Pack38Scouter

Please stop ... and allow me to withdraw my comment that seems to touch off other sensitive issues other than its original intent ... to get everyone to rally behind Mike Lahoff. No malice is behind my post other than its good intention. My apologies to Ed.

My prayers and best wishes for full and complete recovery to Mike Lahoff ... from a fellow scouter.

No more ... no less ... and no hidden meanings!

Good luck to all in your scouting journey!

YIS

Ed ... I am, on the other hand, somewhat disappointed. Of the 808 active users that I am starring at, we can only muster 13 well-wishes, prayers and concerns! We have well over 230 folks who have viewed this thread.

Come on Scouters ... let's cheer on our fellow brother and get him back on his feet soon! Let seek the blessings from the highest authority from your respective religion and pray for Mike Lahoff full and speedy recovery and nothing less!

Let's make this thread longer than that 12 pages in the "Politics Forum." Everyone who is reading this should join in ... Scouts and/or Scouters. Let Mr. Lahoff knows that he is volunteering for an organization full of volunteers who care and who are behind him 110% during his recovery!

YIS

No KoreaScouter ... but not bad of an idea.

One problem though ... the only people who know the tune are the "older" crowd ... I mean "older crowd"! Yep ... even some of the late 20's and early 30's parents don't know it! I had to play Roy Roger's song on the background so that the boys and the "younger parents" would know the tune and follow along!

Either way, our 2nd-Webelos got a kick out of it. Hopefully, we get the same reaction from this year 2nd-year.

I guess that I am not surprised to see a lot of responses (150 to 300) and postings to touchy issues such as "gay" and "atheist" ... it's human instinct to be antagonists. Sometimes, some of these topics will get 10 responses in an hour. Yet Ed Mori's news of Mike Lahoff tragedy on the "Open Discussions" Forum gets only 14 well-wishes and prayers in the last 3 days. Ed is forwarding all concerns, well-wishes, and prayers ... forwarding them Mike Lahoff.

I'm just amazed at the overwhelming responses to Ed's thread! ... I know ... I know ... sarcasms get me nowhere!

If I were in Mike's shoes ... I would love to see my family, friends, and fellows scouts and scouters rallying behind me for my pursuit to recovery. Nothing would give me more strength to fight the difficult battle ahead of me then to see the love from everyone!

So take breather from the bickering and send Mike's your prayers! If not online with Scouter (for the atheists in the house) ... then online with the Almighty One (with each respective religion)(for the rest of us).

YIS(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

Ed,

If you are going to see Mr. Lahoff and his family, on the behalf of the Scouters and Scouts in the Sam Houston Area Council, please send our prayers and thoughts to them. We pray that he will have a speedy and full recovery. Many thanks.

YIS

Long

ps: I challenge everyone on this Scouter Forum and all over the world to continue to contribute and keep filling this thread with well-wishes and prayers . Hopefully, Ed can eventually print it out and forward it to Mr. Lahoff and his family. Many thanks.(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

Forgot one thing ...

http://www.3n.net/people/jjenkin/pwdcars.htm

http://www.maximum-velocity.com/

http://www.rahul.net/mcgrew/derby/photos/

are some of the web sites that will give you and your son an idea on a design.

YIS

Welcome to Scouting and the Scouter Forum:

Try http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22pinewood+derby+tips%22

My favorites are:

http://members.aol.com/randywoo/pine/index.htm

http://members.aol.com/StanDCmr/lbw_apl.html

http://www.clarksgreen251.com/tips.htm

http://www.simplyweb.net/bosworth/

http://www.three-peaks.net/pinecar.htm

http://royalrangers.ag.org/royal-rangers/pinewood_tnt/pinewood_tnt.cfm

http://www.3n.net/people/jjenkin/pwd.htm

http://p982.messagingproducts.com/pinetip.html

Bottom line ... lube, polish, and debur the axles and make sure that the car weighs 5 oz. Reduce the friction and have the max 5 oz ... and it will allow your Tiger's car to be competitive. Of course there are other things that you could do to make it more competitive, but remember the one single most important thing about pinewood derby ... to have fun building the car with your son!

