CCbytrickery

While we haven't been down for summer camp yet (DH's boys get to start going this year as Webelos), we have been to Shands for our Cuboree and other council events. It is a really nice place. There isn't much around, though--it's not a quick trip to the corner store kind of place. Our scouts, in the pack,that went the last two for Webelos said they had fun, and stayed busy, but it wasn't the "hurry up, we have to go now now now" that they get at Cuboree. They don't have their Cub/Webelos information posted up yet, but you can get the BS guide on here. http://www.campshand

We carry a first aid kit with us, in addition to the one the Pack has. The Pack one is small, red with white cross on it, and I keep it stocked with our personal supplies. It hangs in the trailer by the door, so it is accessable. Ours is in a plastic tackle box (bought new). (The husband does home hemodialysis and we get sent a massive amount of tape, gauze, alcohol pads, iodine pads, gloves, masks, etc---more than we could use in a month. The company won't send us less than the full order unless I get the clinic nurse to sign off on it, and the position has spent more

Dean Airsoft should NOT be allowed to anyone under 16 and in protective gear. Some of those guns can leave a pretty nasty mark. Airsoft guns at Walmart are the bottom of the barrel, but can still leave a good welt. Paint the orange tips on them, and they look real. My husband was in an Airsoft league for a few years---grown men out in the desert and swamps (NV and FL), playing war. He had the top of his head split open by a single BB. One guy in DH's league had his...sac...ruptured by a hit. They wear a lot of protective gear---goggles are the minimum, face masks are better;

We require a medical form for each person attending any portion of a campout or event. Adult, sibling, scout....all need a form.

Our pack holds a Pinewood Derby workshop on a Saturday. We have 3 or 4 parents with woodworking tools--they bring them up to our meeting place. They run the electric saws/drills/etc. The boys decide on their designs, the adults cut them out. The boys can then sand them and paint them at home. It's not required, it's just something we like to do for those who have non-handy parents (like my son, haha).

(Don't take this as an attack. Just my angry opinion) I wonder..do those adults that are coming up to you thanking God for Boy Scouts because of the gay leader issue....are they at all upset or angry or worried about the PEDOPHILE issue? Ya know, the guys who were molesting boys.....not the gay men, who are in commited relationships with other adults, but the guys who like to diddle kids? Or are they all just "OH MY GOD< TEH GAYS ARE HERE!!!" I wonder if any of them stepped up to voice their support for the boy in school coerced into a relationship with his teacher or the girl

It bothers us also. "We don't have the time" when asked to help with knot-tying, but they can sit at the meeting and spend that same amount of time playing on their cell phones. Our den dues are $1 a week. Last year, it went to snack and we just used the supplies that we had bought when DS was a Tiger the year before that. (I spent probably $100 on supplies for the group the first year.) Out of 24 boys, 14 brought dues this week. My husband is on the kidney transplant list, and we drive a falling apart 2000 minivan. We do have cable but that is our only vice--no drinking/sm

At the beginning of this scout year (Bear), DH's den lost a boy due to his dad's change of station; one boy to sports; and one boy who didn't really want to be there or follow instructions, so he and his mom bailed. (from last years Wolves) He started with 17-18 Tigers. Lost 5 or 6 by Wolf start, added a few more, and is now sitting on 28 Bears. We'll lose at least 4 of those this week (signed up and paid but never showed). We've lost them because of parents (being involved/not being involved/bringing in boyfriends that despise scouting). There has been only one boy that my h

All our thoughts and prayers to his family and troop.

I believe our pack is striving to do so, and our dens mostly do. There is a bit too much bookwork, IMO. DH is having to decide if he wants to teach them fiances or how to write a letter--not really what we envisioned we said "let's send son to Scouts". But, at our pack meeting on Tuesday, we had the reptile guy come, with turtles, monitors, skinks, a small gator, and lots of snakes. Made me /shudder but the kids ate it up! We have a one night campout coming up, to teach parents/scouts who have never camped before (or never scout camped) how we do things. Then we have Cuboree

SP: We charge $65 for the Webelos, as they are earning both belt loops/pins and badges (or whatever they are called at the Web level). Also pays for their AoL stuff. They attend Day, aquatics and Webs camps, so they can earn a lot of things. We charge $45 for the Tigers, because their parents are coming in needing to buy uniforms for the first time--and every little bit helps. Most will not attend day camp (as the hours are not conducive for working parents) so their belt loops/pins will be lower. We charge $55 for the Wolves/Bears because we figure they will be earning more be

We charge the full amount for Web 2s. $55. They do not pay the advancement fee, however--they don't need another new book, necker/slide or set of colors. In addition to their getting the belt loops and pins for a 2nd time, they also get their badges (or whatever they are called at this level). Plus their Arrow of Light stuff.

We have a core group of parents that just always help out. However, this year, they are gone (moved to BS last March) and the support is lacking. We've relied on the den leaders to lead things. This year, we can't--the Web2 DL has a daughter whose a senior in high school this year--lots of college trips and other events. My husband (Bear DL) was just placed on the transplant list for a kidney, so we cannot commit to leading anything for the next few years...when the call comes in, we have to drop everything for 6-8 weeks. We have made it clear to the parents that if they DO NOT st

Our pack dues: Tiger 45 Wolf/Bear 55 Web 65 This is IN ADDITION to the fees from BSA. All get a book and pack tshirt. Webelos also get their colors. Rank, belt loops/awards, pack meeting activities, PWD car and Christmas gifts. Also, we are able to take care of part of every campout (except our big May Event---that is full cost)...so a campout that can cost $25 a person is only costing them $10. Also, we purchase supplies that we need, such as a new coffee maker for campouts or a dining fly. There are extra den shirts available to purchase at $10 each. We make a

We've always had a parent or two step up for Tigers. Until they are on their feet and running, a council member (CC, AC, or secretary usually) helps get things rolling. We usually just add the new boys in with the old boys. Only if it grows too big, will we split them...and then it's lottery to see who goes in what den. Usually a parent or two steps up for this as well.