We are
A Special Needs Friendly Pack
Defined by Scouting America, a Special Needs Friendly (SNF) pack accommodates scouts with special needs more than traditional units. All scouts receive the regular program features of Scouting for their age level. The special needs in the unit usually lean toward “hidden” or “invisible” special needs, such as dyslexia/dysgraphia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and expressive/receptive communication delays, though this varies by pack. Support gets built into our everyday operating methods, but the experience strongly resembles traditional Scouting.
What does this look like?
Since its founding in 1910, Scouting America has a long history of including members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities as fully participating members. This commitment stems from the organization’s core values of inclusivity and the belief that all youth should have the opportunity to benefit from the Scouting program.
As a special needs friendly pack, if there are any accommodations that our cubs need, we can assist in supporting them and communicating the needs to the den leaders. This can be anything from notifying the den of food allergies, providing additional resources to ensure comfort when attending any meetings or events, or specific accommodations for rank requirements. As a special needs friendly pack, accommodations are not specific to children with a diagnosis. If there is anything that we can do to help your child feel more comfortable, we want to work with your family to ensure that happens.
Scouting defines inclusion as “An attitude and approach that seeks to ensure every person, regardless of ability or background, can meaningfully participate in all aspects of life.” Inclusion is an approach, not a program. It is an attitude, not an activity. Every youth should have a chance to become his or her best self. Scouting is committed to this ideal and seeks to have every youth have the opportunity to be a Scout.
Accommodations we have made in the past include:
- Accommodating food allergies
- Including movement breaks
- Adjusting the uniform for sensory needs
- Sharing event and meeting schedules ahead of time
- Including fidget items in den kits
- Allowing children to receive recognition at smaller den events instead of large pack events
- Prior notice to changes in routine when available
The Cub Scout Motto is Do Your Best!
Cub Scout advancement is easily compatible with special needs and disabilities. The standard of performance is “Do Your Best”. The Scout’s “best” does not mean you have to be successful to get credit for completing a requirement, but the Scout does have to make a good faith effort.
Reach out to our New Member Coordinator and Special Needs Chair Brielle Easton for more information.
Email: [email protected]