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May 2004 Cub Scout Roundtable Issue |
Volume 10, Issue 10
June 2004 Theme |
Theme: Cub Rock
Webelos: Artist
& Traveler
Tiger Cub:
Activities |
PACK ADMIN HELPS
Den And Pack Newsletters
Circle Ten Council
Communication is
the complex process of transmitting and receiving signals. Words mean
different things to different people. Confidence and poise comes through
slow, deliberate talking. Tension sometimes comes from fast-talking. Body
language can communicate more than words in some instances. Communications
are most likely to succeed when both the sender and receiver assume 100%
responsibility of getting the message across.
COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY
Communications between pack leaders and parents is vital. It is important
for a person to know to transmit his ideas so that they convey what he
intends. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes…looking at the
situation from his point of view…empathy…is always helpful.
There are a
variety of techniques that can be used to improve communications with the
pack. Some of the methods are considered “one way”, the simple transmitting
of ideas. Other methods are “two way”, the exchange of ideas. This list is
not exhaustive. Use your imagination and create unique ways to communicate
in the pack.
YEARLY CALENDAR: Each year at
the annual planning meeting the pack should set the monthly themes for the
programs for the next 12 months. Along with the themes, the pack meeting
dates, times, and places can be set. This information is vital and should be
shared with every family in the pack as soon as it is available.
SURVEY SHEETS: This
communication device really falls in the category of information gathering.
If each family completes a survey sheet then valuable information is in the
hands of the Cubmaster and Den Leaders.
POSTERS: Posters help tell what
is going to happen or what has occurred. A den can use posters to tell what
activities they have done when the event does not lend itself to display at
pack meeting. A poster can also place emphasis on an upcoming event more
effectively than the pack newsletter.
SKITS: Communication that takes
the form of “ one way” does not always have to be in a written format. A
skit about next month’s bicycle rodeo or the parent-son cake bake will add
more fun and variety to a pack meeting. It can help make others more aware
of an upcoming event.
NEWSLETTER: Is there a problem keeping leaders, parents and boys
aware of what is going on? If so a pack newsletter can alert everyone to the
event that the pack has scheduled and perhaps get volunteers for special
events. A newsletter is a one way form of communication. A newsletter can be
passed to parents at the monthly pack meeting. If arrangements can be made
in the pack budget, the newsletter can be mailed to the home of each Cub
Scout. While it will cost, everyone will get a copy of the important
information.
Communication is the name of the
game-but producing a newsletter is not a game. As games have rules, there
are guidelines to clear communication.
ASK YOURSELF
Is there enough information that needs
to be given to the pack parents that would warrant having a newsletter?
What do you want to accomplish by
publishing a newsletter? The newsletter can serve several functions, such as
informing, educating, promoting and entertaining.
Who will be reading the newsletter?
Each family should receive a newsletter, as well as the sponsoring
organization, hometown newspaper, and prospective Cub Scout families.
Resources- Different types of jobs that
need to be accomplished in putting a newsletter together.
ANSWERING OTHER QUESTIONS
Once it has been determined that communication by newsletter is the best
method for your pack, there are other questions that need answered. Will the
pack finance, or is there a parent who can make copies at their work place?
Who will assume which duties to assure that it is out on time? Will it be
mailed or distributed at the pack meeting? These questions may need
clarification before publication begins.
The editor “gets
it all together”. The editor’s duties and responsibilities should be clearly
understood by the editor and the pack committee. Get it down in writing to
avoid problems and confusion. Remember why you are doing the newsletter.
SOME STORY IDEAS:
News about
membership
Notices of changes
in policies or activities
Notices of
upcoming events
Recognition of
boys & leaders
Calendar of events
Make sure stories
and articles are clear, concise, and correct
Friends of
Scouting information
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