Laurie

Not all that long ago I posted about a child that was just creating all sorts of problems for leaders and the other boys in the pack. Because there were issues with him in the neighborhood as well, I knew I couldn't be as fair as someone else, so the CC stepped in. Together, the CC and DLs mapped out a plan of action, and it was for all boys, not just this one. They began to talk to any boy misbehaving immediately, but off to the side where other boys couldn't hear. They decided which leader was best able to talk to which boy. The parents have all (not just this one boy--but all) been talked to, just to let them know how things are going, how their sons are doing, and how they can help. Most parents weren't interested and were "stop and drop" parents in this den. Now most stay and are willing to lend a hand. In fact, they have begun to ask for more activities to help with and would like to see a more active program (as in more family outings and family nights). Everything that was done was done using the Cub Scout Leader Handbook, Youth Protection Training materials, and the advice of the UC. The happy part (it's not an ending, but maybe a new beginning) is that the boy who was so difficult is now having a lot of fun, is very interested and contributing to den meetings and pack meetings, and his family has begun to be involved too. So, we sure had a tough time with this one boy (everyone was at their wits' ends with him, including his family), but now he's delightful. Not because of anything other than giving him (and because it's Cubs, his family too) a chance to try out new and fun things with the opportunity to succeed in them. I figure if I share the gripes, I should share the successes too

We made quality unit this past year, and it did not come easily, but it was all due to following the program materials--training, adding summer events/meetings, the basics really. Most of our leaders are now fairly new, but all are excited though just a little tired as change didn't come easy and not without some mighty big challenges. Now, looking ahead, here's some of what we'd like to do to increase the program in the pack: * Raingutter regatta. Our thinking is to use some of our fundraising money to purchase 2 kits per Cub, asking each Cub to build his own boat plus ask a friend to build a boat for the day. We would provide at least one workshop day/evening for those in need of tools/assistance they might not have at home. This would double as a fun summer activity and recruiting tool. * Brochures. We want to recruit, and we're in the process of planning out next year's program already. Though we love the BSA brochures, we were thinking that something designed using information and photos directly related to our unit would be better received. We have releases for parents/guardians to sign, and we have a couple of committee members who have great ideas to put on paper. * Camping. We have already gone from 0 camping trips to 1 camping trip last year. That was such a hit, that we have 2 trips planned this year. Both are in the summer, 1 in council, 1 out of council. * Council/district events. We had not taken part in council or district events before (not sure why). However, we have some super opportunities. One is the Valley Forge Pilgrimage this weekend; we're going. Another is the Camporee for the Boy Scouts; though the troop from our CO does not go, the Webelos expressed interest and I've a contact who will give the Webelos a tour of the Camporee. Council camp offers some fun day-long activities; we've signed up for all of them. Additionally, we are taking part in council-run fundraising activities, and we have 2 leaders on day camp staff for the district. Does anyone see any problems above? If you see something that you think could/should be done differently, please say so. We planned out our activities this way: 1 pack meeting per month, 2-4 den meetings per month (a den meeting may be replaced with a field trip any time), 1 family outing or workshop per month. In summer the pack meetings are replaced with outdoor activities and the den meetings cut back significantly, so basically the focus is just switched to the outdoors. I'm the new Cubmaster, and program is what I like best. The boys in the pack say they are enjoying their den and pack meetings, like being acknowledged for advancements in the den and pack meetings, and have expressed some "wants" of their own (all addressed in the above items). It's just nice to know more experienced Scouters who can provide feedback for some of this. Our CR is supportive of all that is planned as is our UC. The DE has been happy to see us activitely fundraising and participating in district events and roundtables. We seem to be healthy, but I know I'm not objective when it comes to something I'm involved in. Feedback welcomed--TIA!

Wheeler, welcome to the forums. I confess though to being puzzled at your posts. As I read them, I feel as though I am preached down to. You wrote, "This is about giving you an intellectual basis for the things we believe in." Are you a Scout or Scouter? I am a Cub Scouter and Scouter, and when it comes to Scouting, I understand the program fairly well, continue in training and in discussion with fellow Scouters to learn even more (often by discussion here on these forums), and I know from experience that the program that is effective. I'm not sure where philosophy fits into this, but I do know that singing silly songs with Cubs, watching Cubs and Scouts try out and learn new skills, seeing them all grow and mature in the safe atmosphere designed for success in Scouting provides opportunities for them to grow into capable young men who have who will hopefully continue to contribute positive things to society. That is what happens in the program. I don't need an argument in support of it and have not asked for one; I believe in the Scouting program and will support it because it works. "Raising and training boys is not an haphazard, willy-nilly, approach." How true. I would hope that you don't mean to imply that the program or the leaders are haphazard or willy-nilly? The BSA is anything but that. That is what appeals to me--the clearly though out design to address and provide for age-specific activities to address character, citizenship, and phyical fitness.

