gwd-scouter

They did it! I was actually moved to tears last night as I watched each Scout step up and light the candle for their point of the Scout Law. So quiet, so meaningful. The last point, A Scout is Reverent, was done by our Chaplain Aid and he then led the group in an opening prayer. Absolutely wonderful. Of course, there were a few misteps along the way, presentations of awards a little awkward at times, but it was their plan and their ceremony and I was proud of them all. We are very furtunate to have a SPL with experience who doesn't mind "winging it" in front of a crowd. Best part for me - sitting in the back row and getting to watch the ceremony rather than conduct the ceremony. It was also the first time in over a year that ALL of our Scouts were in attendance! Loving this Scouting Thing!

We are having our first ever Scout planned/Scout run Court of Honor tonight. Scouts have planned an opening involving candles and the Scout Law. Rank awards are to be given highest first, then recipient of that rank will present the next lower rank, etc. SPL asked me to present merit badges since all the Scouts are receiving something and it seemed easier to have one person present them. Then he asked if I wanted to do a Scoutmaster Minute just before their closing (he did remind me that the SM Minute is ONLY a minute!). It's wonderful to be asked to participate, rather than be expected to run the show. This is the moment I've been working toward this past year. Scouts making the plan and carrying it out. Can't wait to see how it turns out. I'd like to know what kind of Courts of Honor ceremonies y'all have had.

When my son's were Webs II and getting ready to join a Troop, Santa thoughtfully filled their stockings with small Scout items: compass, pocket knife, fire spark, handbook. Over the years each has received larger Scout gear: backpack, cold weather sleeping bag, and so on. Usually these were items they saw and read about in Boy's Life Magazine. Regarding Philmont, a couple of Scouts I know who went to Philmont said that hiking poles were very useful. Don't know where you'd find them, but I'm sure a good outdoor outfitter would have them.

I have been asked many times at school nights if there was a program for kindergarten aged boys. My oldest son and I got involved in Scouting when he was in 1st grade (1992) and joined the Tiger program. Back then, it was most definately NOT the program we have today. We didn't even know we were part of a Pack. Our program was for the Tiger cubs/parents to get together once a month and do an outing. Each family took a month and made up an outing (fishing, zoo, fire station, etc). There was no book, no advancements, no training for leaders, no "big ideas," no uniform - not even the orange T-shirt. We were given a sheet of iron-on tiger paws - blank black paws - no numbers like the subsequent program - and told we could go to Walmart and buy yellow T-shirts. This was during the early days of the Tiger program and it sounds like the new (proposed) Lion program for 6 year olds will be put together in a similar way. (This message has been edited by gwd-scouter)

Ken, Hope your troop is able to arrange the outing. Our Scouts always have a great time. Haven't been very expensive in the past since the Gun Club we go to has not charged for the instruction or use of the range. They also provided the bullets for the rifles since each Scout only shoots a few to get his marksmanship score. The shotgun shells, on the other hand, we had to buy. The club provided the clay targets. I think I remember my husband telling me the shells were about $15.00 per 100. So, a very inexpensive trip. The Elberton Gun Club in Georgia (about a 1 mile trip for us) has encouraged Scouts to use their facility and I'm sure you have a club near you that would also be happy to help your Scouts learn gun safety and marksmanship.

Met my husband while he was in Navy Reserves - loved him in his uniform then, love him in his Scout uniform now. And, he says about me, "I love a woman in uniform" (I think he prefered the yellow blouse when I was a Cub leader though).

By the way - HI to all you COI staffers and campers out there. Wonder if I've met you before?

I will agree with everyone who has said COI is the best Scout camp! May be a little prejudiced since it is my Council, but without a doubt the camp staff MAKES the camp. I have had the priviledge of running Cub Scout Resident Camp held just before summer camp begins at COI and worked closely with the Scout staff. Now as a SM and attending camp for a week each summer, I get to see up close again just how talented, knowledgeable and enthusiastic the staff members are. Scoutleaderxvi gives an excellent picture of the camp's facilities. One thing has changed however - the Pathfinder program has changed in the last couple of years and no longer takes the Scouts out on an overnighter. Camp Old Indian is also going through a face lift with a new Trading Post and plans for new adirondacks and shower/bathhouses. My son has worked on staff at COI for several years and is signed on again for summer '06. Even though he could certainly earn more money and work less hours this summer doing what some people call "a real job" he says he wouldn't miss the opportunity to work at camp. We have many out of council troops attend during the summer and I can only guess that it's because COI is the absolute best in program and staff.

Thanks OGE, forgot to mention the shotgun ratio, but that is how we've always done it. One instructor, one shooter on the range at a time. By the way - that's Sister GWD!

