Fear of returning to Cubs?

[ReassureTheCubScout]

DC is 8, and a Cub.

They had some medical treatment before Christmas so missed a few weeks of cubs including the Christmas events. It wasn’t expected treatment but I did let the cub leader know via email who emailed me back as if speaking to DC saying not to worry, get better soon and we’ll see you when you come back (think like a broken bone requiring surgery or an infection that required IV antibiotics in hospital).

Tomorrow is the first night back. But DC is saying they’re scared they’re in trouble because they’d committed to helping with a Christmas event but then the treatment took priority. In my email to the leader, I mentioned the event but in their reply the leader didn’t.

I’ve told DC that I doubt they’re in any trouble at all, but if they want to make up for it maybe they can help at the next event (and I offered to explain that to the leaders for DC) but DC is saying they can’t go back to Cubs.

They don’t want to give it up as they enjoy it, they don’t want to change groups and they don’t want me to mention it to either the leaders or any of their friends at Cubs or School.

AIBU to ask how I can reassure DC?

For added context DC loves cubs, has helped at every event since joining apart from this one before Christmas so that’s why I think the leader didn’t mention it in the email because it’s not like we make a habit of letting them down. I've said this to DC and they insist that they have to go if they say they're going, no amount of saying "But the leaders would have rather you'd had your treatment" is working.

Just take him to Cubs, then he'll see that it's no big deal.

Constantly talking and worrying about it will make it a bigger issue in his head than it is.

Take him, perhaps speak to the Akela in person when you go there.

Just take him. Read previous thread about anxiety in kids. Act confident as a parent

Contact the leader beforehand and ask them to speak to him and provide reassurance when he arrives. I like your suggestion of offering to help with a future event.

Why do they not believe you when you tell him that they are not in trouble. That what happened was not their choice and they can just help out next time??
If necessary can you get the nice cub leader to send a specific message ( a voice note even?) to say the same thing?
Personally I’d be doing a breezy and firm “of course you’re not in trouble. You were ill. Let’s go and find what exciting things will be happening at cubs this term”

You are making too much of a meal of this. You tell the child that no, he is not in trouble, it's a new year with new projects and events, and that is that, and that his friends will be pleased to se him back there, and better. Bright and breezy goodbye at drop off, and in he goes. All this constant reassurance will make him insecure.

As PP have said, take the lead OP!
"Of course you're not in trouble, anymore than you would be if you had to miss school because you were ill! Arkela told me how much they're looking forward to seeing you - now get your coat!"

This