cajuncody

(Cajun steps to the bat to take a swing)

IMO the Social and Economic Forces of a community do have an effect on Scouting. I am not just refering to buying equipment or uniforms either. If you look at 2 cub packs, lets say pack A is a high income group and pack B is not. I would wager on Pack B getting more out of scouting simply because this group of boys does not get everything handed to them. My boys are the pack B group. We may not be in uniform or have camping equipment but the personal accomplishments seem to mean more to them. For Example, at our Pinewood Derby District meet we were up against a "wealther" pack. Most of the cars were professionally airbrushed with the internet "speed" shapes that you had to buy the book to get the plans for. Sure, these cars won against our boys but even our boys knew that the other kids didn't help on their cars. We made our cars in our dens and with our fathers. We didn't buy the fancy plans or send them out to be airbrushed. We sanded and painted and designed our own. Our boys came away with much more than trophys. Our program teaches "Do your Best" not have Daddy pay someone to do it for you.

Cajun

Great answers! I just love this forum. I can get many answers here in the time it takes me to look up my current CMs phone number. AND I can usually get the correct answer the first time with out hearing I'll look it up and call you back or talking to voice mail. You guys are great, plan on seeing me around for a long time!

Cajun

Am I right in the assumption that the Tiger Cub belt totem is retired once a child moves into a Wolf den or may the boys still wear them on their belts?

Cajun

Looking forward to our first den meeting tonight!!

Home Depot and Lowes are great. I even have some kits left over that I put in my Cub stash. That way if I ever need a last min. fill in I can just pull out the stash and see how much we can do. I have also requested (and received) donated scrapbook items and stickers for my Tiger Cubs Scrapbook project. IMO it never hurts to ask and if I get told no, well I have heard it before and will hear it again so it doesn't hurt my feelings at all.

Cajun

Since everyone now knows that Most of my den funds come from me I thought I would start a thread with some of the more thrifty den meeting ideas I could find (these are actual meeting projects from my Tiger year).

1. Don't over look Homedepot and Lowes. They have kids workshops that you can attend as a den or if you ask nicely they will give you the left over projects to make at your meeting. Lowes also supplied the aprons AND safety glasses for the boys to keep. Lowes also supplied a project for Day camp on very short notice when our BB Gun and Archery instructor decided not to show. They even loaned us the hammers and the kit was a "Safe Meeting Place Placard" so it was very appropriate.

2. Walgreens and CVS will donate all the used film canisters you could want. These are perfect for making paper rockets which are fueled by water and alkaseltser (sp). Nice PoP, plenty of fizz.

3. Marine reserve center. We visited the training center and to our joy the CO had assigned us our very own Sargent and Corporal to make sure we had everything we needed and got to see everything. The boys loved the obstacle course and the vehicles but were just thrilled with the weapons (which they got to hold unloaded of course). The marines even had a field doc do an exhibition which we used as some quick first aid training and did an anti drug talk as well. What more could you ask for? Fantastic trip. We will be going back.

We also went fishing, hiking, and toured some historic houses in the mountains. The Wildlife REsources Agent gave a free talk about the fishing rules and regulations and stayed to help the boys catch some fish. They earned a belt loop for this. (I had to supply all the poles, borrowed from every one I knew) The bait was free, all you had to do was look.

Anyone want to add some more Ideas? I could use some for this year.

Cajun

I can do that! I have a PO Box set up just for that reason.

Please help the boys of my pack by sending any uniform parts or pieces to

Kristi Cantor

PO BOX 1111

Kodak TN 37764

I was going to add my pack number and all but figured that may not be safe online. That might be too specific info. All items are needed and will be put to good use.

We are a cub pack so we need the blues and the tan/olive for the Webelos. Thanks ahead of time for making a difference in a childs life.

I also have a meeting today with the manager at the local McDonalds. I am talking with them regarding sponsering some activity tee shirts for us. Whish reminds me of another good line of thought...

