Laurie

So many exciting things are happening that I couldn't begin to list them all. I know... I started to, but the post went on and on and on and... In a nutshell, the DE says we have a healthy district. All that I hear in meeting fellow Cub Scouters and Scouters bears that out (not that I'm not willing to take his word for it, but I do get to see the proof of it too, and that's pretty cool). Leadership levels? From time to time leader training takes a hit, but the pack I serve is small but active and healthy and ready to hold some recruiting activities. It is leader training that is making the difference. The leaders who used the handbooks and came up with their own programs were fine leaders. However, they have less stress and more fun and feel like they are truly accomplishing something purposeful now that they better understand the program. YPT was the one I really pushed; we got our own Fast Start video to circulate; this is a good start. Anyone not trained for his/her current position is taking training soon and wants to. As leaders get trained, they want to attend Roundtables. In attending RTs, we have met fellow leaders. This has led to something we discussed this past week: a couple of packs getting together to have an informal but fun get-together. We have 3 places picked out and commissioners in support of this. This just might grow into a district-wide event of some sort--hard to say right now. I have been promoting the pack I serve and Scouting in general, and at this past RT, I shared a post I made here because of some private messages sent to me. It is being circulated, and it may be used to help with PR. And to me, this is downright exciting. Cubs in this area? It's going well. Could it be better? Sure, but that's part of the excitement now: we are working as a leadership team within individual units and units are helping other units. When one unit struggles, others offer assistance and encouragment. I see Cubs getting better because the passion for the program is growing, and that's got to be good. My own sons? Only one is in a pack any longer, but both think it's "so cool" to have a mom this involved (maybe because I have added to the program--maybe because I stay out of their way--and ideally a blend of both ). My husband, a Scouter only, joined the Cub Scout committee because he caught the vision too. And our daughter: future crew member is my guess because she already thinks she is a Boy Scout--lol! Thanks for asking Eamonn! And this is the short version--lol!

This is a fantastic accomplishment! I too am impressed. I loved this comment: What kept him going was a sense of curiosity and a passion for exploration. You can learn a lot from all these people who know things about a particular area, Zelenskei said. Even if you dont remember everything, you take away bits and pieces of useful knowledge. Now that is what those merit badges are all about! I'm printing and sharing this article with our troop. Thanks Eisely!

Do you have an answering machine? If you are concerned about future calls of this nature, one thing I was advised to do by the phone company was to utilize the answering machine. Instead of just answering the phone, all calls were screened and then recorded unless I pushed the off button after hearing who was calling. However, this was important: they told me to put a message on the machine that all calls were being recorded and to please hang up if they did not wish for the call to be recorded. It put a stop to the calls I was getting. Just a thought. As for the rest, I hope this works out and have no advice to offer, just a sincere wish for you and the troop that this all works out soon.

fotoscout typed: As for Baloo, I'll repeat something I've said before; Baloo doesn't give you health and safety knowledge necessary to go into the woods with 5 boys or 50 boys. In fact I have to wonder if it provides a false sense of confidence to those people who should really not be leading a camping trip. Fotoscout, could you elaborate please? We spent time going over hygiene, first aid, cooking among other things. There was a great deal of detail provided to us, but we were also given handouts that elaborated on what was presented. What would you like to see in BALOO that isn't there? To me it seemed pretty thorough, though I did sign up for a First Aid class after taking it and I did contact the trainer with some follow-up questions. TIA!

EagleKY posts: I wonder what impact it may have on Cub Leader recruiting if National changes the focus and puts more emphasis on the outdoor program. Will it be harder to get moms to be den leaders? (Ladies, don't be offended by that). Will it be easier to get dads to be leaders? Something to think about... None taken here Interesting thought. Interesting thing that took place in our pack--I think leaders may have been tired--lots to do, too few doing it for awhile. It was mostly male leadership, and they did nothing outside except for one campfire, one overnighter, and one picnic (but the camping was dropped a couple years back). Then the moms wanted to see more camping and more outdoor time. My first role as a leader was to get camping up and running again. Now we have a 50/50 split in leadership. Funny thing: the outdoor part of the program got more moms interested. The dads who weren't interested before, they got interested--and some registered--when they were asked to run the Pinewood derby and help with a workshop.

