We are very grateful for the level of support we receive from our parents. We recognise that for some of you it will be the first time you have helped out at a pack meeting and understand that you may have some questions. Hopefully the information below will help you out. We need the extra support but also want to ensure that you have an enjoyable evening.

Can I bring my son/daughter?
We recognise that sometimes you may need to bring other children with you. This is fine but you must remember that they remain your responsibility at all times. They can normally join in with the activities if you feel it would be appropriate.

What would you like to be called?
You should give some thought to how you would like to be addressed by the Cubs. You will be introduced to everybody at the start of the meeting.

What's the theme for the week I'm helping?
We try to stick to the programme as much as we can. This should give you an idea of the main theme of the evening. There will also be games and other routine tasks such as inspection.

Pre-Meeting Briefing
It is useful to be able to have a quick chat at the start of the meeting so that we can run through the plans for the rest of the evening. As you know, the start and end of the meeting can be quite a hectic time. The leaders try to arrive by 6.20pm so if you could possibly arrive a bit early as well it would give us the chance to talk before the howling hordes arrive.

What sort of things am I expected to do?
We need extra adults to help us with discipline during the meetings. You will probably be asked to do some of the following things:

• Inspection - at the start of each meeting we have inspection to make sure that the Cubs have smart uniform. The leaders will explain the scoring system. Generally each boy is marked out of 10 with points being taken off for scruffy scarves, dirty hands, etc. It is probably best if you don't inspect the six with your son in it.
• Assist in the running of games - generally we play team games and need somebody to call out the numbers and keep track of the scores on the blackboard. The leaders will explain the game to you and the Cubs before they start playing. We don't generally encourage adults to participate in the games (except for Parents v Cubs week).
• Help with activities - the activities vary from week to week but you help could include working with small groups (Sixes) to make sure they understand what has been said, encouragement and advice with spelling. Generally the leaders will present something to the whole group before we then break into smaller groups for the detailed work.
• Help the leaders keep control. One of the biggest problems you will quickly discover is noise. We try not to expect too much, after all the Cubs aren't in school. However, there are times when quiet is required and normal good manners should be enough to stop the children talking when a leader or helper is trying to explain something. This is particularly the case during flag break and flag down where good behaviour is expected. When a leader puts up his right hand the Cubs are expected to be quiet and put up their hand to show they understand.

You will quickly see that the biggest problem we have is getting everybody to be quiet and to stay quiet while we explain the next activity. An extra pair of eyes targeting the noisy Cubs is invaluable. Don't wait to be asked - if you spot a Cub being disruptive please feel free to tackle them. Unfortunately, the leaders can't always see what is going on as they have to deal with the needs of the whole group rather than one disruptive individual. This is where you come in.

Will we be outside?
During the Summer Term part or all of our meeting is often outside - weather permitting. Some of the tracks in the woods can be a little muddy and the grass on the field is long and may be wet. It can also become a little chilly for those of us not running around. In addition, the midges can be very annoying so you may like to bring a hat.

Crossing the road
On the way to the woods we have to cross the road. Although not very busy, the traffic can be very fast and appear suddenly round the bend. We are trying to ensure that a safe procedure is followed for crossing. The Cubs are told to make their way to the road but to wait on the path until the leaders arrive. When the road is clear the leaders will cross to halfway. Only then are the Cubs told to cross - which they should do quickly and between the leaders.

Emergency Exits
There are two exits from the hall. One is through the main doors. The other is via the fire exit in the hall. Once out of those doors follow the edge of the building round to the right. The assembly point following any emergency is the grass area opposite the hall.

What happens if I cannot come?
Sometimes it will not be possible to help on the week you have chosen. Please try to arrange a swap with another parent so that we are not left without any help. It is probably easier for you to do this through your contacts than for us to try and find somebody who is free at short notice.