My oldest son and I have been building it for the past 5 years. Eventhough we went from where you are right now (Tiger/parent who don't have a clue how to build one ... resulting in the car not finishing the race ...) to an informed pair of pinewood builders whose cars are somewhat competitive (He has his own entry and I have mine in the "open class"), we enjoy the time that we spent designing and building the cars.

Good Luck ... have fun

YIS

ps: Don't spend the money to purchase those tips and tricks! The ones on the Net is more than good enough!(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

Here is our Pack's farewell song to our Webelos last year. We would recognize the Webelos at B&G (this is not their AOL ... that's separate) and the whole Pack (all 120 scouts and about 250+ parents and siblings) sang the song to them! It was great!

Apologies to Dale Evans and Roy Rogers!

"Webelos Happy Trails"

(Sing to the tune Happy Trails by Dale Evans )

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.

Were proud of you and all that you have done here.

Just think of us, remember all our fun cheers.

Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.

Scout trails are happy ones,

Hope youll have some fun.

It's the way you ride the trail that counts,

It'll be a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.

Were going to miss you when we are together.

The fun, the sun, and camping in bad weather.

Happy trails to you, see you all in Scout.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep learning until then.

Were going to miss you when we are together.

Just think of us, well be with you forever.

Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.

Happy trails to you!

... from Troop 632 (Pensacola, FL) Web Site ... very well illustrated!

http://members.aol.com/troop632/trailhead/toggle.htm

Oh ... well ... Bob White beats me to it ...

(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

"The One-Minute Scoutmaster" (by Winston R. Davis ... on Roger Knapp's web site ... off-take of the One-Minute Manager):

http://www.rogerknapp.com/download/oneminSM.htm

(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

http://www.google.com/search?q=%22den+ceremonies%22&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/pwd-skit.html

http://www.3n.net/people/jjenkin/pwdskit.htm

and here is one that we came up with (off take of the "Go Cart" skit):

Derby Car

(old derby car with front wheels can slide in and out of the axle slots easily)

Cub 1: Oh, this derby car is giving me a lot of trouble and I dont know what to do? Its not running right.

Cub 2: Did you sand it properly?

Cub 1: Yep, first with 400 grits and then 600 grits.

Cub 3: Did you deburr it?

Cub 1: Yep.

Cub 4: Did polish your axle?

Cub 1: Shinny like a mirror with red jeweler's rouge.

Cub 2: So whats wrong?

Cub 1: The front wheels just wont go into the axle slots.

Cub 3: May be Mr./Mrs. (Cubmaster) could show you how they go on.

Cub 1: Mr./Mrs. (Cubmaster) could help me put on the wheels?

Cubmaster proceeds to slide the wheels into the axles and hold the car.

Cub 1: Oh, that's perfect now! All that I needed was a good NUT to hold it together!

(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

Season Greetings from overcast 50 degrees skies over Houston, Texas. No snow ... again! But 32 degrees weather tonight will help make Christmas Eve feels right!

Wishing all Scouters on this forum ... a prosperous New Year and another memorable scouting year! Thank you for your scouting suggestions, tips and friendship for the last six months ... looking forward for more guidance in the coming new year and in our scouting journey. Have a safe and healthy Holidays

YIS

mk ... actually I was referring to the size of average size of troops within our areas! We here in Texas tend to have "large" size in everything! Our Pack is about 120-130 boys strong and our brother Pack (we were one once ... 6 years ago) is about 110-120 boys strong. I think that our District averages about 35 a troop. I usually tell my parents that the size of the troop does not necessary constitute a good troop. A good troop is the one that your son will enjoy his scouting experience with ... of course having a great patrol method program is the added bonus!