If you are devoid of the capacity to plan a four meal, one night Den campout then you are surely lacking leadership qualities. If spending a night in the outdoors frightens the beejeebies out of you than you certainly dont have a scouting/adventurous spirit. That was not exactly a Scout-like comment regardless of who it was aimed at. If this was directed to me, I am not afraid, nor am I unable to plan out a camping trip for a heck of lot longer than a weekend. What I am is aware of the many different factors at play, including that of knowing the boys and their families and what they are ready for. Introducing Cubs to camp using an existing program has created a desire for more camping. I guess I'm puzzled as to why you'd have a problem with a leader acknowledging his/her limitations and acting accordingly to do what is best for the boys. Vote here: The Den Campout rule should be amended to allow for a conditional Den overnighter? No. Every campout, with the exception of Webelos campouts, is for the entire pack. If only boys from a particular den take part, and that does happen, then the den issue is addressed. However, I would love to hear a clearer explanation of why National has this policy. It seems many of us hear different explanations. By the way, back to the original post: I do understand your frustration at planning a camping trip that people backed out of. That would be rough.(This message has been edited by Laurie)

I sat through 2 FOS presentations recently--one in our district, one in another. Each was less than 5 minutes, each was enthusiastic (as in the presenter really believed in what he was doing), and each was different. One of them did something that may have hurt in collections. How do I tactfully point this out? You see, the district has merged by absorbing another district into it. The area we serve is made up, for the most part, of people who have moved out of that particular area and/or hold prejudices against it (the hostilities rang from simply not liking the area to engaging in drive-by shootings between the high school represented in one district and the high school recently added to the district). I am not saying this is right, but it is the reality. I am afraid the presenter didn't know his audience, or he'd have steered clear of or at least downplayed the need for funds to support the expanded district. By the way, using advice others gave, we put the FOS presentation first in the order of events. Then the focus turned to fun. I too was looking forward to the presentation, but was disappointed due to the above item mentioned.

We used to stop meetings in March, be then we lost 30 boys last year. I was already unhappy with a 6-month program as opposed to a 12-month program, so I pushed (gently) to extend the year. Last year, we didn't plan much in advance, but we did have a family overnighter at council camp, sent 5 boys to day camp, held 2 carwashes, held a flag ceremony for a local senior community at their request, and some den leaders decided to extend meetings since the boys and their families were enjoying the extras. The first week in June ends the school year, so we held a big picnic/barbecue that week, then had the activities named above. This year, we have more of a plan. We hold den meetings until the end of May (though in March we drop one meeting per month to give leaders a break, and then in June stop all den mtgs). We have pack meetings from Sept (roundup) through June. As meetings as possible are moved outdoors to take advantage of nice weather and because the boys have been inside long enough by the time of the meeting. We have 2 camping trips, day camp, an outside outing all planned already. We are currently discussing with families adding on about 3 more outings. The calendar is year-round, and we have built up the pack yet, but we now have something to promote. This year, as we find scheduling problems, conflicts in the community, etc, we make note of that and are already addressing it for next year. In fact, we have already begun to plan camping and hikes for next year; we learned that we need more time. Good luck, and have fun! I love summer with Cubs.

With all due respect, Its Me, what I learned this past year in BALOO and other training actually does jive with an awful lot of what Proud Eagle posted. My sources of information outside of the actual training time were the books that Bob refers to. I am the only BALOO trained leader, and for awhile was the only leader trained in Youth Protection. That has been changing, and we are in better shape to go camping. Setting up a camping trip was not easy for us. The desire was there, but the actual practice of camping was not. For me, it had been 20 years since I've camped. For many other leaders, they either hated camping outright or had little to no experience. What a challenge that is! Taking responsibility for a group of young boys, each at different maturity levels, even with their parents along (also at different maturity levels ) is what led me to pour over the books and training material and THEN plan a campout, the easiest possible. I rely on the information that National has made available to help guide me in making decisions, and so far, it hasn't failed me. Do I always get it? No, but it works for us in the limited time we've been addressing building up our Cub program. Our council runs fabulous family overnighters, and it was the perfect way to introduce our Cubs to camping along with the families. The cost was high, but it included everything--all we needed was a change of clothing and a sleeping bag or bedroll. Had I planned or helped plan a camping trip that was longer than one night, that required pitching a tent, that required cooking--we'd have lost most of our Cubs and their families to camping. We weren't ready for that. I think a huge part of planning must be thinking through all of these things, and I'm not saying you didn't, just that this is how I had to approach it. This year, we are repeating the family overnighter. Several new families are going. In addition, we have a tent camping trip planned for the pack, but so far only Webelos are attending. To be honest, I'm glad of that. I question if the others are ready; I question if some of the Webelos are ready (one is afraid of the dark, another of bugs, another hates the outdoors). We have some den leaders who want to plan yet another camping trip, but I have not agreed to it. That included the Webelos. Instead, I suggested a hike, an outdoor game day, a campfire at the CO. I have found many great places locally to spend time outdoors without the need for overnighters. The tent camping trip has some people uneasy, so I don't see the value in pushing two of them when one is offered. And then there is week-long day camp and resident camp. Resident camp: no takers this year. Day camp: numbers higher already than last year. Anyway, just my thoughts on Cub camping, which I support, but with great thought to who the boys who are going.

