How many members on here were involved with the Cub Scouts? Is there any sort of career benefit?

SPC Chad Kolod — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:59:50 -0400

I just picked up the paper work for my son the join the Cub Scouts as a Tiger Cub and while I was there I was asked to become a Den Leader. I thought this would be really fun, if not challenging, as well as a good way to get involved in the community. I have had a few other people tell me they got jobs and opportunities opened to them through connections they made. Has anyone experienced this? I am more hoping to work my way up and be the Scout Master and more if possible. Only issue I see is I never did scouts myself.. Could this be a problem? Either way I think it will be a great time for me and my son to really bond. Anyone have any thoughts?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 29 at 2015 11:01 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:01:13 -0400

Yes, but it is a long way from there to a career. Difficult to make any connections.

Response by Cpl Joshua Wehrman made May 29 at 2015 11:03 AM

Cpl Joshua Wehrman — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:03:41 -0400

I was in scouts as a boy and it was a great way for my dad and I to bond, we did a lot of fun stuff but ended up getting out due to bs with the leader ship

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made May 29 at 2015 11:06 AM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:06:39 -0400

I did it with my boys for years and we learned together. It really gets fun as they get older.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made May 29 at 2015 11:29 AM

LTJG Robert M. — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:29:46 -0400

Started out in YMCA Indian Guides, Cub Scouts then Webelos, Boy Scouts, Order of the Arrow and ultimately Jr Troop Leadership Development. Benefits?? Absolutely!!
Did Army JROTC in HS which lead to E-1 to E-3 promotion upon Boot Camp graduation. Laid a good foundation for leadership qualities that carried through my entire career.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 29 at 2015 11:45 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:45:33 -0400

Yes I am still actively involved as MSgt Allan Folsom points out. As Micky Mouse as it is - kind of like prior service dudes going through ROTC - go through all your leader level training for each rank. Do your BALOO, OWL and OWLS courses when you get a chance and you can move up quickly. Enjoy the time with your son by being a leader at each rank then a cub/scout master. The entire Cub Scout program is changing this year so you are coming in at a great point - nothing to unlearn.

I actually had to take a range master course to run a BB gun range LMAO, like I've never run a range before? Like I said it might be silly but it gives you a better appreciation for training and relating to kids as opposed to troops.

I actually am having issues too because getting leaders who care and want to follow a program is tough. Not that I tried to make my pack like the 101st Airborne or anything but kids like outdoor stuff and actual activities. I worked with Webelos leaders who would not go camping, leaders who refused to prepare meetings and activities, no matter how much I offered to help, parents who refused to pay dues or for events but expected to go and far too many parents who thing scouts = babysitting - 0 involvement. It got to the point where events were expected to be put on by 1 or 2 people and everyone else could just show up. My sons both graduated to the Troop for Boy Scouts so I left the leadership stuff and work as the treasurer and quartermaster. Can't lead people that don't want to be lead. If no one else with kids involved would even attempt to try, I felt I was spinning my wheels.

Response by SGT John Wesley made May 29 at 2015 11:59 AM

SGT John Wesley — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:59:19 -0400

I was a Cub Scout and Weblos.

I was also a Royal Ranger which was The Assembly of God's answer to Boy Scouts. Loved it, the camping, Pinewood Derby etc.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 29 at 2015 12:34 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 29 May 2015 12:34:57 -0400

Mother was the first girl scout leader in Lebanon Il of an integrated girl scout troop in Southern Illinois (Probably for Built in Babysitters for me. LOL!) After we moved to the Big City (Cincinnati) and I was old enough she got me into Cub Scouts but I think we both lost interest very quickly.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 29 at 2015 12:37 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Fri, 29 May 2015 12:37:39 -0400

SPC Chad Kolod,

There are both personal and professional gains for volunteering with scouting. For the personal side its all about what makes us happy. I am a Den Leader because I want to be close to my son who just finish Tiger. I've never been involved with cubs so it is a neat challenge. I'm also an Eagle Scout, just passionate about scouting.

On the professional side we are connecting with the other adult leaders. it gets better when we meet district and council folks. Your network grows. This is where professional opportunities could open up. In fact, on a job per-interview I was asked "What do I do on my free time?"

If you have never been in scouts that is not a problem. When I was a Scoutmaster in Italy my Chairman (also my 1SG) had never been in scouts. But we both went to Woodbadge together and did as much training as we could. Its about learning what the program is about and being creative to provide a fun learning environment for the boys to advance in their ranks.

You will have a great time. It is bonding with your son, its fun and you are helping the community.

(Bonus photo from troop 504 Fort Richardson) Two Scouts at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I'm on the far right. On the far left is the previous scoutmaster. I am still in touch with the two scouts who are in College. Inspiring to see what boys and young men become.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 12:38 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 12:38:13 -0400

I was a young marine personally. I don't think there are any cub scouts or boy scouts in my area. I think there is a benefit to the program from what I've seen though. The young marines certainly straightened me out for the better and gave me a lot of good experiences and lessons that carried over into boot camp and into my career.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 29 at 2015 12:40 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 29 May 2015 12:40:21 -0400

I did cub scouts up into boy scouts. I was active with my older sons scouting career. There are some benefits. Eagle scouts get benefits in different places, it looks really good to be one. The skills the scouts teach are beneficial unto themselves. I've made a camp fire in a snow storm. I did the Marines compass course with just the map. Wilderness survival skills are always important because it teaches critical thinking.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 29 at 2015 12:58 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 29 May 2015 12:58:23 -0400

I was a Cub Scout and advanced through all the ranks to Webelos. Joined Scout Troop, but dropped out at 2nd Class.

