gwd-scouter

Small troop in our case is 11 boys. Last year we gained a couple, but then lost three that aged out at 18 (two of those made Eagle, one did not). Hoping to get about two more new Scouts next month from a Webelos crossover (VERY small pack, but that's another topic). But, I also have two more scouts working on Eagle, about to turn 18 and will lose them this year. So, we're not gaining, but we're not losing either. I also have a problem with lack of adult leadership. My husband (ASM) and I shoulder the burden for everything at meetings and outings. I do have a few folks on Troop Committee, but they prefer to stay behind the scenes and do not attend (or rarely attend) meetings and outings. At times despair sets in, but then I read someone's uplifting post and my mood is brightened and I'm ready to face another week! Off to Scouts tonight. Going over backpacking food and lightweight stoves getting ready for next weekend's backpack trip.

EagleDad posts a SM is the "Guardian with a Vision" which is the best definition I've seen. It certainly fits with my views and feelings about being SM of our Troop. From many of my earlier posts, you probably are aware I am SM for a small, struggling Troop trying to turn around from adult-led to boy-led. Have met much resistance along the way from both scouts and adults, but am keeping to my vision, trying to get others to see it, and get this troop to boy-led. Each month brings ups and downs, but we're getting there. My ultimate goal? Once this troop is running as it should, I will finally be able to sit in that comfy chair I hear so much about, sip my coffee, and watch the show.

I have been in almost every leadership position from Tiger Den Coach to Cubmaster, Troop Committee to Scoutmaster. Held a bunch of District Committee jobs too. But, my absoluate favorite leadership role was that of Cub Scout Resident Camp Director. For five years I got to host about 300 cubs and their parents for four days of fun and adventure in the blue ridge mountains, and worked with a wonderfully dedicated group of Boy Scouts and adult volunteers who helped staff the event. Sure it was a lot of hard work with many months of preparation. But once camp opened and the boys started arriving, it was a non-stop and enhausting great time. I miss my Cub Scout days.

For those of you that sent me a PM about the turtle cutout, I apologize for the delay in sending it. I thought I knew where it was in my house but it's been a few years since I did Cubs and things have a habit of disappearing in my house. Anyway, pattern found and I will scan it and send it out tomorrow.

Welcome to the Forums OneHour!

The beginning of my username GWD stands for Greenwood, South Carolina. Have 2 boys myself. Oldest now in college, an Eagle Scout that started in Tigers. Youngest is now a Star, also started in Tigers. Been doing this scouting thing for quite a while! Welcome to the forums.

Back when I was a Cubmaster, the turtle races were the annual year-end event in our Pack. We held them for the last pack meeting in May before school let out for the summer. Absolutely the best time! Be happy to send you the plans for the cutout if you send me your email.

Ah, such a sticky subject. Someone has volunteered to be a leader, but isn't setting the best example. Been there many years. Best I've been able to come up with is to show the example myself. Always in proper uniform, always on time, always make calls in advance if something comes up...like I said, set the example myself. Mention nicely to your leaders that "we" are setting the example for "our" boys. Mention too that all the boys that signed up to be cubscout/boyscouts deserve the best leaders (including said leader's own son). But, always remember, these are volunteers. Their leadership to the boys is what is most important. Get that going first and worry about the proper uniforms later.

Trev. Fun survey. You, sadly, left out one important part of a question. As many of us are females, the question about youth participation left out girl scouts!

Greenwood County is 2 counties below and to the west of you.

Hey Den3 and greetings from Greenwood, SC. We're neighbors (sort of)!

I wonder what someone might think if while doing a search on the Internet for "role models in scouting" they come across the tag line "do mass murderers make good role models..." Gotta admit, the spun thread title sure did make me laugh.

Troopmaster does have that automatic function of counting days and putting in dates when time is up for participation and length in POR. Of course, it is very easy to simply remove the date if the scout has not actually fulfilled the requirements.

Semper. Thank you for your post. As I head into the weekend, it has given me the lift I needed. Like EagleInKY, I too had a disappointing and discouraging "scouting" week. Looking forward to next week and another chance "to stand apart for the sake of growing strong men of character." Have a great weekend everyone!

Just when I thought we were on the right track. Scouts have been getting more involved and attending more regularly. Two new scouts joined a month ago. Scouts just elected new SPL last week and formed themselves into two patrols. Planned to hold PL elections this week. Then, last night arrived. My son and I arrived at Scout Hut a bit early as usual. When 6:30 came, the two new scouts arrived. And, that was it! The SPL had called me earlier so I knew he wasn't coming. But, no other adults and no other Scouts came to the meeting. I received no phone calls. Boy this hurt. I walked out of there last night feeling like all the work I'd done getting this troop reorganized over the past year was for nothing. These guys don't care, why should I? Then, light of day came up this morning. Read a few funny posts on the forum, got my perspective back, and will be back at it again next week. Just venting guys. Thanks for reading.