I never said I "Can't" get my boys in uniform. I am working very hard, I have set up a uniform closet with my pack but it is as of now empty. I have been to every thrift shop in a 25 mile radius and have called every other one in the phone book. None had any uniforms but all took my number. I have had one PM of an offer of help to which I have responded. I know I am fighting a uphill battle but atleast I am fighting. As of now I only have 2 in partial uniform. I have even contacted folks on ebay about future uniforms that come available. I have notified my DE of my plans but haven't heard back from him.

"Somebody said that it couldn't be done

But he with a chuckle replied

that "maybe it couldn't" but he would be one

Who wouldn't say so until he had tried.

So he buckled right in, with the trace of a grin

On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it. " --Edgar Guest

I didn't want to keep playing on the bad side of my personal scoutting coin but I just couldn't sit by and let someone say that EVERYONE should be in uniform regardless of money. Someplaces can do that and for the rest of us it is just a happy thought that we are shooting for.

I am Still trying, not just being negative. I am taking notes and have even called in several relatives whom I know go to every yard sale they pass. I spent Saturday at the flea market and while I didn't find any uniforms but my two sons found many wish list items.

Cajun

First off, most of these where there is a will there is a way posts are making my top list of peeves.

Pet Peeve number 1 ---I (Cajun) am a SHE not a he. (But I am willing to over look this for the time being)

Secondly, If I go into my meeting tomorrow night and announce "FULL Uniforms will be required from now on." I would lose every single scout I have. My son included. We don't require them because we can't afford them. You might see some folks in High dollar Nike in other areas but EVERYONE ( not half, not a third, not five eights), Every single one of my scouts either wears walmart shoes or hand me downs. There are no new cars in the parking lot, no new bass boats. These people struggle every day to put food on the table. They have yard sales to pay their water bill. They turn to the state government to make sure their kids eat at school. This is not a case of wanting to buy other things, this is a case of not being able to pay for a uniform.

I laugh at the suggestion of ebay. I have tried to win shirts for my kids off ebay but by the time you add in what the seller feels is acceptable shipping you are paying over $20 for a used shirt when a new one is only $22.

I lost 3 scouts last year at just the suggestion of going on a field trip that cost $2.00. They simply couldn't afford the field trip so they quit scouts thinking more was to come. I have had scouts run out of gas trying to come to the meeting and had to play shuttle. Money is and will continue to be an issue when it comes to small mountain communities.

As far as asking my COR that is just silly, they have no money either. It is a poor community. You can't squeeze blood from a turnip. There is no county big wig here to buy uniforms. The City commissioner (not scouts but the city) actually has his office pay for prescription medicine in the community because people cant afford it.

So if there is a will there is a way huh? Ok enlighten me. Some one out there take me up on my offer. Find me some uniforms for my boys and I will pay out of pocket myself for their shipping. Prove it!

Cajun

Good thing I was not near the cut off, I just can't picture myself as a 16 year old senior in high school.

Cajun

I was going to just lurk but I had to respond anyway. Uniforms here are a luxury. Some of my scouts don't even have nice shoes or ,in the case of 1, blue jeans that have a button and will stay zipped. We are in RURAL East Tn, in the mountains, the Sticks, or BFE if you prefer. We are the "Country boys" of scouting. Most of my kids have camped but never had a tent, cooking over a fire is just cooking to them. Half of my Den receives federal or state assistance and you can't buy a uniform with foodstamps. While I would love to see my scouts in uniform I don't hold my breath. I am trying to start a Uniform closet to pass down outgrown shirts. I would love to find a pack somewhere out there to share used uniform shirts with me. Any takers?

Anyway, enuff said.

Cajun

I too am having problems seeing a 6 year old as having completed First Grade It gets even worse as you go. That would put the future high school graduate at a very young 16 if my math hold true. This must be wrong.

Cajun

My 7 year old is also a Wolf. BSA describes a Wolf as "an 8 year old or a boy who has completed First Grade." (A Cub Scout who has completed first grade (or is age 8) works on 12 achievements to earn the Wolf badge.) Now on that note, my youngest will be an 8 yr old wolf because the timing of his Birthday puts him in Kindergarten the same year he turns 6 as he won't be 5 by the cut off date but turns 5 in January. (This adventure with him begins with Tiger Cubs - a program of exciting indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy who is in first grade and/or is 7 years old.)

