OneHour

scrapperlisa ... first of all, welcome. Your situation is not uncommon. It occurs alot in a single-parent family. My current wolf den has one mom who brings her 3-years old with her to the den meeting. As long as you have something for the sibling to do and keep him/her busy then it's okay. Alot of time, when the sibling is being disruptive, the parent usually takes the sibling out of the room and other parents help the cub scout with his craft. You shouldn't expect the Den leader (Den helper in this case) to provide for your young one as well. After all this is for your older son and his cub scout friends. If they provide for your younger one, then great, but if they don't, then it's okay. In Tiger cub year, it is less structured and more playing; as a result, the Tigers are a handful already and adding a 3-year old into the mix may not add any more relief to the Den Leader. It's really up to the Den parents. Cub scouting is a family affair. The family interacts with each other outside of the Pack/Den meeting; however, in the context of the Pack/Den, they are really referring the opportunity for the parent(s) to interact with the boy if the outside opportunity does not present itself. So my advice is to bring along something to keep your 3-years old busy for the whole hour and if he is disruptive then take him out of the room until he has calmed down. I'm fairly sure that everyone will be understanding. Now, dropping your son off may not be a good idea if he is the only one without a parent! But then again, other parents may do the same in the Wolf year. Our situation is different. In our wolf year, the parents simply were too lazy to attend the Den meeting with their son and so they don't want take the boy even if the boy is interested in Cub Scouting. It came to a point where there were only 2-3 boys out of 9. I simply told them that I and my assistant Den Leader will be here and all that they have to do is to drop their sons off with one condition: they have to help out at least one month (when their son is the Denner). It worked wonderfully. Of the 9 boys, I graduated 5 of the same boys into Scouting two months ago. The other 4 moved throughout our times as cub scouting and the great thing about it is that we usually have 7-9 boys every time ... and we had fun! Good luck. OneHour(This message has been edited by OneHour)

BSA: Camp Strake, SHAC, Houston, TX El Rancho Cima, SHAC Brosig, SHAC Sid Richardson, Ft. Worth (this summer, I think) Weekender: Karankawa Cub: Bovay(This message has been edited by OneHour)

Hylands Park Chelmsford (Essex) in the UK, from 27th July to 8th August 2007. http://www.scouting2007.org/english/2007/index.php Jolly good!

I'm a networking consultant dealing with LAN, WAN, and telecommunications working in the Oil and Gas industries in Houston. 1Hour

Wow ... this is the most Active Users that I have seen on the Scouter Network since January! 2198 users! Sweet (as my son would have said)!

This is not a Cubmaster's minute, but rather it's a Cubmaster's song dedicating to the Graduating Webelos. It's the song from Disney's "The Lion King - Return To Pride Rock": "We Are One" [Akela] As you go through life you'll see There is so much that we Don't understand And the only thing we know Is things don't always go The way we planned But you'll see every day That we'll never turn away When it seems all your dreams come undone We will stand by your side Filled with hope and filled with pride We are more than we are We are one [Webelos] If there's so much I must be Can I still just be me The way I am? Can I trust in my own heart Or am I just one part Of some big plan? [Akela] Even those who are gone Are with us as we go on Your journey has only begun Tears of pain, tears of joy One thing nothing can destroy Is our pride, deep inside We are one We are one, you and I We are like the earth and sky One family under the sun All the wisdom to lead All the courage that you need You will find when you see We are one (This message has been edited by OneHour)

Too late Barry, I already love this scouting stuffs since 27 years ago! Great advices. Also I found out tonight that I am coaching the new patrol with all of my boys from the Pack. This is great ... these boys know my expectation and so it will be easy to coach them. Thanks again.

... from a little country that so many valiant US troops have fought thirty years ago, men who fought side by side with such men as my father ... men whom I can't find the proper words to thank! YIS, 1Hour

Eisely, great story. Thanks. This story has everything to do with scouting. In every way, it encompasses the ideals of the Scout law and one of the three duties of a scout (Duty to Country). The word "freedom" seems to be taken for granted here in the States. Until one has lived in a country that never had a similar ring, one will never realize the true love for the word and its ideals. Being a refugee, I have come to know and love this country of ours. Granted that I have encountered bigottries and biases for the last 30 years, I simply chalk them as ignorance and stupidity. Until those who have spoken ill against the United States have walked in my shoes, those of Jose Gutierrez, or the millions who have come here in search of that wonderful word, then they will never come close to appreciate the word "freedom" and its ideals. One can't begin to fathom the joy and elation after one has attain the US citizenship. Citizenship, that's another forgotten word. There is not another country that allows one to have the freedom to speak as one wishes, to go anywhere as one chooses, to be governed by a representative of one choice, and so on. There is not another country where education is readily available (and almost free) to anyone who wishes to learn. There is not another country where one can become a millionaire or a pauper by one's choice not by another! There is not another country where one can pratice what one's believe in. There is not another United States of America! The two songs that still bring tears to my eyes are the Star Spangled Banner and the other is: "God Bless the U.S.A." (Lee Greenwood) If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife, I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today, Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away. I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And, I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me. And I'll gladly stand up (!) next to you and defend her still today. Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land... God Bless the U.S.A.! From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea, from Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A., There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say: I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And, I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me. And, I'll gladly stand up (!) next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land... God Bless the U.S.A!! *************************************** God bless our troops and keep them safe! Rest in peace our fallen heroes. Tearfully YIS, 1Hour ps: For those who think that I use eisely's thread to promote my own cause, I don't for I have no cause. It's my way to express my love and admiration for my adopted country and for all those who have and are sacrificing for this country.