I don't usually weigh in on the religion topics, but... Funscout: your comment "I don't want to offend any Catholics, but my mother-in-law thinks my boys and I are not going to Heaven since we are not Catholic" gave me a giggle. Here's the opposite side of that: When I moved here to the middle of the Bible Belt, I was told by many good Southern Baptists that I AM NOT going to Heaven because I AM a Catholic. Go figure. Guess I'll just resign myself to the fact that the pearly gates will not open for me.

I also use guys or scouts.

The West Wing is in its last season??? I was disappointed when American Dreams was cancelled as it rang so true to my own childhood and teenage years, and now the West Wing. What will I do on Sunday nights? I know, post messages on the Scouter Forum!

John-in-KC. I'm glad you brought up the use of Den Chiefs. It is, unfortunately, an overlooked resource. At least it is in our District. For a Scout, being a Den Chief and working with other adults and with younger boys, can be the most rewarding and educational experience for a Scout. My oldest son served as a Webelos Den Chief for 2 years. He still talks about it now as the best POR he had (and he held them all over the years). Youngest son has just signed on as a Den Chief for a new Pack. We were invited to their Blue and Gold last night in the hopes that we could meet their one Webelos Scout and talk to him about visiting our Troop. Unfortunately, he was not there. But, youngest son got to play the big Boy Scout and lead a few games for the younger guys after the B&G was over and the adults were chatting. Couple of those Cub Scouts sure were impressed with all his merit badges too. So, youngest son asked the Cubmaster who he needed to talk to be be a Den Chief. CM directed him to a DL and youngest starts next Monday. On the ride home from teh B&G he asked if I still had any of my resource books from when I was a DL and Cubmaster. Gotta love that enthusiasm! To me, the Den Chief fits so perfectly in both worlds. Helps the Den Leader and gives the Cub Scouts an example of what being a Boy Scout is all about. Helps the Scouts by giving him a sense of responsibility and leadership in working with the Cubs.

John-in-KC. I'm glad you brought up the use of Den Chiefs. It is, unfortunately, an overlooked resource. At least it is in our District. For a Scout, being a Den Chief and working with other adults and with younger boys, can be the most rewarding and educational experience for a Scout. My oldest son served as a Webelos Den Chief for 2 years. He still talks about it now as the best POR he had (and he held them all over the years). Youngest son has just signed on as a Den Chief for a new Pack. We were invited to their Blue and Gold last night in the hopes that we could meet their one Webelos Scout and talk to him about visiting our Troop. Unfortunately, he was not there. But, youngest son got to play the big Boy Scout and lead a few games for the younger guys after the B&G was over and the adults were chatting. Couple of those Cub Scouts sure were impressed with all his merit badges too. So, youngest son asked the Cubmaster who he needed to talk to be be a Den Chief. CM directed him to a DL and youngest starts next Monday. On the ride home from teh B&G he asked if I still had any of my resource books from when I was a DL and Cubmaster. Gotta love that enthusiasm! To me, the Den Chief fits so perfectly in both worlds. Helps the Den Leader and gives the Cub Scouts an example of what being a Boy Scout is all about. Helps the Scouts by giving him a sense of responsibility and leadership in working with the Cubs.

At District Camporees, I've seen: 1. Patrols preparing meals and adults eating with them 2. Adults cooking their own meals away from the patrols It seems from my observations that the larger troops are more inclined to have the adults prepare/eat by themselves, where the smaller troops have adults eat whatever the patrol(s) makes (or...GASP...have the adults do the cooking for everyone). Up until we grew large enough and had enough regular participation to form two patrols, the adults always ate whatever the boys made since the shopping list was for 6-7 people max. The adults would, however, make one new thing on each campout just to help show the boys a new technique or menu item. Wonder if you guys could all weigh in on what you do in your Troop and what you see as the pros and cons of each method.

Hey Kudzu. Welcome to the Forum. Sometimes it's so hard to get parents to volunteer in Scouting so it's wonderful to hear to want to get started even though your son is not old enough to join yet. And, also to help out those boys whose fathers may be away serving their country. Have a couple of ways to find out how to sign up. - If you know your council's name, check around for their website. They will probably have contact information for your district. - your local Chamber of Commerce may have contact information for Boy Scouts. Likewise, local United Way. - Since I gather from your post you're wanting to join Cub Scouts, contact the elementary schools in your area. Especially the one you think your friend's son goes to. They usually have "roundups" at the beginning of the school year and recruit boys to the Cub Scout Packs in your area. They may have contact info. There are many others on this forum that probably have more ideas. Good luck and welcome back to Scouting.

I agree. After working so hard over the past year to turn our troop around from troop method to patrol method, I can attest that it does work. Boys are more active, interested, and are very eager to take charge. I posted a really long response (I apologize for its length) on the other thread about virtual patrols. Maybe I should have posted it here.

The Guide to Safe Scouting - the rule book on what you can and cannot do with Boy Scouts. Often, however, subject to personal interpretation.

Amy, congratulations on your award!