NHawk52

Oak Tree, You're exactly right. This forum is a convenient place to merely vent -- not to discount its benefits as a source for valuable information. I have no intention of hamstringing my son nor self-sabotaging those things that I CAN offer the group by getting myself blacklisted out of the gate. LOL These are just little things that could get overinflated if left to simmer too long.

As mentioned, I personally agree with the philosophies of the martial arts and also personally feel that they should be and are highly beneficial to all persons of sound mind - including those of Scouting age! The CM's boys are enrolled at the aforementioned dojo and I WISH my son was (but that's another story).

My points were that: 1. It is specifically contrary to BSA policy (teach the boys to disregard rules they don't personally agree with??), and 2. Having the boys attention and focus for the monthly Pack Meeting business (awards, announcements, general teachings, etc.) would be as likely as getting and holding their attention in the middle of a carnival. If we are going to choose to sidestep policy specifically for an unusual outing, then maybe it ought to be confined to the less formal settings of Den level.

I wouldn't try to conduct a formal Pack Meeting in the Pits at the local 1/4 mile dragstrip either. But I wouldn't have a problem taking the Den out there to learn how to "check the oil and change a tire."

Thank you. I stand corrected. I did mean to say "CM" and "ACM", not "SM" and "ASM".

My active return to Scouting after 40 years has brought with it some frustrations and a need to vent. So I'll bend your ears and take a little of your time.

My son began his Scouting experience this year as a Webelos I with no previous Cub Scouting at the lower ranks. There was a very successful enrollment drive in the Fall and, as a result, there were others also brand new to the program. In this Pack there was a pre-existing full Den of Webelos I scouts who were veterans with much time working together. It was decided that all of the new arrivals would be grouped together as a second Webelos I Den for equality of training - a logical approach. The downside of this formation lies in the fact that the parents of these newcomers were told that, "One of you will have to be the Den Leader or there won't be a Den for your boys." As the "most experienced Scouter", I "should" have become the Den Leader. But, because of a completely incompatible and fluctuating retail work schedule, I have been unable to commit the appropriate time to the position. Sadly, this leaves the job to a completely untrained and inexperienced mother who "volunteered" only because "her son couldn't join if she didn't." So the "Leader" is no more knowledgeable or qualified than the Scouts. I applaud her desire to include her son, but have to question the Pack's conviction to the boys in general through this type of appointment for a Webelos training level. I'm aware that Leader Training is available, but feel that it shouldn't come after the fact. In contrast, the other Webelos I Leader is highly experienced, trained, and extremely effective.

I have also gleaned from the Pack hierarchy that "the boys should have fun" is more important than "following the rules" doing things "the right way". I've noted that at Pack meetings the Cub Scout and Boy Scout handshakes have gotten "confused" - the SM and ASM always use the latter with the Cubs and instruct them likewise. SM and DLs wear their uniform shirts untucked often (if they wear them) - an example followed by half the boys. Just last month the SM announced that the coming Pack meeting will be held at a commercial Karate facility to acquaint the boys with the philosophical benefits of martial arts. Although I personally agree with this philosophy, I see as not only an environment detrimental to order and attention to Scout business, but also a flagrant violation of BSA policy.

There is also a practice in my son's Den (I'm not familiar with the other Dens) that "all boys at the party get equal gifts". This may be a generational thing (Im old enough to be most Scouts parents parent) where everybody's equal and progression is based on the lowest common denominator. ?? My son has been told that he'll have to wait on some awards until the other boys catch up! I don't view Scouting as a one-hour-a-week thing! I read his handbook, work with him on projects and assignments, and keep track of his accomplishments on a daily basis. In under 6 months he is qualified to receive his Webelos rank, but must wait for the others to qualify. Why should he be penalized or held up for the slower progression of others? That might be fine for Tigers or Wolves, but older boys, in preparation for Boy Scouts, I think ought to work and progress at their own best pace.

OK Now Ive vented sufficiently. Maybe next year my time schedule will be better suited to jumping in with both feet and being an official Leader myself.

I think that you have gone above and beyond in your attempts to offer the boy and his family the benefits of Scouting. It is neither your responsibility nor burden to GIVE the boy the Cub Scouting experience - rather it is the boy's parents' responsibility to commit to participation in the program, both of themselves and for the boy. You have literally gone out of your way to offer the opportunity.

I've heard it said numerous times, "BSA doesn't stand for Baby Sitters of America." And you most certainly couldn't be expected to babysit the noncommittal parents for participation. Party-crashing is not a BSA merit, so if the parents don't return your calls and RSVP as requested don't include them in the plan. And if they don't bother to attend or participate for a full quarter, I'd think it safe to assume that they have (sadly) withdrawn their son from the program.

I do hope that your outing is fun, safe, and beneficial to all who participate and contribute!

Thank you all. With reflection and your insights I believe the better approach will be in wearing the neckerchief to "lead by example", at least initially. It may stem from my military time, but I believe strongly in uniformity and standardization as a strong basis for teaching and maintaining team/Den/Pack spirit. Contrary to the advertisements, an "Army of one" doesn't get the job done.

I have recently returned actively to Scouting and am assuming the leadership position in my son's Webelos den. In completing my updated uniform appropriate to the occasion I must inquire as to the propriety of wearing my OA bolo tie in lieu of the customary Webelos scarf or Cub Scout bolo tie. My first inclination was to ask around the Pack heirarchy, but I have noticed that their uniform standards (per the Insignia Guide) appear somewhat lax and haphazard. (From what I've read throughout the forums, uniformity in appearance has lessened in priority over the years.)