Laurie

Am I mis-reading the inspection sheet? I read that the badge placement is the same on the khaki shirt as on the blue, and this is what I passed on to the pack this past year. If I am incorrect, I'd like to fix that. Thanks!

My son was the only boy remaining in blue when he bridged, but he did not want to give up his insignia until he changed uniforms. I checked the leader book and uniform inspection sheet, and a Webelos had the option to wear all diamonds, including the Webelos diamond, if he has not earned the Tiger rank. There is an on-line inspection sheet here:

http://www.scoutstuff.org/misc/isheets/index.html

The Eagle discussion brings up an important point to me. I know 13- and 14- year-old boys who are very mature, and then there are those who are immature even into adulthood. One of the very appealing things to me in Scouting is that each boy has the opportunity to set his own goals, work at his own pace, and so long as he meets the requirements, his age should not matter.(This message has been edited by Laurie)

Any one element might be a little sloppy, might not work the first time, or might work right away -- but we Scouters have to take the program, believe in it, learn it and practice it, and then we will see the results. As we do so, we need to live by the Scout Law too because it helps to treat one another better even while handling difficult times and because we are always setting an example. Just today I was asked to help find a prayer for an Arrow of Light ceremony (scripting ceremonies was my biggest strength as well as joy, and how I'll miss that!), and this is what I found that I think helps answer what we do right:

Dear Lord, Bless all those everywhere who contribute to shape the hearts, minds and bodies of young people. Let us remember what they have taught and apply it daily.

When facing deceit and dishonesty, let us be Trustworthy. If we see hypocrisy and faithlessness, let us be Loyal. Where disregard of others and mere materialism prevail, let us be Helpful. When we find people in despair, let us be Friendly. In an atmosphere of ill manner, let us be Courteous. Where some measure manliness in brutality and crudeness, let us be Kind. Though lawbreaking and rule-scoffing are common, let us be Obedient. While others grumble and grouch, let us be Cheerful. In an environment blighted by waste and extravagance, let us be Thrifty. When confronted with danger and temptation, let us be Brave. As we see filth and pollution everywhere, let us be Clean. While witnessing impiety, let us remember to be Reverent.

In short, in a world that has for generation after generation lamented the lack of good examples, let us, as Scouts, stand out, grow up, and be real adults. Amen.

Author not named

[edit: added the following link]

Almost a year ago, I posted here about the importance of Scouting to our family. That thread focused on the positives and is found here if anyone is interested:

Youth Underestimated...but not in Scouting

Youth rather than boys thanks to my friend Eamonn (This message has been edited by Laurie)

Hey, that's great! I was just logging on today to post and ask if anyone took part this year. I am waiting on the guys in my family to return from the Encampment to hear all about it. It was cold enough yesterday that I didn't drop by with my 3-yr-old, but how I wish I could have gone. Though I hadn't a thing to do with the event, I sure am glad you enjoyed time on "my turf"

What John and fotoscout describe, the way many leaders wear multiple hats, is so true in my experience anyway and in many threads here. It sounds like you and the other parents who may attend the next meeting may be just what the pack needs. A shortage of leaders is tough, so good luck, and I wish you well as you move forward in what seems a positive way. When I first asked, just prior to becoming a leader, who the committee was -- well, I was offered four different positions! I've just wrapped up my tenure as CM, but my heart is still with Cubs and this thread got my attention because it is something I too once asked. So beware -- you just don't know what role you may be privileged to fill now

Your user name, Peaceful1, suggests a way to handle this. Come alongside the CM, find ways to help him, be positive and supportive, and don't place blame on one person. Putting the blame on one person is easy to do, but it really doesn't benefit anyone, and in the process it can hurt so many. Being supportive of someone that others want to see go, well that can be tough, but put yourself in his shoes: if people were unhappy with you, would you want them to help you or find ways to remove you? Some leaders think a one-man (or one-woman) can work, but it can't. It takes a team and helping one another. Good luck!

Ask for the names of the committee chairman and committee members. A charter requires the following people, and the only who may hold two positions within the unit is the Charter Representative.

Committee Chairman plus two Committee Members

Cubmaster (Assistant Cubmaster required for Quality Unit, but not to have a legimate roster)

Webelos Den Leader

Cub Scout Den Leader

Tiger Den Leader

So, if you'd like to meet the committee, just ask for their names; there must be someone registered in each of the above positions.