The larger troop ... tend to require more work to get organized. I personally prefer 20-30 boys ... or about 4-5 patrols. You are correct ... the smaller the troop the easier for the troop to be "on the move." Coordinating 50, 60, 70+ boys for a campout can take a lifetime! I rather have 20-30 active boys than 70 and on 20-30% active. May be I should rephrase it to say ... 30 active scouts ... Thanks.

But then again ... every scouter has his/her comfort zone.

That reminds of a story that a friend here at work told me about his son and him. He is a Scoutmaster and a trainer for a long time. He uses this story at the Webelos training whenever he gets a chance to. Anyway, he and his son were driving home from his son's Transition Campout with one of the local troops in their area. He asked his son if he has chosen a troop to join. His son beamingly replied, "Yes, Dad. I want to join Troop xxx, but Dad? Which troop are you going to join?"

sst3rd ... first of all, we are Webelos (We'll Be Loyal Scouts) and we really do not know what the troops has to offer! That is why troops need to have a proactive recruiting efforts to educate the Webelos and Webelos parents about scouting. Take a look at the link "Selecting a troop; what criteria to look for" (there are other discussion about joining a troop ... lost Webelos ... etc... that you can get a lot of points-of-view). There a lot good information about what a troop should do and what a Webelos is looking for.

We have two troops in our immediately area. They don't do any active recruiting and assumed that the Packs will naturally feed into them. Last two years they realized that the Webelos are going to another troop near by in another District. This year ... they are attempting to make some effort in recruiting. There is nothing underhanded about recruiting. You are trying to build your troop and if your troop has a great program to offer, why shouldn't it be advertised out there so that other boys with the similar interests may join? IT'S free-enterprise! I visited one troop two days ago and talked to a scout who commuted about 20 miles each week to be with this troop!

Take a look at the checklist that I posted on the "Selecting a troop; what criteria to look for." Compose your letter or package that will answer most if not all those questions and toss in some selling points about your troop ... especially things that you will be doing in the future. Trust me ... the Webelos and his parent will appreciate it. Invite them to a campout and a meeting or two. Offer help to the Pack ... pinewood derby, Blue & Gold, bike rally, den chiefs ... etc. Last and not the very least ... when the Webelos come and visit ... make them feel that they are who they are ... your most important guests! Don't put on a show for them ... just go about your normal troop meeting but do make it to where they can participate ...! Don't over sell yourself ... if you told them that they will get a trip to the moon if they join your Troop ... you had better figure out a way to fundraise $20 million for the Russian Space program!

Remember one thing Webelos program is nothing short of Boy Scout 101! This is when we, as parents, are starting to let the string go. So go court after the Webelos 1 as well as Webelos 2! Get the Webelos 1 excited ... so that they will stay in and continue up. They may not join your troop, but at least they will still be in Scouting! Once you start your recruiting, the troop that this Pack normally feeds in will start to recruit as well. It's a win-win situation. The troops will force themselves to have a good program to attract new scouts or they will self-destruct. The Pack will have more than one Troop to choose from. The Webelos will have choices and we will have more boys staying in scouting!

Good luck ... YIS

Since I didn't have but three takers on my offer of the checklist in MS Word document format ... I'll post it since I think that a lot more people could use it. I can not take credit for this. This is a complilation from many sources from the Net and from parents/scouters that I have talked to in the past year. Use if if you find it useful ... and I APOLOGIZE FOR THE SIZE OF IT!

YIS

********************************************************************

Visiting a Troop

Lets face it; we didn't have to look for a Cub Scout Pack to join. Our son joined Pack 38 because it was sponsored by our son's Elementary School. This is not the case with Boy Scouts as the majority of the Troops are sponsored by other private organizations (such as Churches, Community Association, School, etc.). This does not imply that you must be a member of the organization in order to join a Boy Scout Troop as many of the Troops operate at arms-length from the Charter Organization. Which Boy Scout Troop to join is a personal decision, each Scout needs to decide which one to join. It is ok if all of the Scouts join different Troops as long as they feel that the Troop is right for them.