Kristi

This happened to me on our first Go See It with Tiger Cubs and I will never forget this moment.

We were a small den and only 4 boys came on this go see it. However, siblings are always welcome so we had 5 siblings with us that day in the woods. We were on our hike in the Great Smoky Mountains when I (as den leader) found a deer track in the soft mud near the creek. I was SOOOOO proud of myself for this. I was having a blast and the leadership was making me feel very good. As I stepped in the mud ( muddy shoes were a small price to pay for showing the boys a deer track) and leaned down I said "notice the front of the hoof shows us this deer was going to the water to drink". Cool huh? Or atleast it was until one of the younger siblings spoke up and said "Yeah and that deer over there probably made it." I felt like a Marx brother at that point but it was one fine Scouting moment. You gotta love kids.

Any other good ones out there?

Cajun(This message has been edited by cajuncody)

I may not have been clear. This is not a scratch and win. The scout will have a card with scratch off dots and will say "would you like to donate to our pack?" The "donor" will then scratch off a dot to see how much to donate from $.05 to $2.00 they get the coupons for donating. So right there we are asking for cash donations and then as a "thank you" giving coupons. These cards may be seen at : http://www.wowfundraising.com/scratchcards-fundraising.php

Cajun

Hi all, me again! My pack has decided to stop selling candy bars and go with a scratch off card this year but IMO it violates policy. In another post here abouts someone stated that you can not ask for donations. This new scratch off card is just that. From my understanding the boys ask someone to donate the amount uncovered by the scratch off dot and then give them a coupon sheet. Are we skirting policy by giving the coupon sheet? To truly skirt the issue shouldn't the boys be "selling" the coupon sheets for the amount uncovered by the dot? And finally, are any of you familiar with the scratch off cards?

Cajun

Hi and welcome to the group. You have come to the right place for answers or speculation. I am new here also but have at least one year of den leader experience and I am getting ready to move up to Cub Master next year. I will offer you my advice but others here may have better opinions.

First on a side note typing in all caps is considered yelling. It is hard on the eyes and in some net groups it is as rude as slamming another member.

Now, on to business. If I were in that pack my answer would be the pack fundraiser. If a child 's family couldn't come out of pocket with the correct amount of dues I would just ask that family to lead the way with the fundraiser. We had one child last year who couldn't pay the dues but sold over 500.00 worth of popcorn and 8 boxes of candy bars. I feel that he more than paid his share.

We also allow payments on dues. Our pack dues are 30.00. We will take two at 15.00 or three at 10.00, or if need be we will take six at 5.00 or thirty at 1.00. It is all the same as long as he dues are paid in full by the end of the year.

I hope I have helped. My pack is in Rural Tn and we are accustomed to dealing with the "financially challenged" families. In reality, with some help from this group I am getting ready to start a uniform closet {donated used uniforms} for the cubs without uniforms.

Kristi in TN

Hi and welcome to the group. You have come to the right place for answers or speculation. I am new here also but have at least one year of den leader experience and I am getting ready to move up to Cub Master next year. I will offer you my advice but others here may have better opinions.

First on a side note typing in all caps is considered yelling. It is hard on the eyes and in some net groups it is as rude as slamming another member.

Now, on to business. If I were in that pack my answer would be the pack fundraiser. If a child 's family couldn't come out of pocket with the correct amount of dues I would just ask that family to lead the way with the fundraiser. We had one child last year who couldn't pay the dues but sold over 500.00 worth of popcorn and 8 boxes of candy bars. I feel that he more than paid his share.

We also allow payments on dues. Our pack dues are 30.00. We will take two at 15.00 or three at 10.00, or if need be we will take six at 5.00 or thirty at 1.00. It is all the same as long as he dues are paid in full by the end of the year.

I hope I have helped. My pack is in Rural Tn and we are accustomed to dealing with the "financially challenged" families. In reality, with some help from this group I am getting ready to start a uniform closet {donated used uniforms} for the cubs without uniforms.

