Karen_216

Last year we had a little meeting at end of August to hand out pocporn. Only 7 or 8 cubs w/ their families showed up. this year I was gping to make it an evetn. We are doing a Rocket Derby and having a popcorn "blast-off". After psales begin. We had good sales last yer but we're hopin to make it really big this year. MAybe this will be a bigger draw and good start to our new pack year (plus it still counts as summertime pack award). I think doing the show-n -sells and having a parent from each den responsible for individual orders may help. Even if you put all your efforts into just show-n-sells and require each family to sell that is better than not selling at all.

Supplimental insurance is something individuals may want to consider if they have access to it: such as AFLAC or the like. (my family had until jobs were switched and then did not keep up the coverage) Just to let you know this still does not cover everything but will give you cash back for a new injury or er visit relating to an accident. Also after 1 year they will pay your for a physical.If anything serious evolves such as surgery the payment to you increases. This pays the individual directly not the provider. I'm not an insurance agent but someone would have to be administrator for the pack or troop. I can imagine All the paperwork and hassle for just a pack or troop to try to get it and track who has paid , etc. Of course if you have a large pack bank account and someone who loves paperwork it may be worth investigating........... as far as the BSA there is a form on their website you fill out after you get an EOB from your personal ins carrier. If you do not get it you must ask ins carrier for itmes over 300.00. Per the form they will pay less than that w/o the insurance explanation but coverage is not guranteed. seeing as how long it takes to even get the EOB most times it may be worth your while to pay your deductable(or make payment plans) and then wait to see if covered and get money diretly from Bsa or from provider. IMO it's only worth filing if there is a large out of pocket .

Learn about them and what they do to help the environment? Teach a catch and release? Keep a cup handy to capture then study and release. Funny how sometimes event the bravest kids freak when a spider or bee gets in the tent!! Sent daughter to kayak camping for 1 week haven't been able to get her back -- out of everything was upset about spiders in the outhouse. Also almost tipped her boat on a canoe trip at an enviromental camp last year because of same critters having convention in her canoe. she's working on getting lit bro scared and i have to constantly conteract it.

Look forward to reading about it with my son. He and I love to read those stories in Boys Life and have discussions as to what happened, etc.

When you have to have the class 3 physical to be leader for PACK resident camp (not even troop yet!!). When I learned my Nephew was going to Philmont!! That creak walking up the stairs is my knees not the stairs.

our cub camp is open for any packs to come out in the winter and spring not just for summer. you can look to see if you can arrange a scout weekend for your pack at the camp and if you go through the council course can be a range master. Of course you'd have to commit a certain amount of time to the council to be there. I agree that if you have a certificate from a certified course they should be able to get the pin/loops.

I think you got a good deal. We pay 135.00 for 5 days. if you volunteer the FULL week your scout goes free. I have an older daughter and she volunteers as a junior councilor. Helping had out stuff, cleaning up stations, etc. They also use boy Scouts to do this too. As for why didn't they seem prepared? Perhaps they weren't allowed to occupy the facility until that morning. or could just be lack of preparation- these are mostly volunteers. Day camp and any camp is about the skills learned and achievements that get completed not the crafts that go home. Stay a little longer one day or come early to see what stations they do and some of the activities. There are many supplies that they need even if they are not items taken home. More than likely on the last day he may come home with a bunch of stuff and either have his book signed off or a list of what he did. As for those tots. Ours has a tot lot for younger sibs (form 3 up to scout age). The volunteers should be putting their kids in it during the programs. If they dont' and are tagging along then should not be allowed to do the same things the scouts do. Maybe needs someone to point out to the camp director. The tots if given crafts. etc t keep busy are the leftovers. Nothing is ordered for them. Mostly they just play games.