Happy Anniversary! My husband and I celebrated 19 years last September. I've been involved with Scouts for 12 years, Mike signed on about 5 years ago. In the early days when our oldest was in Cub Scouts, Mike wasn't too keen on all the time I spent preparing for Den Meetings, then Pack meetings (as Cubmaster). I think he would say the worst years were the five years I spent as Camp Director for Cub Scout Resident Camp. Cub Stuff all over my house, constant phone calls, out of pocket expenses. But, that's when he decided to get involved and signed on as an Asst. DL for our youngest son. A decision he said was one of the best he ever made. Now we are both at the Boy Scout level - me as SM, he as ASM. He enjoys working with the Scouts and leaving the administrative, counseling, discipline, etc. etc. etc. to me. We don't always agree with the methods I use to get the Scouts motivated or some of the judgements I've made during Scoutmaster Conferences, but we've both always enjoyed lively debate and Scouting just gives us one more topic to talk about. Looking forward to many more years of Scouting fun!

Our Troop has had outings to a rifle range a couple of times to work on rifle and shotgun merit badge. Instructors at the range were all NRA certified. All areas of merit badges were covered including safety (first), hunting regulations in our area, cleaning and accuracy. It is one of the Scout's favorite outings. Our district has also had a camporee held at a Shooting Club.

2191!

mbscoutmom, From what you've already described, it doesn't sound like the problem you have with your CO is going to get solved. It seems they are unwilling to work with you on setting aside usable rooms for your den meetings. It's true, having all the dens meet in the same place on the same night makes it much easier to give out information, collect dues etc. But, many Packs operate with meetings in different locations on different nights and do quite well. It just takes a bit more effort on the part of the Committee, the Cubmaster and the Den Leaders. Perhaps you could have your Committee meetings following your pack meetings. That way you'll probably have no trouble getting everyone together since they are already there. msnowman. I never had a den meeting in my LIVING room either. In my earlier days in Cub Scouting and while raising two very active boys, my house was furnished with sturdy and fairly indestructable furniture, old carpeting or tile floors in every room but the living room. That's why I had no problem holding den meetings there. Games in the den, crafts in the kitchen. Same held true for the other parents in our Pack that held meetings in their houses. mbscoutmom: May I also suggest that kitchens, back porches, garages, basements, or just outside when weather permits - all can be excellent places within one's home to hold a den meeting with active, messy young boys.

Being a child of the 60s and 70s I remember wearing hip huggers that rode much lower than those worn today, a big wide belt, and a halter top that only had strings holding up the top and across the back. And, does anyone remember sizzler dresses? so short that matching panties came with them? And bikinis? Those skimpy little things are not new. Wish I could find the picture of the little, strappy, white bikini I wore when I was 16. But, somehow, the clothing for girls today (even though they are fashioned like those worn in the 60s and 70s) seem much more provocative. Not sure why. Is it because back then, the styles were seen as hippy clothes and not meant to be sexy? Is it because the girls today seem much more filled out at a younger age than when I was 16 several decades ago? I see the commercials, the music videos, movies, etc. that appeal to today's younger generation and it is obvious (at least to me) that they are all promoting sex - look sexy, dance sexy, sing and gyrate sexy. I don't have any daughters, but I know how hard it must be to influence a young girl to understand that she can feel good about herself without looking like a tramp.

mbscoutmom, Your situation with the CO is not unique. I had similar problems when I was Cubmaster with our CO using rooms that I thought were set aside for us on Monday nights. Also, we would routinely get bumped from using the Fellowship Hall for Pack meetings, even after it had been on the church calendar for months. Sometimes, we wouldn't even find out about it until we showed up for the Pack meeting. I've never heard of any restrictions on where dens hold meetings. When I was Cubmaster, most of the dens met at the Church on Mondays. However, some of the den leaders prefered to hold meetings at their homes; some for convenience, others because they wanted to have them on a different night. I wonder why your den leaders are reluctant to hold meetings in their own homes. Seems like that would be very convenient for them. Good luck with your Pack and hope you're able to help everyone find a suitable meeting place.

The subject of new leader training came up at our last month's Roundtable. NLE is offered in the Fall each year with one session in Sept., Oct. and Nov. New leaders can choose whatever session they'd like to attend so it seems that given a choice of 3, all new leaders would be able to find time in their schedule for one. But, in our District, less than 20% of our new leaders get even the basic training (this is mostly true at the Cub Scout level). I am a Boy Scout leader now and it seems a bit easier to get new Boy Scout leaders to training, but when I was a Cubmaster it was very difficult to get new den leaders, ADL and especially Committee members to attend one of the three Saturday trainings. Do any of you have successful district training programs? If so, would you mind sharing info on what makes yours successful. Thanks,