Kristi in TN

As a future CM I had to try my hand at this too so here goes:

"There are good ships and wood ships and ships that sail the sea,

But the best ships are friendships and may they always be." Irish

and a little longer:

It Couldn't be Done

Somebody said that it couldn't be done

But he with a chuckle replied

that "maybe it couldn't" but he would be one

Who wouldn't say so until he had tried.

So he buckled right in, with the trace of a grin

On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed "Oh, you'll never do that;

At least no one ever has done it";

But he took off his coat and he took of his hat,

And the first thing he knew he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin

Without any doubting or quiddit,

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure

There are thousands to point out to you, one by one

The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,

Just take off your coat and go do it;

Just start to sing as you tackle that thing

That "cannot be done" and you'll do it

- Edgar A. Guest

DANGER DANGER, DANGER Will Robinson

{spins dizzily and falls to the floor,}

Phone the CC say that you have talked with the DE, ask the CC if the COR is attending the District Committee Meeting? Mention that the COR is invited to this meeting and really ought to attend and that maybe the CC should mention that he or she might mention it to the COR.

Wow I don't even know what half of those letter combos stand for.

That was more information than I could process at one time, It took 3 reads but I copied it and made a file just for it. That one post alone should keep me busy this week.

One question though:

Won't they think I am being a little pushy as the current CM hasn't resigned yet and plans to stick it out this year?

Cajun

Thanks for all the help, I was looking at the Great Smoky Mountains page but kept getting broken links or out of date info. I called the council and spoke to the "hired help" which was anything but helpful. I did finally manage to get a few phone numbers and have left messages for everyone. I also just received an email from the den leader for Webelos, who also has no training, and she said that we have a new DE and gave me his phone number. I have dates for training sessions but no one knows what they are for or where they are at, I also now have a time, date, and place for Baloo training. It seems this forum is very helpful indeed as the other den leader has been searching for this same info for 3 months now. I also now know which district I am in, the Sequoya. It seems that I am missing alot of the simplist info so I must really be starting out behind. That just means more catch up work, I will not give up.

All of this hard to find info does give me a little insight on why our pack is so small though, frustrated parents. Our pack website went with out update from Jan of this year to finally being updated at the first of this month. I have offered to help the current cm with this but he seemed to want to do it himself

Cajun

(This message has been edited by cajuncody)

I had to stop laughing before I responded. I know its not really funny but . . .

I have been unable to find out the when and where of any district roundtable, the next one or otherwise. I did find out that there was one held back in 2003 though.

thus is my quandry

cajun

I am still looking for training as a future new CM and just realized that my council's website still has 2003 info on it. I am begining to wonder if I have gotten in over my head due to lack of local support. I did manage to find some dates but no locations for the training. Wow, what a bunch of winners have I joined?

How much training can I do online???

Help me in Tennessee

First off, Thanks a bunch for the info. I have already done the online Child safety training and just completed the fast start training CD for all the different types of cubs from Tigers on up. There is Baloo training at the end of the month in my area along with Webelos and I am planning to attend. I just didn't know if there is a specific "CM" training for newbies.

Secondly uniforms seem to be a problem along with apathetic parents. I don't blame the parents, we get no notice of changed events and our round up letter went home on the day of the round up. As you can guess, we are a small pack. I of course have high hopes of changing all that. We had a recent flag raising event where Webelos scout came in uniform shirt and droopy ragged basketball shorts. My den was well represented and looking offical. I hope that if I can find help for the uniforms that maybe we can look a little more presentable to the public at large.

Kristi

Hi all, I am new here. I spent last year struggling through as a Tiger den leader and next year I am taking over as packmaster, big jump for the uninformed. I have a couple of questions for you all.

First, is there any info on getting sponsors to help with uniform costs? We live in rural east TN and most of my cubs are "financially challenged". I have a hard time keeping cubs if there is any costs. I bought all supplies our of pocket last year and would love some help this year. Any ideas would be welcomed.

Second, my packmaster this year is supposed to be training me but he seems to have problems with letting go of total control. What training will I need as packmaster?

Thanks all

Kristi