Under the traditional Cub Scout program, non-leader parents (other than Tiger partners) were not encouraged to attend den meetings although they were permitted to do so if they asked to.
Today, however, there may be a trend toward encouraging helpful parental presence at all Cub Scout meetings and events.
Under “National Parent Initiative” on the adult leader application (28-501F), it says that parents of each child are encouraged to:
- Participate with them.
- Go to and observe their meetings.
- Be part of their unit’s program—both weekly meetings and outings.
On the ScoutParents website is this quote from ScoutParents founder Gerald I. Lawhorn: “Scouts of ‘drop off’ parents generally drop out!”
Although there are many good reasons for the traditional policy of non-leader Cub Scout parents not attending den meetings, most Cub Scout leaders that I know recommend encouraging those parents who can to stay. Parents who stay for den meetings are more likely to understand the value of Cub Scouting. This improves a Cub Scout’s chances of continued success in scouting.
