Cub Scout Fast Tracks

April 17, 2008

Dear Cub Scouter,

Last year the Central Region, BSA, introduced a Cub Scout advancement pilot program for a selected number of packs to try which focused on advancement happening in the den meeting with home reinforcement. This year the Central Region, BSA, has approved this new advancement pilot program to go to phase 2. This means that 20% of the packs can try this pilot program.

Here are some informational points:

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, Fast Tracks is just the program for you!

• Do you often find it difficult to develop a high-quality program that holds boys’ interest?
• Do the challenges facing today’s busy families mean missed advancement opportunities at home for your Cub Scouts?
• Have you had boys drop out of Scouting because they were not progressing at a rate consistent with their peers?
• Do you find yourself wading through a huge pile of books and materials each month to create a dynamic meeting?

How can Fast Tracks help me as a leader?

This web-based, advancement-rich program was developed to help den leaders organize meetings so that the majority of boys’ advancement takes place in the den alongside their fellow Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, or Webelos Scouts. Fast Tracks is available for all levels of Cub Scouting and any size den. This program provides den leaders with easy, step-by-step instructions, as well as an inclusive listing of materials. It takes the guesswork out of planning the den meeting.

Moreover, the outline for each program level ensures the completion of rank requirements in a timely manner and assures that each boy will reach significant advancement on a more regular basis.

How does this differ from what I am doing now?

• Fast Tracks is Web-based. All preparation outlines and materials needed are at your fingertips, wherever you have Internet access.
• Fast Tracks follows the standard program. It is based on a nine-month program (approximately 16 den meetings), with summertime activity supplements. It relies on Cub Scout Program Helps as an additional resource.
• Fast Tracks is den-meeting focused. At-home advancement activity can serve as reinforcement to the den meeting activities.

When you receive this note via e-mail, discuss the opportunity with the pack’s Committee Chair and Cubmaster to determine if your pack would like to try the pilot program.

If you would like your pack to participate in this Cub Scout advancement pilot program, have your pack Committee Chair and Cubmaster complete the attached flyer for your pack (not den) and return it to the DeVos Family Center for Scouting by April 30th. Please note the requirement for participating packs. We will be accepting the first six packs on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Ryan Kriesch at 888-BSA-GRFC if you have questions.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Lakeshore District Membership Team