Each Boy Scout Troop has its own personality, each one is different. When you and your son are choosing a troop to join, there are several areas that you should consider; however, it is very important that your son is the person who does the choosing and not you. You will provide the guidance to help him meet his ideals of scouting. The only way to discover which one is right for your son is to visit as many as practical, (3 - 5) and then to narrow the list down and visit the "finalists" a second time. Attend their meetings. Its similar to choosing a college. You want to help your son pick out the right one for him. Listed are the points were thought to be important.

Do they seem organized?

Is this troop a good size? Is it too big or too small? What are the ranks of the scouts? A good size is about 20-30 active boys. Look at the number of different ranks.

How many adult volunteers are involved with the troop? What training do the adult volunteers have? How much Scouting experience has the Scoutmaster had? Are there any Assistant Scoutmasters to help the Scoutmaster? Check to see how many adults are helping with the troop and how many of them are trained. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps each person accept the leadership roles of others and guides them toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.

What steps are taken to help the new scouts earn Boy Scout skills? Where do the new scouts learn many skills? At meetings and at campouts? Are older scouts helping to teach newer scouts the skills that they are expected to learn and then practice throughout their time in scouting?

Does the troop give the boys opportunities to earn Merit Badges and Advancements? At campouts throughout the year that work on different Boy Scout Merit Badges? At some campouts, the boys work on requirements to earn their Rank Advancements?

Is the troop an adult-lead or boy-lead troop? Does the Troop encourage the boys in leadership positions to plan meetings and give input on campouts. The adults serve as advisors to make sure that the events that the boys follow the rules of Safe Scouting. A troop is where Scouts to learn leadership through participation. It is unfortunately a well kept secret that Scouting is a leadership training program with the outdoors as a laboratory.

Do the adults, older Scouts, and younger Scouts all treat each other with respect?

Patrol Method Used - The Patrol Method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in leadership activities. The patrols determine troop activities through their elected representatives.

Uniformed Youth & Adults - The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a group. It shows each Youth and Adult's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.

Troop Meetings Planned by Youth? Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) of the Troop should plan the Troop meetings, campouts and activities. It is an important part of the leadership experience.

Troop Calendar Planned by Youth - Ask who planned the calendar. It should be planned by the Patrol Leaders' Council and approved by the Troop Committee. Is there anything that would interest your son?

Troop Calendar Published - It needs to be planned/published or it doesnt exist.

Enthusiasm of Youth & Adults - If the youth and adults are not excited by their program, why should you join!

Troop Roster Published - Look and see if you find someone you know and then call them. Ask them about the program, leaders and activities.

Troop Program Explained During Visit - Each Scout program should plan programs that work towards the three aims of Scouting.

Were you asked to join? Not only should you be made to feel welcome at the Troop Meeting.

How does your Son Feel - What was your son's impression of the visit? When he joins a program, you also become a part of it.

What kind of equipment will your son require to have? Does the troop have a Parent Information handout that states what equipment is required? Does the troop provide equipment that will be used by the patrols such as tents, chuck boxes, etc.? Is our scout responsible for providing his personal equipment? (Sleeping bag, uniform, etc.)

What are the yearly costs to join the troop?

1. The cost is $____ per boy and $____ for an adult to join.

2. Troop charges $_____ per month in dues.

3. The basic camping fee is $______________. This also includes the dues for the month. Occasionally, a campout has a program that requires an additional charge. This charge will be collected from each scout that is attending the campout.

4. Any other dues? $__________.

What fundraisers does the troop participate in?

1)____________________________________________.

2)____________________________________________.

3)____________________________________________.

Does your son know anyone in the troop? Is anyone is his den considering joining the troop?

Anything that concerns you during your visit with the troop?