Kevin, have you found what you need? This is a project that got my attention, and I really would like to hear how it goes if you're willing to share how you did this.

Boredom had my nephew drift away for awhile, almost quitting completely. So, I got the ok from my son's SM, and he was invited to attend meetings at this troop. He was still registered, just inactive. He learned how to use the saw and ax, has some safety review on knives, then he ended up heading back to his own troop to ask his SM if he could show him what he learned. He was awarded his Totin' Chip and began to advance again pretty much immediately. The other boys wanted this too, so the program was added to. And when he came back, other boys did too. Yep, one person can make a difference. I asked him WHY he stopped going, then I helped him to see he had other options. That was time well spent, and Scouting will be stronger for this young man sticking to it.

I personally don't consider review the same as retest. It seems that everything in the SM book on page 120, which I did read, is about developing a relationship between the Scout and the SM. It would seem to be a time to express concerns, goals, likes and dislikes, a time to encourage the Scout and get to know him better as the Scout gets to know the SM better. This is not what I have seen in practice though, and I've not yet attended any Scout training (just Cub training), but it seems as though the word review is used as retest by some. That's what I've seen, and that's why I asked the question.

Boy Scout Handbook: no mention of retesting; focus seems to be on reveiwing the experience, helping set goals, and developing a relationship with the SM. Scoutmaster Handbook: Again, no reference is made to retesting or even to testing during a SM conference. The four steps are 1) a Scout learns, 2) a Scout is tested, 3) a Scout is reviewed (SM Conference then BOR), and 4) a Scout is recognized. In bold print under BOR, it is stated that the board is not to retest. That isn't said in the SM conference portion. Troop Committee Guidebook: "The purpose of the conference is to ensure that the Scout is ready for his board of review." No mention of testing here either. To me this seems to leave the door open to retest at the SM Conference, but I'd also like to hear more. What is the difference between reviewing and retesting?

Proud Eagle: The BSA Legal site is new and the link is posted on National's front page. I visit there regularly to check out new things (programs particularly), and I just spotted the legal site this week.

I was in Girl Scouts, made it to Cadette, would have continued, but the troop folded due to lack of interest. I would have gone to another, but I didn't know how to find one. My husband made it to Star or Life (not sure which but HE knows), loved Boy Scouts, and his troop folded. He didn't know he could go to another one either; all he knew was that Scouting in his area was done with. We each have regrets, for we each wanted to continue, had a good time, learned a lot, have fond memories of Scouting. We are both leaders with our sons' units now because we know how important it is to have leaders so units don't fold. (We also just happen to love the BSA )

"The Webelos badge on the Boy Scout uniform should be a moot point. If a boy has his Arrow of Light, why doesn't he have his Scout badge by his first or second troop meeting?" Good question. For my son, he didn't receive his Arrow of Light insignia OR Webelos badge of rank until he bridged. Therefore, since he had worked hard and waited so long, I did put both on his uniform after asking about it and noone having a conclusive answer for me. He earned Boy Scout right away, but he was made to wait 6 months for the badge, and by that time he received Tenderfoot too. The delays create a problem when a boy is excited about wearing his rank badges, so though I'm a stickler for rules, I did put my son's Webelos insignia on so he could enjoy it for awhile. A loooong while.

Hmmm...tough question. Politicians will be either criticized or praised for their party affiliations as well as personal lives. Actors, performers, athletes--not sure there's one that will make everyone happy. There would be those with great stories to tell who would be wonderful, but would they draw the big numbers and/or money? I'm thinking of the hero stories in Boys' Life--great stories to promote the BSA are found in these young men. This is a tough call, for those who would clearly be pro-BSA without a platform of some sort would be also lesser known than those who would have either a platform or a story that is inconsistent with Scouting. Thought-provoking question, Dan, and I look forward to hearing what others have to say.

I'd just like to say thank you to all who have been "signing" Ryan's guestbook. Bless you for doing so. I did not know he had taken a turn for the worse (the cancer has increased a lot--we were hoping he just had a sinus infection) when I originally posted, so the timing is particularly special. Ryan enjoyed his Pinewood Derby this past Saturday and begins celebrating his birthday today, with more celebrations to follow. As for me being a special aunt, thank you, but it's really easy to just love this little boy; he's amazing Thanks again, for you've touched many lives with your notes: when Ryan smiles, all his family's hearts are touched in ways that words can't give justice to.

Oh, well, if he's lurking, then... Congratulations to you on the new position! May you continue to be a blessing to all those around you as you serve, and you may be blessed in the new relationships you form and in all that you do!