NJ: interesting you should say that. I have wondered if it wouldn't be a good thing to do, to learn to overcome a negative part of life and turn it around for good. As Scouters, don't we try to teach the youth we work to do this very thing? To rise above the circumstances and to learn to do more than they might even dream they could do? My little nephew with cancer. He has a choice: to complain about how unfair life is (and he'd be right!) or to do what he does do. He smiles, stays positive, has learned to use hearing aides, a walker, and as little help as possible from other people so that he can rise above his circumstances. He has learned more about being a man by age 10 than many at twice his age. Strength, courage, being cheerful when the odds are against you. One mark of growth, to me anyway, is that of learning to deal with one's circumstances and move forward anyway, not bitter, angry, or full of regret, but instead determined to do what is right and what is best and somehow be cheerful in that.(This message has been edited by Laurie)

Thank you all. These are excellent ideas that I'm sharing with others locally, and we will look into contacting our fire departments and maybe the burn unit. The reason that I ask this question is that it has become clear that some are not getting the message that fire is dangerous as well as a truly good thing.

NJ--I agree with your summary of how Wheeler joined in the Scouter.com discussions. The biggest difference I personally have noted between him and others who come here who do not support the BSA (either in part or in its entirety) is the open hostility to any who disagree with him and his contempt for women, not just in the BSA, but in general. Combine that with a refusal to learn about the BSA today, and it makes it hard to think of him as someone with a credible argument either for or against the BSA.

Ed, I asked this question of our DE and UC when filling out the charter renewal, and I was told by both that this meant the SM or CM. Since it required a signature by "unit leader", I wanted to ensure we had the correct signature. What I don't know is if there is a reference in the books to this effect; if so, I missed it.

I'm registered as Cubmaster, and that's my primary registration and the one I am uniformed and fully trained for. I am also registered as a committee member in a troop. I have fast-start training in this role, but that's it to date. Additionally, I have served on the district day camp staff but was not registered as a district volunteer. I've been asked to serve on a council committee. Are additional registrations needed for those roles?

Merlyn, thank you for that link. Yes, I do know that what my employer did was wrong, but thanks for pointing it out. Had someone not done so when the pressure was first put on me, I'd not have known any better. I did tell him that he could not force me to do this, and it was an interesting time though not one I care to repeat. Its Trail Day: Thanks for clarifying.

"Though I disagree with the decision, I would not, if I were a CT state worker, not give to their program. I would give directly to BSA, which I do." So, would you give to both? Or am I reading this wrong? It would seem as though giving to the program would mean that no funds would make it to the BSA via the program. I did something similar. When I looked into United Way years ago, when my boss was saying that I had to take part, I called the organizations I usually give to. They provided me with the numbers I needed to designate the funds. For reasons I do not understand, it really ticked off the boss. In any case, do the employees have a say in where their money goes? What if they don't want to support the organizations supported in this program? I'm not trying to pick an argument; I simply know that many people are choosy about how they give their money.

I'd like some advice on how to teach the importance of fire safety and how to keep kids from experimenting with fire and chemicals. Please share ways that you have helped youth to understand the responsibility that goes along with the fun of building a fire. Thank you.

Eamonn, these are the detailed people? Wow! Tough night. The boys are lucky to have you, you know. It would be a shame to see anyone lose Eagle because the adults let the ball drop on the paperwork, but I sure am sorry you ended up up with all this to do. Are you speaking the SE now--sounds like he set you up! My sympathies to you on this issue; poorly planned meetings are so draining. I'm with Buffalo--time for a hike

Actually, I did mean boys. I felt compelled to address how young boys grow into men with the assistance of Scouting. Yes, we have sons, and though our sons are young and just beginning in Scouting, I have a brother who is an Eagle Scout and a father who has been in Scouting for 25 or so years now, so I have witnessed Scouting first-hand, but only in the lives of boys to date. We also have been blessed with a daughter. We do teach our sons a bit differently in some respects than our daughter, but in the original post, I could put girl or young woman in place of boy or young man, and the message would still be the same. I have worked with youth for over 20 years, and it saddens me how hard life is for many youth and how often they have little help or hope. In Scouting, they get both. At the Venturing level, both young men and young women benefit from Scouting. Of that I've no doubt; I simply have not yet experienced that As for those who do not have children but are active in Scouting, I am so glad these people (several names come to mind) actively serving to help youth. They are a blessing indeed! Eamonn, you are a good man, and I thank you for your kind words. I know you don't flatter anyone, that you do understand and care deeply about Scouting, and being thought well of by you means a lot to me. I too enjoy working with fellow leaders...usually (This message has been edited by Laurie)

noskad -- This is the first time I've seen you post. Welcome to the forums!