Correction (couldn't go back to edit): choose "Cubmaster or Adult Leader", then "Awards", in order to get to the page I described.

Many of them are on National's site. Go to:

http://www.scouting.org/

Then choose "Cub Scouts" in the menu to the left.

Then choose "Awards" in the next menu, also to the left.

You will see 75th Anniversary, Cub Scout Outdoor Award, Emergency Preparedness, and a few more. Hope this helps.

I just wanted to drop by to say thank you to the many of you who have given advice to me when I first became a Cub Scouter, who have shared your experiences and how you have applied what you have learned in training, and who have shared your Scouting spirit here on the boards. I have learned so much, and I enjoy the usually friendly, often lively, discussions here. Such dedication by so many -- it's pretty cool to be able to just soak in other's enthusiasm when I felt challenged at times. My term as CM has ended, and I'm moving on to Scouts only, but in a very behind-the-scenes role that I enjoy and hope will serve the troop well. So, I may drop by from time to time, but most likely not as much, and I'd be remiss in not saying thank you to all. An especially big thank you to Scouter Terry for providing these forums!

Welcome. There are several threads about this very topic here--a search may be helpful to you.

When I first became a leader in Cubs, some of the boys and only one leader wore a uniform. I bought one, believing it to be the best way to set an example and having been encouraged by the person who trained me to do so. Interestingly enough, two things happened. Other leaders began showing up in new uniforms, and the boys all ended up in uniform. One was from a family that struggled, but help was provided in some way to provide a uniform because he wanted it. My experience was a positive one.

The troop we are now involved with has all boys coming in uniform, and they do encourage one another to wear the uniform. There is a uniform closet to help with cost issues, but I've noticed that--like our Cubs--when a need becomes known to the leadership, it is taken care of in some way.

Are you saying that the rule is that only the SM and SAs may wear the uniform? In the troop my sons are in, I am registered as a committee member, fully expected to be expected to wear my uniform, but quickly learned that there are "uniformed leaders" and "non-uniformed leaders" (committee members are not part of the uniformed leadership). That confused me terribly, for I didn't think there was such a thing, but in this unit, this is what has worked.

Glad to hear that you had some good Scouting time! Hang in there during the meetings, and know that they do have a place in some way or another in the programs you got to enjoy

This is a tough spot to be in, and it is this very type of issue that got me involved awhile back. Often, there are too few leaders, and speaking as a CM, I know that much can fall to a CM that shouldn't, and that can be overwhelming. However, the boys are the most important thing about Cubs. Would you be willing to ask for, collect, and then follow through on advancement reports? Do you know of a parent who might be organized enough and willing to take on this one area? It is very doable, I do it and have for two years, but I'd recommend it be done by a person who has just that one responsibility because it's an important job that can be time consuming.

As for 75th anniversary, are the boys going to have skits or songs or any type of up front time? If so, that could be a way to add something by the den. What about a desert contest? These are common, and maybe your den would enjoy making a Cub Scout themed birthday cake as a den in addition to the other part of the contest. There are ways to make this work, none ideal, but this is when creativity comes into play.

Good luck, and try to have fun with the boys, in spite of things not being what you'd like for them to be.

Just knowing that you care means so much, and to those of you have posted here or sent PMs, thank you. You've no idea how much your support helped me face my children today and deliver sad news, even the littlest who was confused at her teary family. Your messages of support upheld me. I've often been told that I'm the strong one in the family; I didn't feel strong, but I felt the prayers lifted today on our behalf and knew I wasn't alone. Ryan's viewing, funeral, and luncheon are on Monday. He has touched many many lives, and time is needed to allow for those traveling to be there. His funeral and all the things that go along with it have been paid for by the generosity of his school, friends, and others in the community who have come to know him these past few years. What a blessing that is, and what a blessing you are to me.

