I have to admit this was one of my early motivators as a scout leader. I think I have mentioned that I have three brothers and was always a little jealous of their scouting experiences. I thought it was cool when I found out that as an adult I could earn a few patches for my scout uniform.
In fact, I did not buy a uniform until close to the end of my second time being a den leader (I put it off that time because I was pregnant when called). Yet, I had saved my "Trained" and "Quality Unit" patches from the first unit I was in three years earlier, just in case I ever did buy a uniform, and now I wear them both proudly. It's a near miracle I was able to keep track of them so long.
Earning patches is certainly not the most pure reason to be a good leader, but it can help motivate someone who needs a push in the right direction. They are also a nice recognition for someone who just is a good leader. For those of us in between those two points, the square knots can act as a guide for ways to "magnify your calling" and do a little better.
The last one is where I am at right now. When I was asked to help out as a Pack Trainer, I was not exactly sure what that entailed. After all, everyone can get their training online now. What I have been doing could be a whole post by itself (I can see now why it's a good idea for every pack to have a Pack Trainer), but one thing I have been using as a guide is the little card of requirements for the Pack Trainer square knot. It lets me know what kinds of things I can be doing to give my pack the best.
So what are the square knots? Just about every position in scouting has at least one you can earn. Each award has a tenure requirement, which cannot overlap another (for example, if you were a Den Leader and wanted to earn both the Den Leader knot and the Cub Scouter knot, you would need to spend at least three years in your position). However, I believe the tenure does not have to be continuous, so if you spent a year here and a year there, that would be okay, as long as you met the other requirements. There are training requirements, which usually involve completing basic training and attending either University of Scouting or Roundtables. Then there are the performance requirements, which are the ones that let you know ways you can improve what you are doing. For some of the knots you need to complete all of the performance requirements. For some, you only need to complete a certain number.
You can read about the different knots here. You can also download the progress cards here.
If you were a scout as a boy, you may also wear knots for certain awards you earned. If you earned the Arrow of Light, Eagle or the religious award (this can be either as a Cub Scout or a Boy Scout) there are knots you can wear on your uniform representing each of those.
There is also a religious knot you can earn as an adult. You can see the requirements for the LDS knot here. Cards for this knot (there is also a medal that can be given with it) can be obtained from the Distribution Center (sometimes) or the LDS-BSA. Your bishop should provide a card for you, but occasionally a Scouter may want to take the initiative of procuring his own card. The tenure for this award can overlap your other awards. Interpretation of the award is up to your bishop. So if something seems vague (for example, you may wonder whether the three years serving in primary or young men need to all be in the same ward) you should ask your bishop. It's up to him to decide.
Once earned, the knots are to be worn centered, directly above the left pocket of your uniform (you can see this in the insignia guide and uniform inspection sheets). After three knots, you start a new row above the first (I saw Scouters in Omaha with multiple rows of knots). If you want to get things just right, the side of the knot with the loop on top is supposed to point to the right. There is no set order, but traditionally the knot that means the most to you is placed furthest right.
Good Scouters work hard and recognition is important. This is one way to recognize them. Bishops and Committee Chairs, I encourage you not only to encourage your leaders to earn knots, but to also find other ways to recognize and support them. Strong Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs will strengthen your whole ward, and that is worth some thank yous.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
"The problem with Scouting in the Church is..."
I have heard it said over and over. I have heard it from those who don't like Scouting and those who love it. I have heard it from members of the Church as well as traditional Scouters. "The problem with Scouting in the Church is that it is a calling. The leaders don't necessarily want to be there. They are not invested in the program."
I can see at least one flaw in this argument. Me.
Twice I was called to be a Cub Scout leader when I did not particularly want to be. I had no son in the program, no vested interest. My experience up until that point with Scouting was watching my brothers have fun that I wasn't having.
