Social distancing has canceled many activities but with today’s technology and the flexibility that scouting provides there is the capability to maintain Pack and Den operations. With this in mind, Pack 1055 is using those tools to keep their Cub Scouts working towards rank advancement.
It started with a simple survey using Google Forms that went out to the parents in the den. The hope was to discover the best platform to run a virtual meeting and when the best times would be to conduct the meeting. As it turns out, Zoom has been used frequently these days and most families were able to meet at the same time as the den would usually meet.
The virtual meeting invitation and information was sent out, and on April 7, 2020, the Cubmaster and Bear Den Leader of Pack 1055 led the meeting. The agenda was brief. Our main purpose was to see how a meeting would run. We started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, had a few announcements, then had our den discussion.
Each Scout was asked three questions about staying at home during the crisis and had a chance to talk about their current experiences. After each Scout finished, the den meeting was opened up for some free-time chatting between Scouts, then we closed the same way we close all our den meetings: by signing “Do Your Best,” which is perfect for a virtual meeting.
The meeting was a success and it provided a good experience for how meetings like this can continue. As a result, the Bear Den is planning on having more virtual den meetings to complete the Critter Care elective adventure. While the den can’t visit any animal shelters or veterinary practices, they can still meet the requirements of the elective using an online format and sharing PowerPoint or Google Slides. They will also have an opportunity to show off their pets, something that could have been difficult during an in-person den meeting.
Pack 1055 is currently planning a virtual Pack Meeting as well to take place later this month to help ensure that, even in times of crisis, We Own Adventure!