Ok- Tiger cub familiies couldn't all agree on a meeting time??? You find the one adult willing to step up and set the day and time (they try to get the majority if possible). You can't please all the people. As the Tigers teams each conduct a meeting (it's supposed to be a shared leadership year) if the family for the next month has a prblem then they can do what's convenient for them. When I stepped up i said- My meetings will be ... anyone have a problem w/ that? Some missed at certain times but most where there. The Mom who complained wanted to be a "drop" off parent and I told her it was not an option that year. She also complained about the location for mtgs- i told her I asked everyone for suggestions and as no one would help I found what I could arrange.When she did come she just sat and helped w/ ABOSOLUTLY NOTHING, not even helping her son . He was a very nice and well bahaved kid but would give up on everything. BTY - i just found out my pack may get a whole additional den of my son's rank moving over from another pack because of lackluster committee and CM. etc on that packs part (I already have 2 in my den from that school , 1transfer from same pack, 1 heard of problems so joined us instead) ... Offer options-- the parents each leading a meeting method worked in our Bear den this year as the DL/ASM was deployed (add your prayers for his safe return in Decemeber as I have found out he could be in harms way). Also some dens keep the meeting nights the same day of the week as the pack meetings. Everyone then knows what day Scouts is.

we too have our Pinewood in Feb. so we have the B&G in March. This also allows boys more time to work on ranks. I really dont' believe our pack would get much attendance w/o the badges and the whole arrow of light cermemony. We do have entertainment. It's also difficult to keep planning so many ceremonies every month. Badge of rank- move up-graduation, etc. W/o combining a few. My pack has also had it's move-ups and graduation too early- I'm proposing at our planning mtg moving it to when it should be (end of May or even at our June campout).The Webelos II can still cross over at B&G. Rt has been pushing ceremonies, ceremonies, make everything a ceremony. Only problem is kids not involved in that moment drift off and get bored.

It says plan and conduct an activity during June, July and August. Does not have a number required. You can plan attendence at day camp and resident camp.(?) I saw packs do this as their event and receive the award. I have to admit I felt cheated as I helped plan events over the summer. But we had boys come to events who couldnt' attend camps so that was fair to them. Also if a cub attends one event each month(june july and aug) then he gets a nice golden sun pin. we do more than one but only 1 is required.

We have every family fill one out. usually we give to den leader. But pack may want tp make copies first to have on hand. http://www.cubmaster.org/ParentTalentSurvey-Cubs0701.pdf we have a guy who makes the arrow of light awards and rebuilt our crossover bridge.(also our ASM!) don't forget the heavy lifting guy to help set up and take stuff down!! Always follow through on someone willing to help out. I can always find a way to put someone to use. Go to council center and pick up somethin or bring snacks.

Have him fill out the parent talent survey. If he already has take a look at it to see what he has put down. Is he handy? Maybe can make things for the pack or repair pinewood track. If he's a committee member he needs to come to meetings(if you don't have any ove the summer you'll have to wait until fall. Maybe plan participation in a parade.See if he can get the info and tell about it. that's easy. Have him Take training. If he won't do any of those things then he's not committed to helping. Even setting up before/after pack meetings or manning a recruiting booth are helps.