In fact, the second time I was called, I had specifically mentioned to a member of the bishopric a couple of weeks earlier that I had done Cub Scouting before and would rather not do it again. You should have seen the look on his face when he told me what they wanted me to do and asked me if I would accept. I have thought back on that many times with a smile. There is no doubt in my mind where that calling came from. That bishopric would not have given me the assignment otherwise.
As often happens in life, the Lord chose better for me than I would have chosen for myself. In both cases I gained valuable experience and learned valuable things. Those led me later to learn more things on my own. I have grown a lot since, and much of that growth started with seeds planted during those two brief callings. Scouting has even affected the way I parent.
An article from the Young Men General Presidency states, "Many have said that, 'Scouting is for the boy,' In reality, it is for the adult. Boy Scouts of America provides the training, programs, and resources necessary to help adults effectively prepare young men for today and their future."
It turns out that those experiences were not just for my benefit. Now I am part of a program in a relatively young ward. We currently have many leaders who are willing to build a great program, but most have no experience in Cub Scouts. They have no idea where to start. The things that I learned in other wards can now benefit this ward.
When my own sons become scouts, I will be able to support them properly. I will already know the program and what my role is. If I had not had that previous experience as a Den Leader, I would probably be one of those parents who drop their sons at the curb once a week, then show up for the awards ceremony when it is time to pin the badge on.
I am very thankful the Lord gave me the experiences he did. We have all heard the phrase, "The Church is perfect, but the people aren't." We need to have patience with those people at whatever level they are at and trust that the Lord knows how to run His Church. His ways are not our ways, and we do not always see the reasons for things until long after they happen. Sometimes we never do.
I can see at least one flaw in this argument. Me.
Twice I was called to be a Cub Scout leader when I did not particularly want to be. I had no son in the program, no vested interest. My experience up until that point with Scouting was watching my brothers have fun that I wasn't having.
In fact, the second time I was called, I had specifically mentioned to a member of the bishopric a couple of weeks earlier that I had done Cub Scouting before and would rather not do it again. You should have seen the look on his face when he told me what they wanted me to do and asked me if I would accept. I have thought back on that many times with a smile. There is no doubt in my mind where that calling came from. That bishopric would not have given me the assignment otherwise.
As often happens in life, the Lord chose better for me than I would have chosen for myself. In both cases I gained valuable experience and learned valuable things. Those led me later to learn more things on my own. I have grown a lot since, and much of that growth started with seeds planted during those two brief callings. Scouting has even affected the way I parent.
An article from the Young Men General Presidency states, "Many have said that, 'Scouting is for the boy,' In reality, it is for the adult. Boy Scouts of America provides the training, programs, and resources necessary to help adults effectively prepare young men for today and their future."
It turns out that those experiences were not just for my benefit. Now I am part of a program in a relatively young ward. We currently have many leaders who are willing to build a great program, but most have no experience in Cub Scouts. They have no idea where to start. The things that I learned in other wards can now benefit this ward.
When my own sons become scouts, I will be able to support them properly. I will already know the program and what my role is. If I had not had that previous experience as a Den Leader, I would probably be one of those parents who drop their sons at the curb once a week, then show up for the awards ceremony when it is time to pin the badge on.
I am very thankful the Lord gave me the experiences he did. We have all heard the phrase, "The Church is perfect, but the people aren't." We need to have patience with those people at whatever level they are at and trust that the Lord knows how to run His Church. His ways are not our ways, and we do not always see the reasons for things until long after they happen. Sometimes we never do.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Recruiting
I remember when I first went to New Leader Essentials training with the Den Leader I was assistant to several years ago. We agreed with each other that most of the things they covered were not relevant to LDS Scouters, especially the parts about recruiting.
Now that I have some more experience, and a different attitude towards Scouting in general, I beg to differ. I think pretty much everything in the training is valuable to everyone, and I think recruiting is an angle LDS Packs and Troops ought to be considering, for two reasons.
