VinceC

At one time, you could purchase a multi-launcher from Estes. They were for school clubs and large groups. We have 70 boys and 100 rockets to launch. It would make it much easier. Using a single multipad pad launcher, with only one ignition switch for it, would in my opinion be safer than several people operating their own launch in the same area. It would give greater control over the event. I have seen them used many years ago, and they were fantastic. The boys loved seeing several rockets launched within a second or two.

I'm hoping some one can point me in the right direction. I'm looking for plans to build a muliple rocket launch pad for Estes' rockets. I pretty much can work out the platform I desire, but what I really need help with is the wiring, and the power needed, so that all lift off at the same time. Ideally, four or more at once. I've search the web, but no luck. Thanks.

Vince.

I just recieved an old Cub Scout handkerchief. Appears to be brand new from the condition it is in. Under an Arrow of Light there are three emblems, a wolf badge, bear badge, and what looks like the head of a lion. All surrounded by Cubs doing various activites. Anyone have any idea how old this is? I thought I read somewhere on these boards that there were Lion Cubs before Webelo Scouts came around. I've only been in scouting since 1970 and don't remember seeing these. Thanks. VinceC.

I should also add I may loose 4 or more boys in this den if he is allowed to participate. They have yet to re-register pending tthe outcome of this.

Has anyone come across a cub that no den leader wanted in their den? He is entering his first year in webelos. Over the summer an arguement started between this boy's father and a den mother at cub day camp developed over how he thought his son was treated. The boy can be a problem. He was hitting, spitting, kicking others. My webelos one den leader has quit this year over this summer issue, the boys father, and older brother, a self appointed den chief. They are very over-bearing. The replacement DL is the mother from the summer. She refuses to let this boy and father in the den. The father refuses to be in this den.

I do have one other webelos one den, and the DL has stated that she wants no parts of this family either. I should mention that we are the second pack this family has been to in my town. I spoke with the CM of his old pack and there were unrelated problems with that pack as well, to the point where the local council said the pack did not have to approve the boy's re-registration.

Any suggestions for this first year CM on how to handle the situation?

You all make valid points, and I will listen. That's why I posted, I wanted another opinion before acting.

Our round-up isn't until the end of the month, so we do have a little time. Another avenue we might try is Back to School Night. Even if we just have a presence there, and let the parents come to us. Sort of like an information table in the back of the room.

You make some very good points. I think why we might try the school board is because the superintendent made this decision on her own, with out their knowledge. as for getting the PTA support, great idea, and I will definitely try.

I need some help please. Our pack primarily draws from two schools. One catholic, the other public. My trouble is with the public. Up until a new school district superintendent took over 4 years ago, we had no problem going into the school to speak with the boys about joining a pack. Apparently, one boy wanted to join and his mother was totally against it. She had a fit with the school district super, and that she had to break her son's heart because she didn't want him to be a part of scouting. The superintendent said we could no longer come into the school. Her reason being that if she let us in, she would have to let all groups in. It has been this way for the past three years. I'm a new cubmaster this year and I really want to change this. I spoke with the cubmaster of another local pack that draws from another school in the same district, and it has really hurt his membership. We are thinking of getting together with our local DE and approach the school board on this. My other thought on the arguement the super is giving is this: If no outside group is allowed in, then why is the PTA permitted as much freedom in the schools as they wish? They are an entirely separate non-profit organization from the school district, with many similar goals as our own, at least according to their national web site.

I guess I'm really just looking for some guidance and suggestions on the matter. It really bothers me that we are the only school district in our council with this problem.

Thanks to you all.

Vince.

PNWscouter,

A lot of this may be a judgement call on your behalf. Taking the swimmer test at summer camp, in my opinion, is for the activites at summer camp. If he passed it for rank, it cannot be taken away. However, if he failed to pass at camp, he cannot take part in those activites that require him to be a swimmer. I've seen boys pass one year and not the next. Ive seen it happen in the same summer from a troop that attended twice. There is nothing I'm aware of that says a scout can't be retested the next day, or during the week. We would offer swimmer tests twice a day. Before Polar Bear Club in the morning, and just before free swim in the afternoon. Sometimes a scout just needs a few pointers and a little practice to swim in an unfamiliar enviornment.

I attended a National Camp School for Aquatics Administration quite a few years ago. The idea taught to us there is that water over your head means you can't touch the bottom. Just a few inches over your head wouldn't qualify. Part of the test is being able to come to the surface and level off before swimming. I can't begin to tell you the number of scouts that had to be pulled out of the water because they couldn't resurface after going under the water. While just having the water an inch or so over your head may be correct in a literal interpretation of the requirement, I think it misses the point, as well as the spirit. There is no way I would allow it. It is a straight forward safety issue in my opinion.

A big thanks for the info. I'll now have to rustle up a few other members and parents to join me.

Hello,

I've just taken over as Cubmaster of my son's pack after servinig the first year as a Tiger Cub Den leader. Can anyone tell me about BALOO traing? I see it is required for someone in the pack to have for an overnighter, and I don't think anyone has it in our pack. Although I had been out of Scouting for several years before my son joined up, I had been very active. Eagle Scout, ASM, MB Counseler, Camp Staff, National Camp School. What would be involved that perhaps I haven't come across already? Is this a one day course? A weekend trip? I know nothing about it.Thanks in advance to all of you.

Vince.

The summer camp I worked at in the early 1980's had an incident of a Cub leader doing this. Once one of the staff saw it for themselves and reported it to the director, the leader was asked to leave the camp. In my opinion there is no place in Scouts at any level for this. At some point it just gets out of had.

You mentioned that this is at the den level. This year I got back into scouting as a Tiger Cub den leader with my son. Although I had been out of Scouting for 15 years, I still had over 20 under my belt. The first thing I did was to make sure I had a proper uniform, as well as my son. I put on all the patches and awards that I'm permited to wear that I earned. Not only did that get the attention of the young Tigers, but more so of the parents and other leaders of the pack that did not own or wear a uniform when I joined. At the first Pack Meeting, several of the committe members said maybe they should start wearing their uniform. They hadn't because no other adult leader had done so. And slowly through the year, nearly every adult now wears a uniform in my pack. As for the boys, this is the best example. At the young age, it is easier to get them to wear the uniform. All of my den were wearing a complete uniform by January. If just a few of the boys follow your example, the others don't want to be left out, and soon follow. Be sure to award them their badges as soon as possible so that they can display them on their uniform. Make a big deal out of it on their uniform, because it is a big deal. They EARNED it. And should be proud.

Hello to all, I found this site and it looks as though it will be helpful. I'm excited to be in Scouting again. My son was a Tiger Cub this year, and I was the den leader. As of the end of June, I'll be the new Packmaster. I came through through the scouting program, joined as a Cub, worked my way right through to Boy Scouts and my Eagle Award. I was an Assistant Scoutmaster for my troop, went to a National Camp School, and was on the summer camp staff for a few years. But that was all about 15 years ago. I'm here looking for some updating of whats been going on while I was out of touch. I'm really excited to be a part again, and I want to bring some of my skills, enthusiasm and experience to my pack. They really need some new ideas. Same program is followed every year, which seems to cause the older boys to loose interest. I'm looking to change that. I'm hoping to hear from you all. VinceC.