I did clear this with the forum owners as I don't want to abuse the boards, so now I'd like to ask a simple favor: would you help me to wish my nephew a happy birthday? He has cancer, and he was first diagnosed a week after his 6th birthday. He beat it, but then he had a recurrence. He beat that one too, but he had a second recurrence. His name is Ryan, he's turning 10 next week, and he is still battling that third round of cancer. To keep families and friends updated on Ryan, I set up a website for him, and it has a guestbook. He loves receiving messages in it, and it's such a simple way to cheer him up that I thought I'd ask here for you to help spread goodwill to our Ryan. By the way, he is a Cub Scout. His younger brother is a Cub too, and his older brother is a Boy Scout. Their dad is a den leader, and their granddad (my dad ) has been involved in Scouts for about 30 years now. Most importantly, Ryan is a little boy with a big battle, and he fights it with courage and a smile; he's simply amazing. Thanks for allowing me to come here and ask your help in celebrating Ryan and helping him keep smiling as he turns 10. His site is: http://www.caringbridge.org/page/aunt.lauries.ryan (This message has been edited by Laurie)

Mark asked: "OK, bring on the pointing fingers and the laughing, but I can't figure out what this is in reference to. Can anyone fill me in?" I'm with you Mark, and I've been wondering that since the first post. I wondered what information was provided that created a problem for someone.(This message has been edited by Laurie)

KS -- I am the Cubmaster now That's an excellent idea about the DL attending training too; thank you.

I was thinking along the same lines as Mike F. I personally enjoy taking photos, and have even been published (once ), so maybe you could find someone in a troop or pack that would do this for you OR even a professional photographer who would tag along to some events and get candids for you. During our day camp, we had a professional photographer who volunteered his time/photos. Also, if you've seen websites whose photos you like, you might want to try contacting the webmaster. Maybe they can get a clearer image with better resolution for you. Another thought: if you happen to locate negatives that anyone might have or digital prints, try having a professional lab technician do the processing. Someone who understands colors can make almost anything look fantastic. Good luck, and great idea!

Thank you FScouter. I have the SM Handbook, so thanks for pointing me to a reference too. This may be done already, and we just didn't know because it would be done rather informally with the SM. I was thinking along the lines of something more structured.

Bob wrote: "...While the BSA encourages all junior leaders to attend TJLT as the second step of their leadersip training, ..." What is the first step of leadership training? My son is just 11, but he wants to be a Den Chief. We have a Den Chief helping in one of the dens now, but he is as yet untrained--though he has purchased the handbook and has learned all he can independently. To my knowledge, there is no training offered within the troop for the boys, but there is a Den Leader Training in the spring and a JLTC in the summer.

Thank you for sharing such a positive story!

Dear Mike, my deepest sympathies to you and the family and the Scouts and Scouters this young man was known to. This is a tragedy, and my prayers are with you all.

Eamonn, I wasn't clear. First, those who are registered with the troop for their primary registration and led Webelos last year still have boys in the pack. Instead of taking on a new den for their younger sons (they did not want to), they were willing to work on the committee. As of this month, the den leader with the most tenure has been involved for 1.5 years. This time next year, only 2 adult leaders won't have sons bridging into a troop--with the exception of the committee members who were once Webelos den leaders. We have some serious recruiting to do, but for now, having some leaders stay on provides continuity, keeps them involved in a different way with their sons, and helps those of who are newer to learn what worked and what didn't from them. They are open to change, by the way, so it's not as though we have to do things they are always were done. With this info, does that concern you? One more question to toss your way: I was considering staying on after my son bridged, perhaps as Pack Trainer. What are the pitfalls in this? It is very hard to keep leaders, and it especially hard to recruit. Though I recruited 4 leaders from within our pack last year, there is not one other parent interested in helping in any way. I know for I'm the one who approached them all.

acco40--thanks for the reminder. I actually am a multiple, as is my husband. In fact, this past year, once I learned that we could have multiples, recruiting got easier. Instead of saying goodbye to Webelos II leaders, I asked them to serve on the committee of the pack even though they registered with the troop. It's been neat to do this; it helped build up both the troop and the pack, and it provided for clearer communication between the two. So for those who didn't know, you don't have to let your Webelos den leaders go; you can just ask them to serve differently; they'll most likely have much to contribute

Thank you Bob. I will call to follow up, but I just wanted to be sure I wasn't misunderstanding what was required. We worked very hard this past year to get required people into place and trained, and to have to add to that would tough--at least in this timeframe.

Yes, I did list CC twice; the second one should have been CA. I have the paperwork in front of me now: "Adult Member Listing 1. Required adult leader postions *Chartered Organization Representative (CR) *Committee Chairman (CC) *Cubmaster (CM) *At least two Committee members (CC) I believe this s/b "MC" *At least one Den Leader (DL) *If the pack has Tiger Cub boys, at least one Tiger Cub Den Leader (TL) *If pack has Webelos age boys, at least one Webelos Den Leader (WL) *Assistant Cubmaster (CA) -- needed to qualify as a Quality Unit *Pack Trainer--a committee position, not one of the two required MC's *Chartered Organization Executive Officer (IH) 2. ...new adults...." This is what I have to work from, and there is no indication that any of these are optional, except maybe for CA which has a qualifier after it (to get Quality Unit).