Awhile back, I'd asked you all to help me cheer my nephew Ryan, who was battling cancer for the third time. Ryan passed away at 1 am this morning, the day of his 11th birthday. A couple weeks ago, my sister passed on the news that it was time to begin preparing the children for this, that Ryan's cancer was growing fast and had spread. If you'd keep his family in your prayers, I'd greatly appreciate it; he has an older and younger brother. This afternoon, I have to tell our boys the news, and I'm dreading it. This is perhaps the saddest event of my lifetime, to have to say goodbye to a child. He was such a wonderful little boy, and if you had had the privilege of knowing him, your life would have been touched in ways that cannot be captured in mere words. He was brave, kind, funny, sometimes naughty (what boy isn't?), and had this amazing smile that lasted through five years of cancer treatments, the inability to walk, the loss of his hearing. He had a big party in school about 2 weeks ago, complete with Spiderman, a magician, and lots of balloons. It was his last day of school, though no one knew that at the time. The following day, our younger son, who is very close to Ryan, spent the day with him. That was one of his last good days, for Ryan became very tired and has been sleeping more and more. I've likened him to a valiant little soldier--small but mighty in spirit--and he didn't just fight hard, he fought well. Until his body just grew too tired. Even the strongest and bravest grow tired. Thanks for your prayers for us as we face hard days ahead.

Eamonn, you're only guilty of having too big a heart and of caring deeply about units, even when they are no longer your responsibility. You've no reason to hang your head low, nor does this mean your head was in the sand. From what you describe, things looked good on the surface, and there was no reason for you to question that. I'm going to give to you the advice you gave to me: don't second guess yourself. You did right by the pack, new leadership was in place, leadership that had training and enthusiasm and made choices. I'm sorry things got all in a muddle, but I agree with Pack: they'll work out somehow. It seems that the process of working things out has already begun, and I wish you well with that!

(p.s. I just tried to post this by providing the user name Eamonn--hmmmm...could it be I want to be just like you and this was a slip that could be very telling?? )

Dan, that has worked well for this pack too. The boys go to the end of the track, though behind the safety tape, and they are handed their cars to take back to the starting point. They love it, and there have been no complaints. No accidents either, but they are cautioned that they need to be careful because if the car breaks they might not be able to fix it. The pack has allowed fixes. The focus is on fun, and the more involvement by the boys, the happier everyone is.

Apparently, a few years back, it was discovered that many boys wouldn't have cars completed because they had no help at home. The practice of distributing a car to each boy in December, then holding a "Make-It Night" in January, then the race in February was begun. There is a lot of notice given of when the make-it night will be held. There are several adults present who are handy with tools, and every boy is given the opportunity to have his car cut on the table saw (must be an adult doing this), use other tools (some that are safer for the boys with adult supervision), and then spray paint them. Since the painting often needs to be done indoors, and since our CO would not take kindly to multi-colored floors, adults help with this too--usually by spraying the car the color the boys wants where he wants it. So, by the end of this night, each boy may have his car cut out and his car coated in at least one color spray paint. If a boy is absent and the need for a cutout is brought to my husband's attention, he is willing to cut out cars after the make-it night. Help is also provided for weights, axles, etc. The idea of this night is to eliminate all obstacles, and the bonus is that the adults supervising get lots of time to play with--I mean work with -- the power tools. This has worked very well for years, and there have been no complaints about how a car looks or who might have made it because every boy has the same opportunities. Siblings as well.

A little off topic, but a fun thing happened this year. Last year I made a car, just for the fun of it. I had no intention of racing it, and it wasn't in the least Cub Scout-ish or boyish; it was a whittled flower painted pink, yellow, and green. Our daughter did race it, but it didn't get considered for any awards since I made it, not a child. After the race, the boys and the dads were checking this car out. Most hadn't thought of whittling or carving it; the table saw being used had become a practice that had most relying on it rather than hand tools. This year, I had to laugh to myself; a few cars had some amount of whittling. Also, many more were truly creative, not just cars, but hotdogs and tanks and some things that I can't really identify on wheels. I'd encourage the adults to have a little fun with this too, for you never know how this might encourage the boys to try out something new. Oh, and this year, at age 3, our daughter did have a car--another flower, thought this one included a flower pot and was her design and colored with crayon. The comments about the crayon were interesting, and I wonder if next year we might see a car or two with something other than spray paint coloring it.

I also am in PA, but to my knowledge, we do not have a state badge to earn.

