Plus, both my brothers have had examples with job opportunities (or heard from other Eagle Scouts who had similar experiences) where putting Eagle Scout on a job application has tipped the scale in their favor because the employer knew that only a dedicated and committed/driven person could achieve this status. It is a commitment, but it's worth it if you want it. On the other hand, if he's not enjoying it and you don't think your husband or you can continue to support it, then it's probably best to cut your losses now.

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Hi D.
My sons have been having the same experience. My suggestion is to try to find a pack that is very active. Also, don't feel obligated to participate in all the activities that cost money. Many of them can be covered by the pack or the council. And, when your son sells popcorn in the fall, the money earned by him will help pay for other things in the pack.

I think Boy Scouts can be really rewarding, but only if the parents share in that point of view. If they dont' think Boy Scouts is a worthwhile activity then the child will see it as a waste of time as well. In other words, it will be hard to get your child excited to participate if you aren't that interested either. But that's okay - you need to do what fits for your family. I think Boy Scouts is one of the last remaining organizations that teaches a boy how to grow into a young man, fostering leadership and responsibility along with honesty. You might talk to your son about what he hopes to get out of Boy Scouts and see if it will be a good fit for your family.

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try a different pack first if he stillisnt in to it let him quit. most packs don't cost that much money and if you get a church pack they help you pay if you can't cover cost. the days might be different and he should make new friends whos parents might help you transport if needed. I think if he still likes it continue but try a diffrent pack first before letting him quit.

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Scouting can be a wonderful, positive experience for a child. It can provide opportunities for growth and character building and leadership development. Working towards and attaining an Eagle Scout award is a significant accomplishment for the young men who pursue this goal.
However, it is not for every child or every family. My son went through Tiger Cubs through the first year of Boy Scouts and then made a decision to end his participation. During Cub Scouts and Webelos, we were able to manage his participation in scouts and sports and school activities (while also supporting our daughter in her activities) because I served as den mother & I could schedule scouts around the boy's school schedule and weekends when no sports tournaments were scheduled. In Boy Scouts, the leaders and the leadership committee (made up of the boys) were not as flexible. It was presented as an "all or nothing" level of participation.
When my son got to middle school, he wanted to participate in school sports and needed to play his sport in the off season as well to be competitive. So he chose sports over scouts. In retrospect, we should have tried to find a different scout group that had more flexibility and broader interests. He developed a lot of leadership skills in high school by becoming active in school organizations and playing varsity sports.
If your son does not have a lot of outside interests or a strong social network, then staying in scouts would help him develop more skills and friendships.

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