When I just began as a Den Mom, I was so overwhelmed trying to figure out everything that I didn't focus too much on whether or not the boys wore their scout shirts. This year our Pack has strongly encouraged us Den Mamas to strongly encourage our boys to wear their shirts to all activities, so I decided I needed to step up my game.
At first, I tried doing candy...1 piece for wearing their shirt, 1 piece for being on time, etc. The only problem...my family and I would eat all the candy during the week, lol! Plus, candy is expensive, and I'm cheap. And I'm not really a fan of sugaring up the boys right before our den meeting (not very smart).
So then I heard about this idea at RoundTable, and I loved it! Its a Bead Jar...the boys get beads and when the jar is full, we buy a $5 Little Caesar's Pizza. Simple, easy, cheap! My scouts get 1 bead for wearing their shirt, 1 bead for being on time, 1 bead for good behavior (they get it at the end), and 1 bead for answering questions right.
Here's what you'll need to make your own jar:
- 1 (16oz) glass Mason Jar
- approx 800 plastic beads (just to the top of the ribbon)
- 1/4" ribbon or string
- clear contact paper (or clear packing tape)
- label (3"x2")
- tag (3"x2.5")
Here's the tag and label, just right-click and print picture:
Directions:
Print the label & tag and cut out. Cut out two squares of contact paper (or packing tape) to laminate the tag. Then tape the label to the smooth side of the jar. Hole punch the tag, thread the ribbon (restrain yourself on the ribbon...if you add too much, the boys will give you the 'look') lol. Pour in your beads until it reaches the top of the ribbon. You'll need a small plastic baggie to store the beads while the boys earn them.
I have 10 boys in my Den, so I figured they could earn up to 40 beads each week, 160 beads a month (they'll get beads for coming to Pack Meeting on time & wearing their shirt there, too).They will also get double the beads for being on time and wearing their shirts to any field trips. So they could easily earn a pizza in about 4 months, which is a good time frame to aim for. If it takes too long, they'll lose interest.
You'll have to do the math for your own den...if you have less boys, you may want to give out 2-3 beads, instead of 1, or add more ways to earn beads. Or use those decorative marbles (which take up more space).
Font: Tattoo Ink, available for free here.
