Our pack usually has a very basic Pinewood seminar open to the entire pack. The seminar does not include a 'hands-on' workshop with tools. I have always set up a workshop for my oldest son's den that includes most if not all of the necessary power and hand tools. I always man the bandsaw and assign other capable parents to the drill press, electric coping saw, and other power tools. Though the group is large at 12 boys, they are good kids and the parent helpers always have control of their station. The boys are respectful to our leader and to me, the assistant.
My quandary arises from how to handle my younger son's den. I would like to offer the workshop to his den as well. This is another large group, with about 12-14 eight year-olds. Most of them have outstanding behavior, but nearly half have significant problems with self-control. I recently led a den meeting that covered proper use of hand tools. Though we broke into smaller groups, some of the boys had a serious lack of control and nearly hurt others or themselves with items such as a screwdriver. Teaching our challenging ones how to drive nails with a hammer virtually required one-on-one hands-on supervision to prevent injuries. Unfortunately, if the parents are present they rarely step in and help to keep their boys in line.
We have great leaders and assistants, but they usually have their hands full.I think Cub Scouts is an excellent venue for boys to learn many skills, including how to behave in a group. Though I would like to, I am a little reluctant to put this group in a room full of power tools and less than optimal adult supervision. Though the group was a little 'iffy' with hand tools, I feel good about that meeting and everyone walked away unscathed. However, I think combining power tools with poor parental supervision may be a recipe for disaster. Also, I don't think selective invitation would be fair.
Any suggestions or opinions would be most appreciated
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