cajuncody

I think you took that the wrong way. I wouldn't raise my voice at all, that isn't my style, however I would let everyone know on my way out why I was leaving. I am not out looking for a fight but I am not going to hide over in the corner. The more out there in front of the group you are, meeting and greeting, the easier you are to accept (most of the time ). It is harder to bar someone from the meeting who everyone likes than it is to bar someone from a meeting who ticks everyone off or nobody knows. I would be out there making friends and influencing people and bringing them to the camp fire with me, but if It came to the point that it was beyond hope I would make sure that everyone knew why.

Who knows, maybe this SM just needs a couple of true female scouters to show him that we can pitch tents and tie knots with the best of them. Then again it could be his own little ego troop/trip.

I am now on the list as registered for Woodbadge 2005 (one of the first 5 might I add). I am very happy and looking forward to this. Can anyone tell me what to expect (and by the way, if you say there is an evil SM hiding behind the tree telling me "No Girls Allowed" I won't be held responsible for my actions )

Are there any other forum members in East TN going?

Kristi

I don't want to go to the side to say Hi, I want to stand right here in front of the fire and say Hi all I want. I want to sit right here on my nice comfy log with my smores and tie knots right here with everyone else. There would be no way that I would stay home "All BAck of the Bus" while my son went camping unless I good and well wanted to.

In all seriousness, I would go to the next roundtable and recruit all of the "scouting sisterhood" that I could and I would camp with my sons troop. Heck, I would camp with my sons troop even if I was the only female there. Of course I have never been the shy type. If you were in my area I would be happy to go camping (hee hee, guess that makes me a "Happy Camper" giggle) with your troop for moral support.

However, If this was indicitive of the way the troop will operate in the future and there was absolutly no hope whatsoever that it would change, I would probably have a nice heart to heart with my son and possibly the families that crossed over with him about going somewhere else. This isn't the dark ages. Our young men are going to have to learn how to live and work with the opposite sex. My hopes would be that my own son would have been raised better and would understand that this is not acceptable in the here and now.

AND on the way out the door I would be sure and tell the SM and anyone else within a country mile why exactly I was leaving and why I wouldn't be back.

Just me

Kristi

See, if it were me, I would go on this campout come H*** or high water. Not only that but I would be sure to pitch my tent right in the middle of it all and would sing the loudest at campfire, toast the most marshmellos, and tie the most knots.

Of course I would also invite the COR and the CC to sit at my campfire along with the DE. I would also invite other mothers to join me. I don't take kindly to people treating me that way. I would also schedule a meeting with the CC, SM, Cor, and DE to clear the air. If they don't want lady leaders that is one thing but it would be a cold day in . . . before I would let a bigot take my son camping.

Kristi

By the way, what area are you in, I feel up to camping.

>SR540Beaver wrote:

The car that my son and I are finishing for our derby this weekend is cut so that each wheel has independent suspension for a smooter ride. The body is only about 3/8ths of an inch high. Springs are not allowed in pine cars, but this design actually uses cuts in the wood to make a suspension system. <

Since I would never be close enough to race against you would you mind telling me how you do this and if it helps? Would love to show the boys how that works! Very educational idea.

Kristi

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/8047/paint.htm#pwc

Hope this helps.

Kristi(This message has been edited by cajuncody)

No, I wouldn't. We plan to open a new account at a different bank. I just want her on it so that we can easily get back records. I may be southern but I not stoopid

(gentle southern jab aimed at only myself, no offense intended).

I also need to see his reaction to being asked to put someone else on the account. We will see if he thinks he has something to hide.

Kristi

Any one going to Day C amp School in GA around the first of March?

Kristi

Ok, Here is where we stand. The coup has not started yet. The pressure is growing though and I have taken some steps.

First, since our committe only existed on paper and our COR didn't know he had the job, here is what I have done. I have asked a set of parents to be our temp fundraising chairs as we are horribly broke (not even $2.00), they are thinking it over. I asked my assistant to be a temp advancement chair as she is always catching me on a technicallity, I have asked a school teacher mom to be our temp tres. as she is well known and trusted, and I have asked a very out going parent to be our recruitment chair and she agreed to fill in for now to see if she could do it. I know this really isn't my job but desperate times . . .

Second, I have researched our CO and found a teacher at the elementary school who is a sunday school teacher there. I am going to approach her to be a temp liason with the church and try to set up another meeting with the pastor. If she agrees maybe she can become our COR (I have worked with her before and she would be great).

Now that I have tossed together the people I think would be best for the job, we are going to approach the outgoing CM for the keys, bank info, and records. I am going to ask him to put the tres. on the bank account so that she "may become adjusted to the position" and can start giving financial reports.

And Finally if all goes well we are going to try to get the boys to do something "special" for the CO to bolster relations.