Here is the latest from our troop. There were about 23 boys instead of 18. The SM divided 'em up in three patrols, still to large from my vantage point. I was tasked to help with one of the new patrol. The troop guide does seem to know how to control the boys. A simple task of choosing a patrol name became a battle. I assisted the troop guide, but did not interfere. The troop guide need JLT. Now, should I involve some of the parents as "crowd control" until the troop guide and the newly elected PL have earned the other boys respect? What would y'all do if you were in my shoes? How can I help the troop guide and PL to get this new scout patrol get going? Thanks in advance again. 1Hour

I asked the same question at Baloo two years ago, but it was with regards to air bag. District trainer told me that there is no BSA rule that restricts the scout from the front seat. It is recommended (as pointed by dan) that we should use our best judgement and good rule of thumb is to follow the Auto makers' recommnedation that no one younger than 13 or lighter than 80lbs (I think) sits in the front seat in car that is armed with air bag. If it is possible to switch off the airbag, then youth can sit in the front seat. If it is not possible to turn off the airbag, then move the seat as far back as possible to minimize the impact when/or if the airbag deploys. 1hour

Take a look at the posting "Resources for cheap/used/etc uniforms... " The last poster on this topic is a "reseller" of uniform. Good luck and welcome the scouting world and Scouter Forums. 1Hour

I thought about it and was going to let the boys decide; however, after witnessing the interactions between them, I'm not so sure what method would be good, except for a listing of whom they don't like to be with! Because there were a little scuffle and pebble throwing and ... . One parent has already requested that I separate two boys (since they don't really like each other). Well actually, I might not get a saying in this. The SM (authoritarian) and the SPL wanted to div up the boys. I'm not sure how they plan to do it since neither of them knows any of the boys. Of the 18 boys, I know 12 of them for over 4 years. I know their temperament. I know their habbits. I don't think that even my opinion is wanted. Anyway, I'll try with the suggestions above. Thanks all. 1Hour

Great advices. Thanks. Dan, great web site. Is that yours, EagleDad? 1Hour

Thanks for the advices. Agreed totally on the division of into patrols. What would be an ideal way to div up the boys into patrols? There are 12 from one Pack, four from another, and two from a third. My personal opinion is that the SM and SPL need to scramble the boys up and take 'em out of their environment (their buddies). What do ya think? 1Hour

As a new New Scout ASM, tonight I was tasked to help out with the new scouts (18 of them). The older scouts were working on their advancement; as a result, one of the other ASMs and I were tasked to work with the new scouts. This is one of the few times that the adult leaders handles the scout direclty outside of the Patrol Method(ie. no SPL or PLs). Well these boys seemed to test the water and boundary alot tonight. Some of them were very rowdy and discourteous. They refused to listen to the other ASM and started to pick on each other. I had to intervene and "set the boundary." They still probed and pushed the limits. I know that being in Cub Scout and experiencing adult leadership in Cub Scout is different, but some where and some how these boys learn courtesy and respect, but when, where, and how? Now, if we as adult leaders can't seem to coral these boys, how would a teenage PL or SPL does it? I have been trained as an ASM and I am a firm believer in the Patrol Method, but somehow my fellow Scoutmasters and I need something to help the PLs and SPL. The reason why I ask this question is that we will put the junior leaders through a JLT in the upcoming months and I would like to incorporate your ideals and experiences. This troop has never truly functioned in a Patrol method/boy led mode. This troop is relatively new (3 years old). The adult leaders have always been a integral part of the leadership. This year is different (I think). The troop is attempting to go 100% boy led. Thanks, 1Hour

acco40, I think that Den Leadership is easier. Cubmastership is more fun! If you have a good CC then the Cubmastership is easier than Den Leadership because all you do is having fun with the kids, but as for me, I functioned somewhat as the CC as well! Dealing with parents is not what I called easy! We had a CC, but she decided that her main function was to be a treasurer (and yes, she went to training!). I was a den leader and now a den leader again. It's refreshing to be able to have lots of fun with my son and his friends, just to be a kid again! KS, I would love to have the tape too, but by the time that the announcement came out, the B&G was over and all cameras were tucked away! No regrets from me. Of course, I changed lots of things that I had wish that our Pack would do when I was a den leader! Sometimes, parents like me just need to get our feet wet and we are hooked. Now, I actually volunteered to be my oldest son's Troop ASM! Who knows, I'll be crazy enough to actually volunteer to be the CM again (if my wife is willing to let me) when my third son becomes of cub scouting age!

