New Cub Scouts Collectors

My grandson is now a Bear Cub Scout. Soon they will be discussing stamp collecting and I thought that I would build up some stamp packets for the den (20+ scouts). But, stamp packets is only part of what they would need. Albums, magnifying glass, perf guage, tongs, catalogs, hinges etc. My idea is to build a half dozen packets, purchase cheap albums for each member then let them share a couple of catalogs, tongs etc.

I also thought that I would have a "special" stamp as a givaway at each meeting. Everyone puts their name in a hat and a name is drawn.

I'm very open to suggestions. I suppose I can create some album pages with just blank spots where they can write in the catalog numbers. There is a stamp browes in Atlanta this weekend and I hope to pick up some stuff there.

If I can get a couple of these young boys interested then it'll be worth it. If not, then its just my time and a few bucks.

Art

If the giveaways create any interest, find one or two of these big-bag-o-thousand-stamps. Those should feed many giveaways. You might also find out if U.S. or worldwide is more popular. Sounds like it could be fun!

A couple tidbits from what I have seen with cub scouts (and kids in general) the smaller the album the better. Don't try to give a 20 pound Citation to a kid :) Hitler stamps are a hit, as well as Disney and Pixar. larger stamps are preferred.

Hi Art,

There are lots of resources available online that you can print out. The American Topical Association website has the following on their youth page:
1. over 50 different topical album pages
2. an "Introduction to Stamp Collecting" booklet
3. Topical Tidbits is a newsletter with lots of activities. The Sept./Oct. 2012 issue is all about stamp collecting. The pages in this issue could be printed and used as handouts for teaching about tools of the trade, stamp nicknames, how to use a catalog, special service stamps, etc.
4. There will also be a 2014 calendar posted soon. This could be printed and used as a prize. The images for the calendar came from Nethryk, a member on this forum.

If you want an activity using covers, the American First Day Cover Society youth website has two sets of cover templates that can be used with either the gingerbread stamps or the Santa set from last year.

There is also a PowerPoint presentation for the Boy Scout merit badge. I use certain slides from this all the time to illustrate certain concepts when working with youth (not just Boy Scouts). This is in the youth section at www.wfscstamps.org.

One thing I like to do is have kids bring a binder. That way any handouts can go straight in it. I also give them one of those clear, plastic page protectors for putting loose items in. They also use the binder for their album pages, whether they are stock sheets, ones I've created (the ones on the ATA site), or just plain graph paper.

Good luck and keep us posted on how things go.

SpanishMoss,

I appreciate the suggestions and the information. I have set aside many stamps for the scouts but only U.S. so it might be an uphill battle in finding any interest.

Each stamp packet contain 24 stamps, no duplicates and no damaged stamps. My idea is to show them how to use a catalog, build teams of 3 or 4 and have them determine the Scott number themselves. They can swap stamps between each other or give them away. I plan on starting slow and easy. Each meeting I'll hand out another packet to each and talk about another part of the hobby.

Thanks again,
Art

I have some stamps I would be thrilled to donate. Do you want some foreign stamps- trains and airplanes ?? Send me an email of where to send them.

Do kids today even know who Hitler was? I guess they do...