The only thing that leaves is finalizing a committee and getting a CC which hopefully the CO would like to appoint one.

Any more suggestions?

Kristi

Anarchist, thanks for the offer but hopefully it won't come to changing all the locks

See, here is the difference. I wouldn't have canceled it. I would have found an alternative meeting place. You could have had all the families check with other local churches for the use of a fellowship hall or checked with local lodges. I would have even used the local skating rink in a pinch. You could have checked with your local school about using the caffeteria. Many many options, canceling would have been a hard decision to make especially if the next pack meeting were booked.

Kristi

Ok, some clarification,

Four years ago was when the grill and tents were bought. I joined last year and we had about $300 in the bank according to Him. We went from 70 boys doing fund raising 4 years ago to 12 this year. Our Tdl was with the pack 4 years ago and said I should make sure the tents, grill, prep table, and sleeping bags are returned and I was amazed. I didnt know about them. The money (4 years ago) came from an older gentlemen as a one time donation. We have been a poor community for more than 4 years and that money could still be doing the pack good if it were still in the bank. TDL started requesting the bank books then and as of now no one but he has seen them. We have no committee, no treasure and he is the only one who can sign the checks. The pastor is new to the church and new to scouts and doesnt want a conflict.

Would starting over really be the answer? Is there no other way to get rid of him? Cant we form a committee since I am the CM of record and the CM on our charter? Could a committee or a group of parents ask him to turn over the keys, equipment, and bank books and never come back?

I have boys who quit the pack because of the way it was run who are willing to come back when he is gone and we are back on the program.

It keeps getting worse and worse.

Kristi

I need help. I need tons of help. I need all of you to catch the next flight to town and come in like the EPA to a major spill.

So, now I am officially CM of the pack ( was announced at B&G) but the former CM still plans on running the PW Derby, Family Camp, and Day camp this year. He didn't give me the keys to the church and said "See ya at the next meeting". We have no money in the bank and 90% of our parents think he took it. One parent was with him when he bought a new BBQ grill, several tents, and sleeping bags with pack money "for pack equipment" but that was 2 years ago and we haven't seen them yet. Our CO is angry because he doesn't respect them and the pastor had to get up at 2 am to lock up the church after it was left open. Former CM starts out every "meeting" with talking for 30-45 min then "allows" us to split for dens. We can't follow the program with him and it seems that he just isn't going to leave.

I spoke with the CO and they didn't know they had any power at all. Now that they do they don't want to get involved in asking him to leave as they know nothing about us and I fear they would rather pull the charter if we can't solve this ourselves.

I need help. We can't save the pack with this guy "still in charge".

Kristi

Amen to that.

Now, about Dad built cars. My son's car always looks great. He puts many hours in sanding between adding paint coats. Did he cut it out? Nope, he still has all his fingers, however, he chose the design, transfered it to the block and helped hold the saw while cutting. It is a "fancy and difficult" design but he did most of the work. His father helped with the jig saw and the drummel. Does that make him a cheater? No, he has more time and work in it than his dad. He carries it room to room sanding it. He polishes his own axles and tires. He is a very artistic child. However, since he is a wolf and only 8 most people think he didn't help at all because the car looks really good. He is quick to tell you how much work he puts in it and it looks better than mine for the open race for adults. Don't take away his chance to be proud of something just because some other kids cars don't look as good or because some parents go overboard. Last year his car looked better than the former CM's car did, he found that very amusing.

Kristi

Operation was the name of the game and that would be a pretty good award. I would probably also honor the "news bringer" in some way too. "He's being stabbed" was a good way to describe the situation to be sure to get results.

Kristi(This message has been edited by cajuncody)

You know, I would consider my pack to be the most hyper boys of the school. But last night they made me proud. Before Crossover I told them that it was something they, themselves, would be doing in the future so could they show the boys that were crossing over the respect they would like at their crossover. Then I did a few min. of "Lets get it out of your system" and let them yell and scream with me egging them on (Is that the best you can do?). Our outgoing CM then gave his "leaving the pack speach" and passed on the CM title to me . His speech was long, 4 pages, but the boys were quiet and attentive. I had to keep checking to make sure they hadn't left. Then I did the Crossover Ceremony and they were just as quiet and respectful. I was so proud of them and I let them know it. It was a Great Evening.

By the way, the flaming Neckercheif was a hit, It awed the boys and the parents. Funny thing is, there are no photos of it. When it was over the parents were asking "Can you send me a copy of your photo?" to everyone else. It seems that they were all so enthralled that no one thought to take a picture

For the first time I can remember our boys were a real pack.