In an article by the Young Men General Presidency about reasons the Church uses the Scouting program, they state, "If used correctly, the four Scouting programs will provide both a safe and neutral environment... Because Sunday quorum involvement is not specifically required, it provides for those who are less active or of other faiths to be invited to participate in meaningful and enjoyable activities."
A den from the other ward in our building in California had "recruited" a boy and his father. It was not something they had done actively. It happened because they were a good den out having fun. This boy and his father had been looking for a Christian Cub Scout Pack to be involved in, but none of the others in the area were exactly what they wanted. They saw this den at a bowling alley (and since the boys were all in uniform, it was obvious they were Cub Scouts), got to talking to them, and ended up joining. What a great chance to expose someone to the Church who probably would not have heard of it otherwise. I was not involved there for long, but my impression while I was there was that this was a good experience for both the boy and his father (who became involved on the Pack Committee) and gave them a favorable view of the Church.
The other reason we should take a look at the recruiting angle is that sometimes we are faced with a need to "recruit" members of our own pack/den/troop/team/crew. Because the Church automatically registers every boy on the records within the appropriate age groups into its Scouting units, we often end up with boys who are less active, or even boys who are active on Sundays but who have no interest in Scouting. We should consider taking some steps to "recruit" these boys who are signed up, but who are not really on board.
I think in either case, the most valuable recruiting tool is to make sure you have a program that boys (and their parents) will want to be a part of. Try evaluating your program from the viewpoint of a boy and his parents looking for a unit to join. Beginning Boy Scouts (review coming soon), gives a list for parents to use to evaluate potential troops. Consider some of these points and how well your troop is doing (some of these are more specific to Boy Scouting, but a few apply to Cub Scouting as well):
How did you do? Would you join your own troop (or pack, etc)? Just because the boys are supposed to attend activities does not mean we should not work to make the activities something they want to attend.
I have known a few boys who were active members of the Church who never went to scout meetings because they were not "into" the camping and things. Further investigation in each case showed that at some point something had happened to the boy or a family member that turned the boy and/or family off of Scouting. Those problems may have been prevented by having trained and experienced leaders running the program the way it was supposed to be set up. Personality conflicts do happen, but we should do everything we can to make sure the boys are having a good time and feel welcome.
The same thing can happen at the other end of the spectrum. You may have a family in your ward that is really into Scouting. If the program is not a very good one, they may decided they would rather have their boy in a community pack/troop rather than risk him not having a good scout experience. When this happens, your ward misses out on the help and involvement of that family, and that family misses out on things that the program, coming from the Church perspective, can offer.
Which is another thing you may want to evaluate about your program. Do you offer a reason for members of your ward to be a part of Church activities rather than turning elsewhere for enrichment, whether it be other Scouting programs, 4H, soccer or other activities? There is not anything wrong with the boys participating in those other things, of course, but they will never get from them some essential things. Those programs are not designed to prepare the boys for or help them honor their priesthood. Does yours? Are your troop activities a laboratory for Sunday lessons? Do your Cub Scout meeting incorporate Faith in God achievements? Remember Elder Oaks and “Good, Better, Best?” Make sure Scouts is a “better” or “best” option so that families can “choose the better part.”
In some wards it will take a lot of work for parents and leaders to all see Scouting in the right light, rather than as just the drop-off babysitting service or another activity that we “have” to do. Try to remember the purpose, and keep working on your ten percent.
Finally,, don't forget ministering to the youth under your stewardship. Make sure you know who they are and they know who you are, and they know you want them to be there.
Now that I have some more experience, and a different attitude towards Scouting in general, I beg to differ. I think pretty much everything in the training is valuable to everyone, and I think recruiting is an angle LDS Packs and Troops ought to be considering, for two reasons.