As for extra awards, a word of caution. It can become overwhelming. It can also be fun. The key, at least in my opinion, is to begin with a goal. For instance, what do the boys seem to really enjoy doing? Now, what award might expand thier opportunities to do more of that and learn more along the way? I worked with one den that wanted more opportunities to work on flag ceremonies, another that would play any sport at all so long as it was a sport (they had to keep moving--all of them all the time!), and another that really enjoyed conservation activities and hikes. Knowing what the dens liked, it helped to plan for awards that would coincide with their likes as well as whatever else is being done in the den.

How could I forget 75th anniversary?! That is fun! However, the leaders seem to enjoy this more than the boys, and not all leaders seem to care for much for it. Same for GTFA.

We moms sure take a bad rap at times, but I agree that it's often deserved. It's kind of funny how the thinking that moms will do it all for their sons tends to hinder communication. You could have heard a pin drop when I was a troop committee meeting and asked how, as a parent and committee member, I could best help my son or any other boy to advance. I was prepared to hear "nothing", but silence. I rephrased and repeated it, offering the info that maybe it's best I do nothing, but is there a way in which I can help. Ah, now that was better. Seems the mom who is a taxi driver may go right ahead and become troop transport too

Parents need to know what Scouts is about, and depending upon what they know of it, they may have good reason to believe they need to do things for the boys. Not all troops are boy-led, and some seem to exist more for the adults than for the boys, so it's not just the Cub to Scout transition that is challening, it's also the troop to troop transition that may be challenging.

It pains me to see my sons do dumb stuff or to not do anything at all, but I remind myself often, "it's his work that gets the grade or advancement or scores a goal", and when he doesn't apply himself, he loses out. HIM, not me. I hope to see less lost opportunities as the boys mature. By then, though, I suspect my hair will be completely white

You know, I kind of wish we were having this chat around a campfire. Putting these thoughts into writing doesn't allow for the give and take type of dialogue that would do it more justice.

Barry, thanks--glad I didn't twist your words.

Merlyn, I'll just have to admit to what must already be obvious: I don't understand atheism. It is, in my understanding, a lack of religion or denial of God. To be honest, I haven't spent much time on that either because God is so real to me and the ideas that he doesn't exist or shouldn't be held in reverence are something I simply can't grasp. I'm sorry if the way I've worded my questions is confusing.

I won't single out any one person, so I'm not ignoring your question about Rooster, but I'm not getting into a discussion about him either. I will tell you that *I* would not be a good leader in respect to encouraging a youth in his belief in paganism. Why? I disagree with it and believe it to be a practice that goes against God (like my understanding of atheism, there may be far more to this than I'm aware of) and therefore wouldn't allow one to do his duty to God. If BSA accepts paganism as a religion, then I misunderstand BSA's DRP. Taken as a whole, it seems that BSA is saying one must show reverence as well as do his duty to God, which seems to indicate that the reverence shown should be to God. Now I'm going to ramble, and I don't want to do that; I've already written more than intended but was trying to clarify my previous words, which seem to be confusing.

My point originally was not about me but rather about how the youth can introduce questions or topics of discussion that someone without religion (which is my understanding of atheism) might have a hard time with. The question was asked why this is important. I think the question I pose shows that it may be important. You know where I stand; I know where you stand; we've both posted plenty on that here. But can you admit that

sst3rd--it sure did seem like a setup, but the question is often asked, and for those who sincerely want to discuss how religion and scouting go together, it seems that this thread can give several reasons.

Merlyn, my question was just that--a question. I find it hard to understand how one without a religion can even begin to understand and encourage a youth to grow in his own religion. For me, to have to deny what I believe would be a problem for me; for an atheist to have to support what he does not believe--it would seem that would be a problem for him too. I don't limit to this to religion; I think it applies in all areas. Wouldn't it be hard for someone steals from others to teach trustworthy? For the abuser (verbal or physical) to teach kindness?

Barry's most recent post says it better than I can, but basically those with religion--even differing religions--can find common ground where the one without it doesn't share that. Barry, if I've got you wrong, please correct me.

Pack, I know of a leader who would be and has been excellent in emergencies and outdoor skills. However, same leader ridicules those who "have religion", is known for name calling and lying and showing contempt to most around this leader, yet this leader remains in a position of influence. I wonder if the leader were to have some form of religion if that might effect the example set? And before you think I'm saying those with religion are perfect, nope, not even close.