Today my husband and I saw our sons off to school just as we do every day. We pray for their safety throughout the day after seeing that they have eaten well, and then we great them at the end of the day, glad to see them (until the homework battles begin, but life would be so dull without that!). One of their greatest responsibilities is school work as they are still rather young. We encourage this, applaud their efforts and praise their accomplishments, and challenge them to keep doing even better still. Scouting encourages academics, even enhances them by bringing much of what is learned in the classroom to life in ways too numerous to mention. When our sons head out to school, or even when visiting friends or exploring the wood and creek on our property, we know there is always the potential for them to meet someone who intends harm to them, youth or adult. We know they may meet up with those who use and sell drugs or those who carry/use weapons illegally. We teach them at home to look out for themselves, to protect each other, to be on the alert while still having fun, learning new things, and making friends. Scouting encourages independence while teaching how to use it properly, teaches values that guide boys as they grow into men how to make good solid choices in a world full of challenges, teaches them how to prepare for greater challenges ahead. Our children each have different personalities, characteristics, and strengths. We teach them to use to them to the best of their ability. We teach them and sometimes even push them to try new things that they aren't too keen on, that they aren't sure they can do, but they know they can "fail safely" at home. Scouting does this: provides many opportunies for young boys and young men to excel in what they do well and do learn to overcome weakness/more challenging areas. We teach our children what we believe about God, and we want them to have a firm foundation on which to base decisions, goals, values, their very lives. Scouting promotes religious beliefs; in fact, without a belief in God, one can't be part of Scouting--it's that important. We take our sons to the polls with us when we vote, talk about current issues, keep the lines of communication open to address all issues, and we teach them to respect all authority (though not to blindly accept it--but that's another thread), and we take part with them or support them in striking out on their own for service to the community. Scouting does this too. Scouting provides a safe haven for boys to learn skills and values that will stay them their entire lives. It does help shape who they are, what kind of men they will be. It is one part of their lives though. My hope is that it is a significant part which provides a positive influence on their lives while at the same time being a safe place. For many boys, this is the only time they will feel safe or will find support. Not all have family supporting them, and though Scouting does not and cannot take the place of the family (it promotes family, does not replace it), it often fills a void that many boys and young men have as they grow--that of regular daily support in a safe and loving environment. This is not an easy world. Our youth are criticized for not doing enough to contribute to society, for just hanging out on street corners, and on it goes. Scouting provides them an opportunity to do more, to set goals--high goals, and then to reach them. In Scouting, the adult leadership understands the challenges boys and young men face, and the adult leadership commits to helping them to make it. Make it to what? To being boys and young men trained in character, citizenship, and fitness. The BSA does not do this alone, but the BSA does care enough about the boys it serves to know not to underestimate what these boys and young men can do and what they can become. For the boys and young men who might read this, we (I am one of many) do believe in you and will continue to support you, for we know what a tough road you have ahead of you, and we want to see you succeed...and regardless of rank to also see you soar as though on the wings of an eagle!(This message has been edited by Laurie)

Not a problem Hops How can an adult help a boy who shies away from carrying out the program? Can you think of an example?

Hmmm...either a poorly worded question, Scouts who prefer to lurk only, or the adults are doing a fantastic job already

Can anyone give me some pointers on how best to introduce Emergency Preparedness BSA? Details are here... http://www.scouting.org/pubs/emergency/award.html What I'd like to hear is who has done this and what did you find worked well? Several pack leaders and my Boy Scout son are attending a Red Cross first aid class later this month; my son and I will take CPR separately, then my husband and other son will take the classes. Expense is a big factor with first aid training--any tips for that? TIA!

The Good Turn For America, details found here: http://www.goodturnforamerica.org/ is very appealing to me to put into practice in the pack. What we are planning on doing is the following: 1) To address food. We are planning to have more food drives, and since the CO is on the emergency call list for those waiting on food stamps, WIC, and the like, we know there's an ongoing need. Therefore, rather than one food drive, we'll have 3 or 4 -- or we'll begin to collect food at pack meetings -- or we might do a combination of both. 2) To address physical fitness. Our graduation picnic is usually without a program. In fact, it's just been food and social time in the past. We changed it to graduation, and then I asked the dens to each contribute some games of their choice that the entire family can take part in. We are hoping to have an obstacle course, a game of soccer or kickball, maybe some baseball, badminton, croquet, and horseshoes. The idea is to get everyone on their feet and actively participating, but the boys get to plan it. We will add a family hike too, but that may not be until fall. Toys For Tots has had a shortage of gifts the past two years, particularly for boys the ages of the Cubs. I'll run the idea of a toy drive in conjuction with them by the committee and CO to see if we can help in that area. We are hoping to help with gardening and clean up around the CO, but rather than once a year, maybe a couple times per year. We have done nothing for them for a couple of years, so we'd like to get more involved in lending a hand. Many of the members of this church are elderly too, so having some younger folks around should be a good thing. I'm open to ideas, and I'd love to hear what others are doing.