I'm not sure if this qualifies as unusual "volunteer" story, but here it goes. About 3 years ago, at our B&G, our then cubmaster was stepping down. No one volunteered to take his place. He ripped off his cubmaster patch and stood up there on the stage and asked for a volunteer. No one stepped up no even dare to venture near the stage. The B&G went on. At the end, I guess that everyone in the Pack was thinking that we'll (the Pack) figure it out somehow. Well, I was heading to the cm to congratulate him (since he is a good friend of mine and all) on escaping the grips of Cub Scouting. Next thing I knew, he got on mic and announced that he had found a new cubmaster. He announced my name. He promptly came down the stage and handed me the CM patch, congratulated me, and walked off in one fell swooped. I was dumbfounded and was still in shock as everyone came by to congratulate me! Some of the folks even said, "Great, you are brave!" It sort of reminds me of ... "If you are volunteering please step one step forward. After the room quiet down, I found myself alone in front without even moving a step!" Looking back, I had a great time being a cubmaster and did not regret that I was involuntarily volunteered. 1Hour(This message has been edited by OneHour)

http://www.congressionalaward.org/congress/ http://www.scouter.com/compass/Advancement/Congressional_Award/

I'll give it a try. Translation in my era's English (late 70's/early 80's): (70's) "I have a few things to say: First of all, I dig this site! It is far-out and groovy! Secondly, I'm a new patrol cat and I went on a campout with four happenin' p/ls. It was really nifty and fly. We learned all groovy things like organization and self-control. We also learned chillin' ways to explain things such as first aid and knots. I think other leaders should organize other camps like this because it's really helped me. Peace ..." (80's) "I have a few things to say: First of all, I think that this site is far-out and totally mondo! Secondly, I'm a new patrol leader dude and I went on a campout with four radical p/ls. It was really tubular and gnarly. We learned all bodacious things like organization and self-control. We also learned mondoness ways to explain things such as first aid and knots. I think other leaders should organize other camps like this because it's really helped me. Later ..." OneHour ps: By the way slartibartfast welcome to the forums ... just joking around! Thanks for being a good sport! By the way Nina, where is Midlands? Midlands,Tx? or Midlands, UK? Has to be UK since only European folks spell "organize" with an "s"! Also, Don't mind the older folks! Yes ... OldGreyEagle, Redfeather, and Koreascouter, you gents will have to translated in the 60's language. That's beyond my scope. This forum is totally mondo! rad! bodacious! tubular! and gnarly! The participants are cool, too! pps: Stay safe Koreascouter! Wishing the very best to you and our folks overseas!(This message has been edited by OneHour)

Try these sites. I used alot of the materials here for my two older boys when they were wolves. - Great repositories: http://www.ivyjoy.com/rayne/environmental.html http://www.epa.gov/students/ http://www.nwf.org/ http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/conservation.html http://www.planetsave.com/ - Great kid sites: http://www.ecokidsonline.com/pub/index.cfm http://www.state.ak.us/dec/kids/kids.htm http://www.thegreenfrognews.com/educational-resources/earth-environment.html - Stories: from our Northern neighbors: http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/org_ecb_e.html http://canada.looksmart.com/eus1/eus302562/eus317837/eus317922/eus53782/eus537800/eus10089104/r?l= from the Land down under: http://www.geocities.com/planetfirst_au/kids_planet.html That should keep ya busy for a while. Welcome to the forum. Good luck and have fun. 1hour (This message has been edited by OneHour)

That's alot of info ... thanks Kingfish. Anywhere is better than in SE Texas where it's hot/humid and the skeeters are kings! YIS 1hour ps: Welcome to the Forums(This message has been edited by OneHour)

There I stood, giving my last CM's minute to my 2nd year Webelos (17 of 'em and some of whom I have known for five years and of which 13 will continue with me to Boyscout) sitting in front of the campfire three week ago. After I finished with my minute, I turned the ceremony over to the Arrowmen and started to walk off the campfire. I turned around and saw that the boys had stood up and followed me. I had to tell them to go back to their seat. What parculiar is the fact I heard laughters from the parents' section. I didn't pay much attention to it. Until I review the video tape that my wife took from the parents side. At the point when all the boys stood up and followed me, on the video tape, one could hear one of the parents said, "... oh how cute, after all those years, they still follow him wherever he goes!" All of the parents laughed and agreed amongst themselves. Looking at the tape again ... it almost brought tears to my eyes when I realized how special all of those boys are! Now, if that doesn't hit you in the right place ... I don't know what will. For the last two years, every time anyone asked the question, "do you have any children?" I usually tell them that I have three boys of my own, but I really have 120 boys in all!

fotoscout, of the 10 dens that we have, 8 of them are very strong, with great leaders and parents. Two are on the fence of being folded. We have always been equally focussed, at the den level and at the Pack level. I placed a call around to the various leaders. They didn't really know why 3-4 of their boys decided not to show up at the last Pack meeting. By the way, at the committee meeting there were only 4 dens represented, normally we have 8-9 out of the 13 (3 webelos den graduated). So ... I am stumped. Thanks for inputs thus far. 1hour

Many thanks. 1hour