Oh boy, sure am glad I'm not the only one! Took over as SM last year with a Troop that had the SPL open meetings, then adults mostly took over. A lot of the same happening on camping trips. Boys coming to me asking what to do next. I was a Cub Scout leader for many years prior to becoming a SM, so learning to sit back and let the boys do it was a difficult learning experience for me too! I was also told that turning it around would take a long time and one year later, I can see small steps forward - both by the Scouts and by me. ASMs are also learning to step back and not jump in at the first sign of trouble. Current SPL is really trying hard, but having difficulty controlling meetings especially with older Scouts used to the "old" way - going off by themselves, playing around, etc. I certainly get discouraged. Especially when the Scouts plan a trip and we get a good percentage signed up to go. Then, the week before we are scheduled to go, Scouts start dropping out - other plans, just don't feel like it, etc. It is disheartening to plan a trip and then only have 3-4 Scouts attend. I sometimes ask myself "why am I doing this? If the Scouts aren't interested, why should I be?" Then, the boys will make a small step of progress and I figure, that's what it's all about. Patrol method? That seemed to be one of our biggest hurdles. In fact, we just formed Patrols a few weeks ago. We've been operating without them since we haven't had consistent attendance at meetings. 13 registered with the Troop, only 5 showing up for meetings (and never the same 5). And, the Scouts with the poorest attendance were those in positions of responsibility. How can you run a meeting when your SPL, ASPL, Troop Guide, Scribe, etc. don't show up? I was told by one ASM (no longer with our Troop) to cut the older guys loose and concentrate on the younger Scouts. I really didn't think that was an option. I wanted to get ALL the scouts active and enthusiastic about the Troop. I took time to talk to each Scout in a POR and let them know that they can't do their POR if they aren't at meetings. And, they can't be trained in their POR if they don't show up for training. Slow progress being made and now, about a year later, we have about 10 at each meeting, including all the older Scouts. It's progress. Good luck with your Troop. This forum is great place for ideas and other's words of wisdom and encouragement.

Anyone know of Ski Resorts in Eastern US (preferably South East) that offer discount packages to Scout Groups? Know of one in West Virginia, but was hoping to find something closer to South Carolina - maybe in Tennessee or North Carolina.

Hi Dan. Yes, I've been both a Cub leader and Scout leader at the same time. Was Cubmaster while my youngest was in the Pack and Advancement Chair for my oldest son's Troop. They are almost 7 years apart, so I did both leader positions for a number of years. When youngest reached Webelos, however, I stepped back from the Troop so I could spend more time with him in his last year of Cubs. Then, gave Cubmaster over to someone else and followed youngest into the Troop and resumed Advancement Chair duties. Last year, moved up to Scoutmaster position. What a time it's been. Never in my wildest dreams when my oldest (then in 1st grade) said he wanted to be in Cub Scouts and I signed on as a Tiger leader, did I ever think I would have had so many opportunities to provide leadership to so many little boys - then fine young men! Now, oldest is in college and youngest just made Star rank. Thinkin back, I guess it was difficult to wear two leadership hats, especially in two different levels of Scouting, but it was worth it. Most Scouters I know do more than one thing. They may be a den leader, but also help with District training; may be a Scoutmaster and also organize District camporee. It is wonderful to hear of parents who get involved with their sons in Scouting. A great experience you and your sons will share and remember together!

Hi Mom from South Carolina! I'm a Scout Mom myself (one Eagle, one Star). Welcome to the Forum.

Robin, Congrats on such a wonderful Den Meeting. Your enthusiasm will go a long way in helping ensure your boys have a great experience as Webelos Scouts. It is fantastic that the Scout thinking of quitting has changed his mind. Keep up the hard work and FUN and enjoy every minute of being a Den Leader. I sure did - Tigers thru Webelos for both my sons. Karen

Thanks guys. I really didn't think it was true, but it was told to me by a Scouter with many many years of experience. Being a new SM, I sometimes take another, more experienced, Scouter's word for things for a while until I have time to check it out myself.

Hi Forum Folks, Was recently told at an adult leader training that Scouts/Leaders are required to wear Official Uniform while traveling to events in order for insurance coverage to apply. Has anyone heard this before? Not sure if it's accurate. If it is, can anyone tell me where to find it in the insurance or scouting literature? I realize this may open a "can of worms" since I see many posts and discussions about Class A, Class B, wear the uniform, don't wear the uniform, etc. Just wondering if there is really any kind of policy as regards insurance.

EagleInKY - thanks. I have looked through most of the previously posted SM minutes and have started using them at end of Troop meetings. Scouts aren't used to this as it hasn't really been done consistently before, but the look on their faces tells me they like it. Comments at the end like, "hmmm" "oh wow" "that's cool" etc. Troop2Eagle. We have a campout coming up in a couple of weeks and I plan to use your idea. I've been looking for something to meaningful to do at the close of our Saturday night campfires. Thanks! I'm a new SM (almost 1 year) and this forum with all you experienced Scouters out there has been a great help.

Scoutmom: Others on this forum have far more experience than I, but I say without hesitation that an outing is an outing is an outing. Doesn't matter if it's summer camp, weekend camp, or a day trip to go hiking (or swimming, or fishing, or bowling, or service projects, or putt-putt, etc. etc.). At least that's how it is in our Troop.