Kimble

On our last Big Trip one new Scout was outstanding in the way he helped others. Not only did he do his own duties, but always lent a hand to the other Scouts no matter which patrol. We'd like to recognize this Scout with something other than a "Good Job!" shout out at the next Troop meeting. Are there any non official awards or pins that can be given to a Scout? Cubs seemed full of these things.

Thanks,

Rob Carignan

Troop 1,

Portland, Maine

BSA policy (http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/resources/policyonchemicalfuels.aspx) cooking equipment that is "handcrafted, homemade, modified, or installed beyond the manufacturer’s stated design limitations or use." Among the not recommended fuels are "liquid alcohol fuels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured ethyl alcohol, and ethanol."

However, the policy goes on to say about these alcohol fuels, "liquid alcohol fuels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured ethyl alcohol, and ethanol; and other flammable chemicals that are not in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for chemical-fueled equipment."

I read this as a commercial alcohol stove, such as Trangia, is permitted as long as it is fueled and used per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Am I mistaken on how I rwead this policy?

So, does that mean I now have to register my minister? I would have thought the COR would have those duties vested in the position.

I was just attempting to recharter online (yes, I'm very late) and a red flag came up saying we needed an Executive Officer. I don't remeber that last year and can't find any reference to an XO in the Committe information webpages.

I got a lot of red flags to tell you the truth. It seems I can't be the CC, Cubmaster or a Webelos Den leader at the same time.

I've come to the realization that the Pack is dying out. We're down to 7 boys on paper. I'm he Cubmaster...and every committee position.

What do I do?

My Chartered Org is a church with it's own issues (three churches merged. They've decided to sell the church we met in. Bib bombshell last Sunday).

What do I tell my Chartered Org Rep? What do I ask for?

How do I ask my Council for help and what help do I ask for?

I'm discouraged.

We've had one family which specifically dropped out due this summer's policy issue. They were nice about it too; they came to me as Cubmaster and explained their decision. They also wanted to let me know it had nothing to do with me and the Pack and that they really enjoyed their time in Scouts.

I have another family who's Mom was a Leader who dropped off the face of the earth in May. I've left several messages and posts on her Facebook page. In May her Facebook status went to "In a relationship" and this summer she became "Engaged." It's a same sex relationship.

Now this first situation was very amicable. We see each other at school and sport events. The second situation really bothered me because when she was a single mother I went out of my way to accomodate her. We changed out calendar so she and her son could attend events and everyone even paid their way a couple times. I know she probably dropped out of Scouts because she came out of the closet, but geez, call me at least! Over the summer my many messages simply asked for a yes or no answer on whether or not she was still in the Pack. Not a word.

I seem to have ranted a bit

> The Chartered Org Rep is the King. Doesn't move much, but if you lose them, the game is over.

Really? I'm into my third year as a Scout parent (beginning my second as CM) and the CO has always been a penciled in name when it's time to re-register. For several years it was the old CM's wife, I think.

HI all,

I'm a 3rd year parent who is just through his first full year as Cubmaster. My son joined as a Wolf - but I was not involved then as we had a two year old I needed to watch. Two years ago I became the Bear Den leader in January when the then leader disappeared (he asked me to help for a month or two. never saw him again). Last year I became the Cubmaster.

We have a very small unit of a dozen Cubs. I don't want to be the Do Everything Cubmaster, but I find myself wearing _every_ hat.

The Scouts AND Parents like me as Cubmaster. We've done things. We've had real Pack meetings with costumes and skits. We had a Blue & Gold that wasn't pizza.

Personally, I have a hard time asking for help; perhaps I'm afraid parents will say no. Perhaps I don't know really how to ask.

I *want* to have a quality program. I *want* involved kids and parents. I *want* parents to have a vested interest by sharing the work. I want this for my own son an the other kids. I had a great Cub Scout experience when I was that age.

At this moment, we have me, the Cubmaster, two Den Leaders and a Chartered Org Rep / treasurer who I think wouldn't mind retiring. That's it. No Committee.

My question to all is: Could I ask my Chartered Org to appoint a new Rep who would have an interest in the program? Could I ask members of the Chartered Org to help serve on the Committee at least temporarily?

Who can I ask locally for help? Is this the area of responsibility for the Unit Commissioner? This thread (http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=357794) seemed to tell me that.

Thanks in advance for all your replies,

Rob Carignan

Cubmaster, Pack 3