As an adult, my wife was a Den Leader, Den Leader Coach, and a cub unit commissioner. I was on the Pack Committee. We enjoyed scouting and followed our Son into Boy Scouts. I was an Assistant Scout Master. Wife was Committee Member.

We learned a lot about leadership from the Scouting program.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 1:15 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 13:15:52 -0400

I got kicked out of the Scouts...for eating a brownie.

Just kidding! I was never involved in the Scouts, but I did a tour in recruiting; I don't know about the other services, but for the Navy, Eagle Scout=automatic E-3...I can see that as a benefit (head start).

I actually WAS kicked out of a Cub Scouts meeting, though. A friend brought me with the intent to get me to join, but I was too disruptive during the meeting and got kicked out. I was a little rebel back then.

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made May 29 at 2015 1:20 PM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Fri, 29 May 2015 13:20:43 -0400

Pack 4 in Enid OK. Aloooooooong time ago. ;)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 10:40 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 10:40:17 -0400

Scouts in general is a great way for any young man and boy to learn how to be a better citizen. I think it adds to the values that we learn as children and adults to better ourselves. I enjoyed Scouts when I was younger but lost interest due to the Leaders. I will not fail to support my son as long as he learns his part. So yes, Scouts is a great thing to have.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made May 31 at 2015 2:06 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Sun, 31 May 2015 14:06:17 -0400

As a past Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow etc - yes i stayed involved and still do - I was a past Asst Scoutmaster and yes you do make great friends and connections.

As a recruiter I would go to all the Eagle Scout Honor Ceremonies and give out AF Awards etc. Great times!

Response by 2LT Scott Armstrong made Jul 20 at 2015 1:00 AM

2LT Scott Armstrong — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 01:00:14 -0400

My wife calls my Scouting the "Scout mafia" because of so many connections for jobs, opportunities and being connected to the right folks just comes with Scouting.

Response by SA Steven Herberts made Oct 30 at 2015 6:58 PM

SA Steven Herberts — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 18:58:00 -0400

I am and still involved with Scouting. If I can change one youths life from drugs and alchohal I will be happy.
My son is an Eagle Scout with 2 palms and he is 30 yrs old know and i still do my part for our community. Yes it is fun and you get to see a smile on the face of the youths in your area.

Response by Chris Cherrington made Nov 27 at 2015 11:43 AM

Chris Cherrington — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 11:43:39 -0500

The best thing I ever did for my sons was to join them in scouting. As a Navy brat, it was the fastest way to make friends with every transfer. My kids have ranked up and moved out, but I still volunteer in commissioner service.

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Mar 20 at 2016 9:51 PM

SSG Leroy Farmer — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 21:51:23 -0400

Youth member of Cub Scouting. Currently I am the Pack Trainer and Webelos Den Leader.

Response by 1SG James Wise made Mar 22 at 2016 1:59 PM

1SG James Wise — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 13:59:56 -0400

As a current Den Leader in a Cub Scout Pack on base, you do meet many people that can give you leads to other doors in life. My experience is that Wood Badge, if you can get the time, is a good way to network not just throughout the Scouting community, but also other lines of interest. I've met many new people, and during down time we've talked about jobs, careers, education, life - and next thing you know someone listening approaches to ask you to call them down the road, or you get an email, I've heard of job offers being made even, or someone will reach out to you later for help or whatever through those friendships you made.

People meeting you through Scouts already know something about you before a word is said....you are volunteering with the Scouts and that alone speaks of your morals, commitment, work ethic, and beliefs - all things employers have a hard time identifying in interviews but you just showed them by being a volunteer in scouting.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 29 at 2017 8:52 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:52:46 -0500

I had been a cub Scout Myself in Pack 165, Millis, MA. My Dad was also Cub Master when My brother was in that same pack. When My son entered Cub Scouts I ended up also being Cub Master of Pack 165 and My wife was on the pack committee and also a den Mother. The benefit was an activity that We could spend time with our sons. My son went on to Webelos and myself and some of the other adult men took Him and the other Webelos Scouts on a ten mile hike through the Blue Hills reservation Also We went on a weekend camp out the Boy Scout Troop 115 took them on. I did enjoy the time doing those things with My oldest Son.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 29 at 2017 9:05 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 21:05:30 -0500

The American Legion, Post 208, Millis, MA sponsors the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Millis, MA The Boy Scout Troop meets at our post building. The Boy Scout troop over the course of this last year produced 6 Eagle Scouts, the largest number in one year in the History of the Troop. As Commander of the Legion Post along with the Post Scout Liaison Officer We attended the ceremony on every one of those new Eagle Scouts. We usually had other Legion Members in uniform also attend. We now also sponsor the Girls Scouts and Brownie Troops in town. Its been a win/win situation all they way around. The Girl Scout Troop has again been invited to a camp out in April at the USMA at West Point.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 12:57 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:57:27 -0500

I have always been in scouting, starting from a youth to today. I volunteered to teach the bears when my son started as a bobcat because that is where they could fit me in, and I really enjoy teaching the youth. You get to help shape their future and scouting is one of the best ways to produce productive adults. One way it can help your career is how the different interactions with the kids can help teach patience, mentoring etc. Also, if your chain of command supports it, they can put you in for the MOVSM.

Response by SPC Richard White made Feb 21 at 2018 12:38 AM

SPC Richard White — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:38:56 -0500

I was in Cub Scouts and I became an Assistant Leader for my step son's pack

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2021 6:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 18:29:42 -0500

I was a leader for Tiger Cubs & Asst. Scoutmaster of the Boy Scout Troop my son was in. The benefit was spending time with him.