In an article by the Young Men General Presidency about reasons the Church uses the Scouting program, they state, "If used correctly, the four Scouting programs will provide both a safe and neutral environment... Because Sunday quorum involvement is not specifically required, it provides for those who are less active or of other faiths to be invited to participate in meaningful and enjoyable activities."
A den from the other ward in our building in California had "recruited" a boy and his father. It was not something they had done actively. It happened because they were a good den out having fun. This boy and his father had been looking for a Christian Cub Scout Pack to be involved in, but none of the others in the area were exactly what they wanted. They saw this den at a bowling alley (and since the boys were all in uniform, it was obvious they were Cub Scouts), got to talking to them, and ended up joining. What a great chance to expose someone to the Church who probably would not have heard of it otherwise. I was not involved there for long, but my impression while I was there was that this was a good experience for both the boy and his father (who became involved on the Pack Committee) and gave them a favorable view of the Church.
The other reason we should take a look at the recruiting angle is that sometimes we are faced with a need to "recruit" members of our own pack/den/troop/team/crew. Because the Church automatically registers every boy on the records within the appropriate age groups into its Scouting units, we often end up with boys who are less active, or even boys who are active on Sundays but who have no interest in Scouting. We should consider taking some steps to "recruit" these boys who are signed up, but who are not really on board.
I think in either case, the most valuable recruiting tool is to make sure you have a program that boys (and their parents) will want to be a part of. Try evaluating your program from the viewpoint of a boy and his parents looking for a unit to join. Beginning Boy Scouts (review coming soon), gives a list for parents to use to evaluate potential troops. Consider some of these points and how well your troop is doing (some of these are more specific to Boy Scouting, but a few apply to Cub Scouting as well):
- Are boys or adult leaders running the troop meeting? BSA is designed to be a boy-run program and this should be evident during the meetings.
- Does the meeting seem well-planned and are the scouts busy? Is there a feeling of enthusiasm among the scouts?
- Are the scouts dressed in uniforms? The uniform reminds scouts that they are part of a team. By wearing a uniform, they show their commitment to the BSA program.
- Are there several leaders in uniform present during the meeting? Have the leaders completed BSA training?
- Does the troop have a calendar of scheduled activities that includes at least one camping trip or hike per month? Was the calendar planned by the youth leaders of the troop?
- Does the troop have a program for older scouts? A High Adventure program that includes challenging hikes and other outdoor adventures will keep older boys engaged in Scouting.
How did you do? Would you join your own troop (or pack, etc)? Just because the boys are supposed to attend activities does not mean we should not work to make the activities something they want to attend.
I have known a few boys who were active members of the Church who never went to scout meetings because they were not "into" the camping and things. Further investigation in each case showed that at some point something had happened to the boy or a family member that turned the boy and/or family off of Scouting. Those problems may have been prevented by having trained and experienced leaders running the program the way it was supposed to be set up. Personality conflicts do happen, but we should do everything we can to make sure the boys are having a good time and feel welcome.
The same thing can happen at the other end of the spectrum. You may have a family in your ward that is really into Scouting. If the program is not a very good one, they may decided they would rather have their boy in a community pack/troop rather than risk him not having a good scout experience. When this happens, your ward misses out on the help and involvement of that family, and that family misses out on things that the program, coming from the Church perspective, can offer.
Which is another thing you may want to evaluate about your program. Do you offer a reason for members of your ward to be a part of Church activities rather than turning elsewhere for enrichment, whether it be other Scouting programs, 4H, soccer or other activities? There is not anything wrong with the boys participating in those other things, of course, but they will never get from them some essential things. Those programs are not designed to prepare the boys for or help them honor their priesthood. Does yours? Are your troop activities a laboratory for Sunday lessons? Do your Cub Scout meeting incorporate Faith in God achievements? Remember Elder Oaks and “Good, Better, Best?” Make sure Scouts is a “better” or “best” option so that families can “choose the better part.”
