Expectations
Behavior
We are all looking for exemplary behavior from our kids. Does that mean we will get it ? Of course not. The beginning of the year may seem rough but the kids will soon learn the routines that help keep them organized and listening. The Flag Ceremony, Pledge, Falling in - these help reinforce good behavior for the scouts. You may hear us say things like, "I can wait." This is where we wait quietly for some "non-listening" behavior to stop. In this way, the scouts learn not only to pay attention, but to feel comfortable telling each other, "Hey, we're supposed to be listening right now."
In Glastonbury Public Schools, when they want the kids to be quiet, they just happen to use the same signal we do, which in our case is the cub scout salute. Two fingers up in the air. If you see us doing this please do it too and help support us.
Behavior takes everyone's active participation. We may not notice things happen because you might be watching your child but we are watching thirty of them. If you notice your child is struggling please feel free to give them a gentle reminder that the group needs them to focus.
As a last resort we may ask a child to, "Go find your adult and take a break." This means we want them to stop participating in the current activity for about two minutes. You can sit with them and talk to them, or take them out into the hallway, but they should stay with you for two minutes. They can return directly to the activity when done.
The kids are full of energy, they have listened all day long to teachers and parents, had dinner, and are now ready for some fun with their friends. That is normal !
Growth
We want to make sure they have fun, and learn things in a fun way; character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership skills are a part of this journey and the main goals of Scouting.
The question to ask is not, "where my child is in relation to the other children right now" - it is, "where are they now, in relation to themselves at beginning of the year ?"
Between the start and end of the scouting year they :
take responsibility for their actions
become closer with their family
think to help others before themselves
make new friends
donate time to community service
learn to earn fun through fundraising
challenge themselves hiking or biking
increase their fitness
learn to respect the outdoors
learn to honor the flag
pay closer attention to healthy eating
try something they haven't done
have a positive attitude
learn the scout oath, law and motto
These types of things help pursue the goals of scouting.
Kids grow and learn at different rates. We have kindergarten through fifth grade, so this is a broad range of behaviors and skill sets. Some will pick it up fast. Others might take a bit longer. Eventually they will get there and we'll all grow together as a Pack.