Volunteering
You will soon find that the time you spend involved with your son's Pack will give you the opportunity to be a "hero" in your son's eyes, and will give you a way to teach volunteerism by example. More boys will go on to volunteer later in life when their parents have led by example.
 
Be assured that the time you spend as an active Scouting parent will be quality time with your son, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime!
 

What do I get out of volunteering?
Being involved in Cub Scouting is fun, challenging, and rewarding. Leaders find that their experiences help them to become better parents. Following are some of the many dividends that will enrich your life as you dedicate your time, talents, and enthusiasm to Scouting:
•    Fun and fellowship with other families, sharing your pride in the boys' accomplishments.
•    The privilege of helping to enrich and strengthen families.
•    A chance to help boys learn good citizenship and to help shape them into men who have strength of character and are sensitive to the needs of others.
•    The opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of boys as they grow strong in mind and body.
•    A code to live by which will set a worthwhile example for both boys and adults.
•    The satisfaction of being a member of a worldwide movement, and pride in being publicly identified as a part of this organization -- wearing the Scouting uniform is a visible means of showing you believe in and stand up for the ideals and objectives of the Boy Scouts of America.

How can I help?
So, how can you help? We're glad you asked, because we have many ways you can get involved, big and small, year-long or short-term. You are the best judge of the time you can commit. The pack cannot exist without your involvement on some level. Following are ways you can become involved. The descriptions are brief; however, if you are interested in a position, we can give you a full job description.
 
Large, ongoing commitment
The following positions are uniformed leadership positions that require training. These people should attend the monthly pack leader's meeting.

Cubmaster
Assistant Cubmaster:
Advancement Chair
Tiger Den Leader
Wolf Den Leader
Bear Den Leader
Webelos Den Leader
Assistant Den Leaders
 
Medium to Small Ongoing Commitment
The people in the following positions can choose to be uniformed or non-uniformed. Some of the positions may require training.

Committee Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Pack Trainer
Public Relations Coordinator
Website Coordinator
Religious Activities Coordinator
Outings Coordinator
Parade Coordinator
Service Coordinator
 
Short-term Commitments
The following positions are not ongoing, and those in these positions will only spend a couple months out of the year coordinating their responsibilities. The people in the following positions can choose to be uniformed or non-uniformed. Some of the positions may require training.

Camping Coordinator:
Friends of Scouting Coordinator (1 to 2 months in January and February)
Fundraising Coordinator (2 to 3 months in the fall and spring)
Blue & Gold Coordinator (1 to 2 months in January and February)
Space Derby Coordinator (1 month in October)
Pinwood Derby Coordinator (1 month in January)
Rainwater Regatta Coordinator (1 month in June)

Leader Training
Some positions require leaders to be trained. The following describes each level of training:
 
Fast Start & Youth Protection Training
So you're a new leader! Congratulations!
To get you started, the National Capital Area Council has training available online. To complete your initial training, go to http://www.olc.scouting.org/,  follow the appropriate links provided on the intro screen. There are links for "Cub Scout Leader Fast Start" and another for "Youth Protection Training". You should complete both of these trainings, before you begin your first meeting with your scouts.

There is also a course called "This is Scouting" provided on this website which should be completed within the first 90 days of assuming a leadership position.
 
Basic Training
After you have completed the Fast Start training for your leadership position, the next step is to attend a Cub Scout Leader Specific Training session conducted in your area or provided by our Pack Trainer. This training will give you a more in-depth understanding of your new leadership position and the Cub Scouting program. These sessions conducted in both the fall and the spring. Ask your Pack Trainer for the date, time and location of the session nearest to you.
 
Supplemental Training
After you have completed Fast Start and Basic Training, you will be well on your way.  A very good leader looks for opportunities to expand their skills, so the Council offers supplemental training sessions such as PowWow, BALOO, Outdoor Skills for Webelos leaders, University of Scouting, and Wood Badge courses. Your Pack Trainer will have information about these training or you can look for information about these training opportunities on the council website.
 
Other Publications
When you become a registered leader with the BSA, you will start receiving issues of Scouting Magazine. This publication will keep you up-to-date with new and upcoming information. You can also visit the council website for even more information!