As you know, we have the extraordinary fortune of having 20 first-grade boys join Pack 39 this year. (For those of you keeping score at home: that's right, it's now 20 : ) This large number required that we partially separate into two "teams" of equal size.
Jen and I are pleased (and grateful and relieved) to announce that Janet and Kean H. and Kim and Steve P. have graciously and enthusiastically volunteered to serve as team co-coordinators for one of the teams. Please join us in offering sincere thanks to Kim, Steve, Janet and Kean!
Here's a draft of how the teams will break out. We've circulated similar (but not identical) lists on two prior occasions. The team rosters were developed based on what we know about your scout's school and friends, and were revised with your feedback. Please don't hesitate to let us know if your assignments isn't optimal -- but please do so ASAP.
Bengal & Tiger teams (please see original email.)
We will be sending a separate link to a shared workbook document on iWork.com. The shared document will be kept up to date and will always be accessible to you via the web. The shared document will include a Roster with team assignments and contact info for each scout. When you receive the link, please do ensure that we have the best contact information for your family. We will keep this shared, web-accessible file up to date throughout the year.
HOW WILL THE TEAMS WORK?
In a formal sense, the "Den" will remain a single group for which Jen and I would serve as Den Leaders. In that capacity, our "job" will be to plan and facilitate the Den's activities and keep records of achievements and advancements. Both teams will follow the same activity plan (or "curriculum" if you will) organized by Jen and me. For many events -- including field trips, campouts, pack meetings -- we will continue to operate as a single Den. But for monthly meetings focused on activities, crafts, and individual attention, we will operate as teams.
WHEN DO WE MEET?
Importantly, the teams will meet approximately one week apart. For example, the Bengal Tiger team will next meet on Sunday, October 11 at 2:00 PM, while the Siberian Tiger team will meet on Sunday, October 18 at 4:00 PM.
In addition to having teams that are sized more appropriately, this feature will offer advantage of allowing families some scheduling flexibility. For example, if you were going to be out of town one weekend, you could simply participate with the other team that month.
The iWork shared document mentioned above will also contain an up-to-date listing of Pack, Den and Team activities for the coming year.
In addition, you may view (and subscribe) to the Pack's Google calendar here:
http://www.tinyurl.com/
or to our Tiger Den Google calendar here:
http://www.tinyurl.com/
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
That's the question that we were hoping that you'd ask! We are STILL looking for volunteers to help with snacks or games/skits -- I am embarrassed to report that ONLY ONE family has volunteered to help : ( But we're grateful for your family's commitment, Lucas!
As we've discussed, Cub Scouts depends on shared leadership. We need you! Now! Without YOUR help, YOUR scout will have a sub-optimal experience.
First, you can volunteer to organize and serve healthy snacks at our Den and Team meetings. We will help organize a schedule so that every family knows when it's turn is up. But we need you to volunteer and offer meeting dates when you're committed to being present.
Second, you can volunteer to lead activities at our Den and Team meetings. Cub Scouts -- and especially Tigers -- love games, songs and skits. We can even perform these at Pack meetings! We even have websites dedicated to ideas for all these activities. We just need adults to help organize and teach them. We will help organize a schedule so that every family knows when it's turn is up. But we need you to volunteer and offer meeting dates when you're committed to being present.
Thanks so much for your participation!
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