OA and Cub Scouting

[FRUSTRATED SCOUTMASTER]

I decided to post this thread with the Boy Scouts instead of the Cub Scouts.
I have recently been reading about the OA's strategic vision regarding Cub Scouting. The view is that the future of Boy Scouting lies with the Cub Scout Program. They say that as a Boy Scout grows older, his interest in Scouting wanes. They get the "fumes" (perfume and gas ).
The OA realizes tht we must get the Cub Scouts interested in Boy Scouting and the OA at an early age. The OA realizes that this will increase our Webelos-to-Scouts Transistion Program and keep enthusiasm high among Cubs who become Scouts and also help Troops maintain boys longer. It will also, hopefully, help out local OA chapters and lodges increase membeship.
Also, there is a DVD and a Cub Scout Support Tool Kit available to every Lodge. It details diffferent Programs and Ceremonies that OA can use to assist Cub Scouts. I look forward to presenting this Program to our Lodge this summer.
I also think that each OA region may have a Program regarding OA and Cub Scouting.
I think that the OA and Boy Scouts have "seen the future, and the future is now"
I hope that all OA adults and youths, who read this post, will try to also get information so as to keep the interest of "future" Boys Scouts.

Formally "Frustrated Scoutmaster"
Bob Klimas
Concord, N.C,

[ScoutmasterJerry]

First of all I think it is important that all Scoutmasters read the 2008 OA strategic plan. It will help you in guiding your arrowmen and troop to success.

The new plan is more detailed and oriented in its scope. It focuses on Cub Scouts as an artery to the Boy Scout Program, but in such a way that cub Scouting is not "the minor league", but rather that the Boy Scouts can do more to enhance the Cub program, develop relationships with Cub Scout Packs, and maintain membership in both the Cub and Boy Scout units.

I think it is worth a look see. You can download the plan here (http://www.oa-bsa.org/programs/splan/).

I had the pleasure of talking with our Section Chief and some Regional (Seciton) advisors recently about the plan and how we can implement it in our units.
I gather the OA has put much thought into this plan, and if embraced by Arrowmen and the Scout leaders of those arrowmen.. it will be successful.

[FRUSTRATED SCOUTMASTER]

Jerry:

Everthing you have said also about the OA and Cub Scouting is correct.
I have printed out a copy of the OA Strategic Plan also. It tells about the OA and Cub Scouting but there is even one thing better published by the OA.
It is called the OA Cub Scout Service Guide. I think every region has one published. In it is a complete guide on how the OA can help the Cub Scouts.
It is very detailed and informative. One of the areas they emphasize is that every Lodge have a Cub Scout Chairman to assist the the Cub Packs in their Crossover Ceremonies. We in the Cabarrus County Chapter have started to implement this by having a Webelos Winter Weekend (WWW) hosted by the OA and are putting together an Arrow of Light Team.
You and I have realized that the Cub Scout Program is the Lifeblood of the Boy Scout Program for us to grow. I am glad to see that the OA has realized this and has made it a priority of its program.
OH yeah, one other thing, since I have been adament about this program with the Lodge, I have been named Adult Adviser to the Cub Scout Youth Chairmen.
I encourage all Arrowmen to go to the OA Website and read the Strategic Plan and try to find the OA Cub Scout Service Guide and approach your Lodges to see if they are aware of it.
Also, Cub Scout Leaders, contact your local OA Chapter or Lodge and see if they are willing to help you at your Blue and Gold Dinners and Crossovers or Campouts. This is all part of the OA's "Cheerful service to others."

Bob Klimas
Formally "Frustrated Scoutmaster"
Concord, N.C.