Anything that you like about the troop during your visit?

If it is possible, talk to some of the parents of the Scouts present. Are they happy with the Troop? Do the boys seem happy?

Last night 7 of my 2nd year Webelos, their parents, and I visited another troop in another District that's about 7 miles away from the house. This troop has been drawing the scouts from not only our Pack but several other Packs as well. Now I know the reason why. They are about 90 boys strong comparing to 25 and 30 from our two local troops. Comparing to our local troops ... it's like night and day. This troop, if I may dare say, comes close to the ideal troop! Wow!

Here is what I observed:

1) We were welcomed! The new Scoutmaster met us and welcomed us. He left and tended to the business at hand while a parent entertained us. The Scoutmaster came back and took the Webelos to the side and welcomed them ... making feel that they are important! He then introduced them to several of the older scouts and then turned them over to the Junior Leaders. The older scouts asked him how should they divide our boys up? The Scoutmaster simply replied, "why don't we let the boys decide what they want to do tonight." They have about 5 distinct patrols and each is doing a different thing last night. So our boys got to do whatever interests them.

2) The Scoutmaster and his Assistant Scoutmasters took turn and gave us the breakdown of the Troop the whole 1.5 hour! They didn't do much selling. They didn't have to ... their program speaks for itself! Compare to our local troops ... when we attended their meetings ... I don't think that they were aware that we existed ... kind of hard with 8 Webelos sitting there and have nothing to do with their parents standing there wondering who's in charge.

3) The boys ran the meeting ... very organized and very structured. They have distinct Junior Leaderships present. They stood in their patrol and I can actually see who is the SPL, ASPLs, as well as the PLs and the APLs! Each boy is in uniform (not full as in complete with the olive drab pants ... some were in jeans). I did see some horse playing, but then again this is a boy's world! When the scoutmaster gives his scout sign ... the boys quiet down quite quickly and the scout sign did not go up more than 4 time during the 1.5 hours comparing to the other troops where the SPL and ASPLs constantly raising the scout sign the entire evening!

4) According to the scoutmasters ... the boys planned their outings. They camp every month. They have high venture for the older boys including camping/hiking in Hawaii, Alaska, California, etc. and this coming year Scottland. They have a great fund drive that subsidizes alot of the costs (the fund drive that net them about $35,000 a year!) We were told that the average out-of-pocket cost of their campout is about $15 - $20 and $100 - $150 for Summer Camp. As for High Venture, it varies and it could run upward of $300 depending the scout's fund raising participation (fair enough).

5) From my observation, the boys ran their troop meeting and patrol meetings well enough that I safely assumed that it was pre-planned. I have seen meetings that were run by the "shooting from the hip" method! It was not pretty.

6) The boys seemed to have fun. There were not many older boys there last night. We found out that since finals are occuring this week, the Scoutmaster insisted that the older boys stay home (if he wishes) to study for the finals.

7) They have a structured program that allows the new to be in a "new scout patrols" and all of them work toward achieving 1st-Class by the end of their 1st year. The new patrol elects their own PL and APL. Each new patrol has a Troop Guide to help them. After that first year, they are then absorbed into the existing patrols.

8) Each of the Junior Leaders are sent to the District's week long JL Training.

9) They have 100% (or close to it) trained adult leaders.

10) They have 40% - 50% adult volunteers. When you register your son, you sign up as a volunteer whether it's a one-timer or a regular.

11) During the troop meeting, the adult leaders were there, but I did not see them interjecting or asserting their control over the boys. They basically walked about and kept an eye on things. This was a truly "boy-lead" meeting. The adult leaders did help out ... but did not interfere!

I could go on ... but it will be way too long. I would love to have my son attend this troop; however, I feel that if I and the other parents continue to take our boys and resources away from the local troop, then there is no foundation for the local troops. Now that I know exactly what and how it should be done ... may be I can influence changes in the existing troop. Still thinking ... and it will be up to my son!

