Overview Brochure

For more information, download the complete brochure.

Increased youth retention--more youth served
Planned path to advancement
Increased den leader confidence and satisfaction



What’s in It for Me?

Cub Scouts

  • Den meetings are more organized with more time for fun.
  • More badges, awards, arrow points, belt loops, and pins are earned.

Den Leaders

  • Planning and execution are simplified, saving leaders’ time.
  • Den meetings are more fun and easier to run.
  • Boys are happier.

Cubmasters

  • The pack operates more effectively—all dens follow the same plan.
  • More opportunities for recognition and parental involvement

District Executives and Commissioners

  • Easier to recruit adult leaders
  • New leaders become effective more quickly.

Scout Executives and District Executives

  • Increased retention and membership
  • Improved volunteer leader and staff satisfaction

What are we talking about?

  • A method of delivering the existing Cub Scout program that is handbook-based and focuses on den activities leading to youth advancement and retention.
  • The change in delivery method focuses on den leaders, meeting plans, and training to conduct highly effective den and pack meetings.
  • Advancement occurs in the den as a natural part of the planned program.

Why are we changing?

  • A 20-percentage point increase in retention is expected!
  • There is the potential to retain an additional 350,000 Cub Scouts!
  • Increased den leader confidence and satisfaction will result.

Where was it developed?

  • Beginning in 2005 the method was researched, developed, and piloted in the Bay-Lakes Council.
  • It was expanded to the Central Region in 2007.
  • In 2009 it became nationally available as Fast Tracks on the Advancement Trail and is now being used by more than 9,000 units.

When is the change happening?

  • Program updates and information are currently available on this Web page (www.scouting.org/cubscouts2010).
  • National implementation begins with the 2010–2011 program year in September 2010.
  • New and revised publications and training should be available in May 2010 at www.scoutstuff.org and at your local council service center.