In some wards it will take a lot of work for parents and leaders to all see Scouting in the right light, rather than as just the drop-off babysitting service or another activity that we “have” to do. Try to remember the purpose, and keep working on your ten percent.
Finally,, don't forget ministering to the youth under your stewardship. Make sure you know who they are and they know who you are, and they know you want them to be there.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Teaching With a Purpose
This is something about teaching that took me a long time to really grasp, so I wanted to share some of my experience with the hope that it will help someone else.
I have taught Primary and Cub Scouts several times in several different wards, but there has been a big difference in my teaching in our current ward to all of those other times. There are probably a few reasons for this, but I think a big one is that I have been teaching with a purpose.
The difference seems subtle, but the effect is big.
The first year teaching in this ward, I decided that I wanted to get the students excited about the scriptures. It was not hard, because I love the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, which was what we were studying that year. The Book of Mormon is full of so many great stories that eight-year-olds can enjoy, especially when told by someone who is enthusiastic about the stories. The students were excited to come back every week to hear the next story. (Not every week was perfect, of course, but I think most everyone enjoyed being there most of the time. Then again, my memory may wear rose-colored glasses.)
Last year, teaching the same group of boys again, this time as ten-year-olds, I received an impression that I needed to be preparing them to go on missions. Ever since, we have kept that goal in mind when we plan and teach our lessons. We also try to keep the purpose stated at the beginning of the lesson in mind as we teach, but if there is some way we can relate it to missionary work or some skill that is valuable to a missionary (such as knowing the scriptures or gospel better or listening to the Spirit), that becomes the main purpose of the lesson. If we end up on a tangent that is mission-related, we go with it.
We are teaching the same lessons we would teach otherwise out of the same manual, but I can see a difference in the boys. You will have to wait another seven years, though, before I can really tell you how things turn out.
In Scouting, we have our goals spelled out for us with the Aims of Scouting and the Purposes of Cub Scouting. If you try to keep those goals in mind when planning, you will see a difference. You may think the difference in what you teach is subtle, but over time there will be a big difference in the effect.
I have taught Primary and Cub Scouts several times in several different wards, but there has been a big difference in my teaching in our current ward to all of those other times. There are probably a few reasons for this, but I think a big one is that I have been teaching with a purpose.
The difference seems subtle, but the effect is big.
The first year teaching in this ward, I decided that I wanted to get the students excited about the scriptures. It was not hard, because I love the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, which was what we were studying that year. The Book of Mormon is full of so many great stories that eight-year-olds can enjoy, especially when told by someone who is enthusiastic about the stories. The students were excited to come back every week to hear the next story. (Not every week was perfect, of course, but I think most everyone enjoyed being there most of the time. Then again, my memory may wear rose-colored glasses.)
Last year, teaching the same group of boys again, this time as ten-year-olds, I received an impression that I needed to be preparing them to go on missions. Ever since, we have kept that goal in mind when we plan and teach our lessons. We also try to keep the purpose stated at the beginning of the lesson in mind as we teach, but if there is some way we can relate it to missionary work or some skill that is valuable to a missionary (such as knowing the scriptures or gospel better or listening to the Spirit), that becomes the main purpose of the lesson. If we end up on a tangent that is mission-related, we go with it.
We are teaching the same lessons we would teach otherwise out of the same manual, but I can see a difference in the boys. You will have to wait another seven years, though, before I can really tell you how things turn out.
In Scouting, we have our goals spelled out for us with the Aims of Scouting and the Purposes of Cub Scouting. If you try to keep those goals in mind when planning, you will see a difference. You may think the difference in what you teach is subtle, but over time there will be a big difference in the effect.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
A Sobering Thought
Bishops and stake presidents, once your leaders are trained, do everything you can to ensure that they stay in their callings long enough to make a difference in the lives of the boys they serve. In 2004, LDS troops had one of the largest percentage of boys registered in the Boy Scouts of America. Unfortunately, we also had a much higher percentage of the fatalities that occurred during Scout activities. We have learned that there are three reasons for this: (1) lack of training, (2) lack of experience, and (3) failure to exercise good common sense. We plead with you as you prayerfully consider calling them to serve as leaders of our young men, to ensure that they are committed to receiving appropriate BSA training and that they serve with the youth for an extended time. - Charles Dahlquist in a 2005 address
I saw a discussion about this where someone posted a list of all the articles he could find on Scouting fatalities. Almost all of them were LDS scouts (I think a couple were unknown). Almost all of them involved inadequate supervision and/or no buddy.
