January Beyond Cub Leader Tips - Aleka Around the Corner by David Rockwell

Since the beginning of Cub Scouting, Akela has meant wise teacher.  Signing on as a Cub Leader doesn't mean that you have to be the only Akela at the meeting (even allowing for the fact that you will always have two deep leadership present). Help is around the corner.

One of your major job tasks as Akela is leading the Cubs' work on Adventure Loops and Pins.  There are only 168 hours in a week. You will often hear the metric of Scouting "only taking 1 hour per week".  "Per scout, per activity" is the silent caveat on many Scouters minds when they hear this. When you minus out 40 hours for work, 40 hours for sleep (it's a goal), 21 hours of time for meals, church, commuting, exercise, etc. you are left with very few hours for Scouting (let alone learning all the skills needed for the variety Cub Scouting tasks you to have each week).

Who can you turn to for help? Who knows this stuff?

1. The Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, and Committee are at your back and usually will do it for free. They are your "go to" alternate Akelas.  It's in their job description and in their hearts.  Ask and they will help where they can.
2. Your Den's/Pack's parents.  See #1 above, these folks will know the parents who have the skill you need.  You are normally asking for an hour or two of time and you will be surprised how often you will hear yes.  People with skills love to talk about them.  You and the Scouts will make new connections (tuck a list of those who help away for after you transition to Boy Scouts... they make wonderful Merit Badge Councilors)
3. Charter Organization Leaders, Community Leaders and Local Businesses.  These Akelas have a vested interest in making sure they are seen as leaders. They may be busy, but leading is what they do. Don't assume they will stay no automatically. It took one email to NBC 4 for my Tiger Den to get to meet local newscasters Chuck Bell and Angie Goff while meeting a rank requirement.  These potential Akelas also include the Mayor, Police, Fire Fighters, EMTs, etc.  They will help your Scouts connect to the communities they live in.
4. Fairfax County Parks (and other community facing groups like National Monuments, Regional, State parks) often offer programs that for a few dollars per Scout where they will bring the strength of their knowledge, bulk purchasing of supplies and organizational mandates to work for you.  Their power as Akela will come from expert knowledge and passion for the topic being taught.  You can find help on just about any loop, pin or requirement you are looking for help with teaching.  Check our Fairfax County's offerings here:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts
5. Scout Camp. Whether you choose Day Camp or Resident Camp, Akela is built right in. Scout camp offers a running start on your cubs' rank work.  Loops, Pins and other requirements will fly off their "to do" list. This will allow parents and scouts to breath easier when a conflict pops up or a Scout gets sick and has to miss a meeting (or two). Plus, they will build memories that will last a lifetime.  Start your Pack's Camp Adventures here: https://www.ncacbsa.org/outdoors/

These are just 5 examples. There are many more Akelas Around the Corner.  Feel free to comment below with your ideas on who some good Akelas are for other Powhatan District Cub leaders to know about. Tapping these resources can help you maximize your time as a leader and minimize the work you have to do by yourself.