Final note ... before we left the Scoutmaster talked our boys and thanked them individually for making the trip to visit them! Now, that's the way to treat your most important guests!(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

Red Feather ... to you and yours the very best as well.

... and to all fellow Scouters, may the very best wishes be with you and yours for the Holidays. On the behalf of the parents and the boys in your Den, your Pack, and your Troop, thank you for your guidance, your caring, your devotion, and your "one hour a week!"

YIS

Have wonderful Holidays

NJCubScouter ... I'm trying not to get into the debate about diversity. I'm all for diversity. I just don't remember all of these issues being an issue close to 30 years ago when I was a Tenderfoot! Now protecting the kids is the first and last priority and the only priority, but beyond that it's all about ... neah what's the use ... the more we talk about it ... the more we become divided.

No point at all about my posting ... it's just Ben Stein points out some poignant about what is happening to our society that rings (somewhat) true and it's hilarious. Lawyers are laying down the road to which we should follow. That's all.

I guess that anyone who posts something here should be ready to defend his/her posting. In that case ... I withdraw my posting.

kwc57 ... somewhat along my line of thinking, but if I agree with you then I am not diversified. I have taken too many diversity training at work to agree with anything that implies that I am not diversified. What really got me scratching my head is seeing on "20/20?" (was it?) the other night and saw how the lawyers managed to get a 6' boy to play field hockey for a girl field hockey team. He just wants to play on the girls team ... that's all. I guess that if I want to be part of something that I don't belong, all that I need to have is some money and a good lawyer! By the way, I am very diversified kwc57. After all, I was on the receiving end of prejudicism.

Oh well staying unprovoked and honest is the best policy. I will stay out of this hot bed and this forum. I think that there isn't anything in this forum that I can learn to better myself as a Scouter for the kids!

YIS(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)(This message has been edited by Pack38Scouter)

http://biz.yahoo.com/fo/021213/how_to_ruin_american_enterprise_2.html

The funny thing is that the same thing is happening to Boy Scout ... We are going away from the traditional scouting and Baden Powell's scouting spirit in exchange for for being pc and lawsuit freed.

Cubmaster Minutes perhaps is one of the two most favorite things to do at our Pack meeting ... the other is to see the boys and their parents laugh! I have several sources to draw my minutes from. "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series and several websites. http://www.myshepard.com is one of my favorite sites to get my Cubmaster Minutes. But be forewarned, the stories there will cause teary eyes (even for a grown man such as myself!) I know that my wife "balled" her eyes out every time she read them! Wonderful life's lessons! Here's one for those of us who don't think that we can make a difference in a child's life!

********************************************************************

A Heart Warming Story

There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers. At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle." His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class." By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself.

She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children.

Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became her "teacher's pet." A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life. Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer-the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

One of my favorites (from http://members.tripod.com/CubBobwhite/ceremonies/opening.htm)

The Birth of a Flag

Materials:

One large container (such as a box, wash pot, etc.)

One roll each of one or two inch read, white, and blue crepe paper.

Eight to ten stars or disks constructed of aluminum foil or a similar material

One large spike or similar object to represent a needle (large enough to be seen by the audience)

One piece of brightly colored yarn which should be attached to the needle.

One American flag

Five Scouts

Narrator

The container is placed in the front center stage without backdrop. The U.S. flag should be concealed within the interior of the container (care should be taken to protect the flag from soiling or discretion during this procedure), The five Scouts are positioned or grouped around the container so that on cue during the narration each may deposit his property into the container. At the conclusion of the narration and at the beginning of the accompanying music, the five Scouts should, in unison, bend, grasp, and withdraw the U.S. flag and hold in proper position until the conclusion of the music; then withdraw from the stage with the flag (two Scouts should properly fold the flag after they are off stage)

Narrator: Have you ever stopped to think about how a flag is born? Today we are here to show how our flag was made!