Kristi

I feel your pain. Our outgoing CM told the pack when I announced the SFF dates that he didn't consider it important. We had 4 boys participate and collected less than 400 items. I plan to present patches for those boys at the next meeting. I did that for the Veterans day Parade also. I can't pull teeth to get them there but I can give them something to regret missing.

kristi

One Idea:

small diam. rope, blue paint, gold paint, hot glue gun.

Cut three small pieces of rope, color one blue and one gold leave the other plain. tie a square knot using the blue and gold pieces, glue together, glue third piece to the back in a loop and you have a neckerchief slide/woggle. Quick, simple, and useful.

Kristi

I have the solution for you. It is simple. Your problem and mine are alike. However I am to take over as CM next year. Here is my answer : (Ever see the Chronicles of Riddick?)

I take a deep breath and simply say

"Not my Problem"

I know this sounds harsh but here is why. I have a den of 9 boys, one of which is adhd and another is my very hyper son. For the past year I have been running a quasi pack instead of a den. I always plan enough for everyone in our pack (now down to 12 counting my 9 wolves) but I couldn't do it on a den level and get everyones needs met. Hence the "not my problem". I am only concerned now about doing my job as den leader ( not CM, CC, or any other position). When I advance next year to CM I will have others to help me which my current CM doesn't have. Hopefully I will do a better job. However right now it is "Not my problem". It may turn out that next year when we charter we only have my den, I will deal with that time when it gets here. I will do my best with what I have. If parents can't help or can't support our projects then they won't happen. When they see that projects are slowing down they will ask why and I will tell them short and to the point :"I can't do this job without your full support". Maybe the parents just need a wake up call. Maybe people like us have done so much for so long with so little that we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. I for one am not going to take it. I am putting my foot down and I would encourage you to do so as well. We are volunteers not hired help. These parents are going to have to understand that we can't have a den/pack without their support and sad to say but if they won't support us then the program suffers. Don't get me wrong, I am not burnt out. I am actually very excited about my part in scouting and will do everything I can to keep the boys in scouting. I am just saying that enough is enough. Next year will be different for me but I promise everyone here that I will NEVER put a den leader through what we have been through.

As johnD said, sit down, take a deep breath, take a load off, and have a cool drink (nap optional). Re think what it is you want to accomplish and set your goals accordingly. Me? I want to make a difference in the world one boy at a time. Maybe you feel that way too but with a high output child maybe you should step back and make a difference in his first. Take care of your own, they grow quickly

YIS

Kristi(This message has been edited by cajuncody)

Semper wrote "Pulling the troop trailer up the mountains in your Hemi-powered Dodge Ram = "Only $3.99 a minute..."

He must have seen me in my Dodge (360 though, not Hemi) I had to stop and laugh out loud at that one.

Kristi

Many moons ago ( it seems like forever) I first came to this forum in a panic. I was to become CM of my pack this year and I had no training. Through the assistance and encouragement of those here I have learned alot, most of which I couldn't learn in training. I would like to say "thank-ya Big Big" ( for King fans everywhere) to all of you who have helped me during this learning process. My pack still has many problems and our current CM is staying till the end of the school year but on a better note I am proud to say that I am now a graduate of the University of Scouting, certified in CPR and First Aid, trained in Youth Protection, trained in Fast Start, trained in New Leader Essentials, and will be as of Thursday the 3rd of Feb. a graduate of Leader specific CM training. I am already enrolled for BALOO for 2-26 and will soon have the coveted Trained patch on my sleeve. I have taken outdoor cooking classes and am signed up to become a certified BBs and Archery instructor. [ Now if only I could find a person to pay woodbadge training fees ]

You have all helped me to find my way and I thank you. I am also humbled by the amout of experience that this forum contains.

Looking forward to many more topics.

Kristi

How about for Webelos cooking campfire coffee you use the old Jolt Cola "All the sugar, twice the caffiene".

Of course we all know that Tiger Cubs could use "They're Greeeeaaaat!" or any of the Tony the Tiger ads for that matter.

For any of the programs the old Army slogan "Be All That you can be" would do just fine.

Kristi(This message has been edited by cajuncody)

I think I found the reason for the insanity. It turns out that Little Johnny is actually the COR's son. If he gets special treatment on this is he getting it on advancement? As I said before, I have never seen him at an activity or an advancement.

Kristi

I got mine on Ebay for under $20 with hat pin.

Kristi

I feel your pain! I have to say that atleast the boys show up for the race.

As for my son, He is a wolf. My hubby lets him design the car and transfer it to graph paper. he then lets him cut it out and trace it onto the block of wood. My husband holds the saw and guides it and my son pulls the trigger. My husband uses the drumel tool for cutting and my son uses it for sanding. My son hand sands and paints his car. He puts about 8 coats of paint on with sanding between each and I must tell you it is pretty close to a "show room" finish. He puts alot of work into it.

Kristi

I know that I can't change it this year. However, next year, what would you all suggest changing?

Kristi