We all think we will be fine. Our boys will be fine. Right up until something happens.
This is why it is so important to get trained, know the guidelines and follow them. The guidelines are there for your safety as well as the boys'. You do not want to be the one whose watch (or lack thereof) a serious accident occurs under. When I did the severe weather course online a few months back, I thought it was cheesy. How much of this do I really need to worry about? I wondered. At least one of the fatalities on the list I saw could have been prevented by following the severe weather guidelines. Ask yourself, What if that had been a boy under my watch?
Am I being over-dramatic? Maybe. Better safe than sorry? Definitely.
[Edit: Here is a letter from the First Presidency from earlier this year about safety precautions when planning activities. This would be a good thing for all youth and YSA leaders to keep on hand.]
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Starting Where You Are At
My first callings in Cub Scouts and Primary were when I was a young single adult. I look back now and see how much better I could have done things (like incorporating more Faith in God activities).
I have to tell myself that the Lord knew where I was at when he called me. He knew what was going to happen when he called me as a very, very young adult to teach a class full of rowdy eight-year-old boys. He probably would not have called me if it was going to ruin them for life. Very likely He did it so that I could learn and grow a little from the experience (and hopefully those poor boys had an outstanding leader or teacher at some other point who could influence their lives for good).
I am learning and growing all the time, seeing things that I could have done better even just last year. We all have to start somewhere, though.
What I can do is keep learning and growing to best take advantage of future opportunities. My husband recently pointed out that with three boys we will guaranteed be involved in Cub Scouts at some level for at least the next eleven years. There will be many opportunities (which makes me grateful that I did start learning as a young adult and grateful to those who were a patient example and help - especially a certain committee chair who pushed me to get my training).
No matter where you are at, this comes down to the same answers we always give: study (get trained!), pray and listen to the Spirit for guidance. Do the best you can and try to be prepared (hmm, those sound familiar too).
Bishops, this is a good reason to allow your leaders tenure. Charles Dahlquist said, "Unless the Spirit shouts, I have found it a good rule of thumb to leave Young Men leaders in their calling for a sufficient length of time to be trained, to apply what they have learned, and to make a difference in the lives of young men and in the generations unnumbered that follow." The new Handbook says, "When possible, leaders should be allowed to serve in Aaronic Priesthood and Scouting callings long enough to become fully trained, establish strong activity programs, and effectively touch the lives of boys and men."
I have to tell myself that the Lord knew where I was at when he called me. He knew what was going to happen when he called me as a very, very young adult to teach a class full of rowdy eight-year-old boys. He probably would not have called me if it was going to ruin them for life. Very likely He did it so that I could learn and grow a little from the experience (and hopefully those poor boys had an outstanding leader or teacher at some other point who could influence their lives for good).
I am learning and growing all the time, seeing things that I could have done better even just last year. We all have to start somewhere, though.
What I can do is keep learning and growing to best take advantage of future opportunities. My husband recently pointed out that with three boys we will guaranteed be involved in Cub Scouts at some level for at least the next eleven years. There will be many opportunities (which makes me grateful that I did start learning as a young adult and grateful to those who were a patient example and help - especially a certain committee chair who pushed me to get my training).
No matter where you are at, this comes down to the same answers we always give: study (get trained!), pray and listen to the Spirit for guidance. Do the best you can and try to be prepared (hmm, those sound familiar too).