First, we add the red for courage (first Scout raises red strip and deposits into container by holding loose end of roll allowing roll to "stream". The courage of those gallant men who have given their lives defending the freedom of our great country. Red is for the courage of those Scouts who have accepted the challenge of advancement and development of mind, body, and character.

Next we add some white for purity (next Scout raises white strip and deposits into container by holding loose end of roll allowing roll to "stream".) the purity of the birth of a new nation which struggled for life carved from virgin wilderness. The white is also for the purity of a new Cub Scout just beginning the great adventure of Scouting.

Then, let us add some blue taken from the sky and the waters that surround our continent (next Scout raises blue strip and deposits into container by holding the end of roll allowing roll to "stream"). The blue represents the life-supporting elements that sustain our very existence. The blue sky and the blue water that beckon Scouts of all nations to enjoy God's great natural beauty.

Next, we will add just a dash of stars (next Scout drops stars in container) to represent the fifty states that make up this grand land we call the United States of America. Stars that shine in the eyes of a lad as he succeeds in the accomplishments and goals achieved in the Scouting program.

Finally, we add this needle and thread (next Scout drops needle and thread into the container) with which to finish our flag. The steel of the needle signifies the strength of our nation, and the thread represents the fiber of brotherhood (withdraw the flag as stated in the instructions) that binds us together in the united effort to continually defend the freedom our flag represents. Our flag! Old Glory! The Red, White, and Blue! Stars and Stripes Forever! The flag of the United States of America! May it always fly with honor and respect!

-Bay Area Council Pow Wow, 1994

I got this one off a web page a while back. I would give credit where credit is due but I truly don't remember the site's url nor the author.

It's about the right time for this post since Pinewood Derby time is starting up for some Packs. It is also another reality call for all of the "I'm too busied" fathers in our Packs and Troops.

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Derby Cars

My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad". That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed. Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do.

Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kid's cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning", the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.

Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed. A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilberts, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom".

As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there.

As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old asked if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped. Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, "Okay, I am ready."

As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car. Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?" To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose."

Not unless the committee and the scoutmasters are holding a grudge, it shouldn't even be an issue. Let's see the several points of the scout law should be examined:

- A Scout is Loyal.

A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation. At least this scout is still true to the scouting spirit by coming back and the Scouters should respect that.

- A Scout is Helpful.

A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward. The scouters should help this scout to achieve his goal and not to push him away.

- A Scout is Friendly.

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own and so should the Scouters be as well!

- A Scout is Courteous.

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. The scouters should set this example by let bygones be bygones.

- A Scout is Kind.

A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing, especially a scouter to a former scout.

- A Scout is Cheerful.

A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. Again the scouters should practice this and take him back with opened arms.

- A Scout is Thrifty.

A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property. The Scouters should help this scout to achieve his goals as an Eagle.

What could we as Scouters gained by prevent a boy from completing his Eagle dream? On the other hand, we as a nation and as fellow citizens can gain a lot from molding a young man into something that we all (as Scouters) believed in!

Not only the scouts should practice and live by the Scout Law, but the adult leaders and scouters as well!

YIS

kwc57,

Webelos 1 is not too early to look at troops, especially if you have several to choose from. The troop meetings themselves do not do the troop any justice. A campout will definitely tell you and your son how much your son will enjoy the troop and how well the patrol method is being run in the troop. If you wait until Webelos 2 year, you will be able to do only one transition campout with one to two troops at most. I got our 20 Webelos 1 to start looking into troops this past March. Now, they are well into their Webelos 2 year, they have visited at least 3-4 local troops with 2-3 more in the plan.

imascouter,

If you email me, I will send to you what I gave to our Webelos Den Leaders and the Webelos 2 parents as a checklist in MS Word format. The local troops indicated that they will be using it for future Webelos as well. It's two pages long and folks on this board wouldn't like it if I cut and paste that long of a post!

YIS