Bishops, this is a good reason to allow your leaders tenure. Charles Dahlquist said, "Unless the Spirit shouts, I have found it a good rule of thumb to leave Young Men leaders in their calling for a sufficient length of time to be trained, to apply what they have learned, and to make a difference in the lives of young men and in the generations unnumbered that follow." The new Handbook says, "When possible, leaders should be allowed to serve in Aaronic Priesthood and Scouting callings long enough to become fully trained, establish strong activity programs, and effectively touch the lives of boys and men."
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Incorporating Faith in God into Cub Scouts
One of the things that is emphasized a lot more in the new Handbook is that Faith in God should be a part of your Cub Scout program. This is something I have wondered about as both a den leader and a primary teacher – whose job exactly is it to do Faith in God with the boys? Well, number one should be the parents, of course, just like with the Cub Scout requirements. But prepared leaders and teachers can find ways to work Faith in God into what they are already doing. I am trying to get better at this, and I wanted to share some of the ideas I have had.
I am still getting to know the new Cub Scout program (err.... delivery method) with using Character Connections as the themes. I think these make it easier than ever to work Faith in God into meetings. I have just started putting together a resource book with our Ward's Wolf Den Leader with ideas organized by theme. I went through the Faith in God for Boys book and matched many of the suggestions up to the themes:
Health and Fitness:
Learning and Living the Gospel: Read D&C 89. Discuss how Heavenly Father blesses us when we faithfully live the Word of Wisdom. Help plan and conduct an activity to teach the Word of Wisdom to others.
Serving Others: Plan, prepare and serve a nutritious meal.
Developing Talents: Plan a physical fitness program for yourself that may include learning to play a sport or game. Participate in the program for one month.
Developing Talents: Learn about and practice good nutrition, good health, and good grooming, including modest dress.
Citizenship:
Serving Others: Read the twelfth article of faith. Discuss what it means to be a good citizen and how your actions can affect others.
Memorize Twelfth Article of Faith.
Respect:
Serving Others: Write a letter to a teacher, your parents, or your grandparents telling them what you appreciate and respect about them. (one of the requirements for square knot)
Serving Others: Make a list of qualities you like in a person. Choose one quality to develop in yourself. Discuss how showing respect and kindness strengthens you, your family, and others.
Memorize Eleventh Article of Faith.
Responsibility:
Learning and Living the Gospel: Learn to sing “Choose the Right” (Hymn 239). Explain what agency is and what it means to be responsible for your choices. Discuss how making good choices has helped you develop greater faith.
Serving Others: Entertain young children with songs or games you have learned or made yourself. Show that you know how to care for and protect a young child.
Memorize Second Article of Faith
Honesty:
Memorize Thirteenth Article of Faith.
For Faith and Compassion there are entire sections of possibilities, so I will not list them all, but I will share one more idea my den leader friend used. She made half-sized versions of the Joseph Smith's First Vision flannel board characters from here. She gave a set to each of her Wolves to help them teach about the First Vision in Family Home Evening (another square knot requirement).
The Church has also put out a list of where Faith in God suggestions overlap with Cub Scout requirements.
How about working the Articles of Faith into your den and pack meetings? Here is a post on another blog about activities ideas I am using as a Primary teacher to help the boys with their Articles of Faith. Many of them could be used in den meetings. Here a couple more ideas that could be used in pack meetings:
As a gathering activity you could break several Articles of Faith into short phrases, each on a separate card. Give these cards to people as they arrive. They have to find the other people who will complete their Article of Faith.
For an activity you could have 1-3 words (depending on which Article of Faith you choose and how much participation you expect to get) from an Article of Faith written on cards. Hand these out and have the people line up in order without talking. Then have them read the cards in order to see how they did. If you have especially large pack meetings you could have two or three teams, each with a different Article of Faith (use a different color of cards for each one to keep them straight).
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