Here's a good article I uncovered: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke- Summer Cautions Just as winter can bring problems with frost bite and hypothermia, summer camping and activities can bring on heat related issues. Three of the major concerns are Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. All are relate to heat and dehydration. Heat Cramps- are strong muscle contractions and usually affect the abdomen and legs. Poor conditioning for the activity you are doing can exaggerate the problem. The condition usually improves with rest, water and cooler conditions. Heat Exhaustion- is also caused by heat and dehydration but the effects are more serious than cramps. Symptoms may include paleness, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, and an increase in body temperature. Rest, water and cool compresses (ice water on the back of the neck, etc) can help. For more sever heat exhaustion, IV fluids may be required. Heat Stroke- This is the most serious of the heat related conditions. While it most commonly is brought on by strenuous exercise in hot conditions, it can also affect non-active individuals if the temperature is high enough. In addition to a flushed, red look to the skin, the person often stops sweating. This is one of the key signs that an individual is in an over heated condition. A person with heat stroke might become, delirious, unconscious or have seizures. Lowering the body temperature and getting fluids into the person as quickly as possible is imperative. Like most health conditions, the best idea is to prevent them. To prevent these heat related problems stay hydrated; dress in light colored clothes and dress in layers; be smart about your exercising; know and understand air quality warnings and heat index. The heat index is a rating based on temperature and humidity. Because higher humidity makes it more difficult for sweat to evaporate and cool your body, the heat index is very meaningful. Heat problems are very sneaky- they creep up on you in stages so you dont notice you are in trouble until sometimes it is too late. At a first aid class I attended the instructor told us of a roofer in Texas who was working in mid- August. His supervisor was concerned about the man but couldnt get him to rest. He called for help. The man said his only symptom was that he couldnt work as well as he thought he should. When they began treating him, his temperature was 104. Thanks to immediate treatment, he was OK. I have taught Scouts about the dangers heat can cause for a long time. I also enjoy running. One Sunday morning I decided to lengthen my run by about a mile and a quarter. Bad headwork. First, the morning was hot and humid. Second, the additional distance was about a 20% increase. As I passed the halfway point I remember feeling hotter than usual. I dont remember the last of a mile. When I got home and started my cool down walk, I realized I had a problem. Little light spots were floating all over and I was getting light headed. I got some fluids and cooled down, but it took more than two hours to get back to normal. While youre on an outing, keep an eye on everyone. Even people who know better can get into heat trouble.

Popcorn Kernal is same as popcorn chair (note humerous name) we shout "popcorn" whenever our Popcorn Kernal is introduced. Other optional positions for someone you may feel so-so about: Webmaster to maintain or develop a website Communications Chair?? Have him do a monthly newsletter and send to pack or to hand out at meetings and do write ups for the newspaper. Try him out in something less vital to the pack but a help and if he doesn't fulfill it go no further w/ responsiblity. You can give anyone a title. They have to actually fill the shoes to be worthy of it no matter how small.

I have to laugh. Last year our pack started doing the Boy Scout promoted hikes to earn medals.Some we break into 2 parts .I don't think a single one was the temp less than 92.(if we cancelled we wouldn't have had ANY hikes all summer) The one through Philly streets (about 6 miles) was over 100. We all had lots of water and took breaks and a very long lunch break too. It was in and out of buildings and sometimes we stayed inside a little longer. By the end we did get concerned for some cubs (and adults) and ended the hike about a stop or 2 short. I think everyone will remember that day and appreciate the medal all the more and no one suffered any ill consequences. You have to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and make sure you cater activity accordingly but not be a hermit. Just like with any activity- in the winter, in the water, etc. I was moe concerned if it would thunderstorm. BTY- forecast this weekend is 98 and we have a camping trip. I'm going to give them a talk about what to watch for and we have LOTS of water available. I'm very happy we didn't get the wide open field and are in the woods!!

Our council had a breakfast last year to present the campaign to the unit leaders. Unit leaders made suggestions to FOS committee. We told them it's nice to request the amoutn they wish per family but to make it clear that ANYTHING helps.and keep it short. Parents assumed if I can't give 175.00 it's 0.00. Also it's a pledge card you fill out- not give the actual money then and there .You fill it out and hand it in even if your amoutn is 0.00.(nobody knows who gives what so nobaody is singled out) They send you a reminder a few weeks later if you are contributing.. and a week after that.. and so on!! We usually have them at B&G as the first part of the evening right after dinner. They couldn't make our b&G so they came at our next pack meeting. 1/2 the amount of families were there but using this approach they collected MORE than last year.

Try Activities Chair (general pack activities not just camping) Recruiter Trainer (goes to 1 day trainer development conf then makes sure all leaders are trained and know how to register for training). More importantly - what do they want to do?? Treasurer? these are more contact w/ adults than kids. Any position needs someone who will follow through. Give them expectations and then follow up- they need to be at committee meetings and submit their report to show they are doing something or tell them- sorry it dodn't work out you cna help w/ other things!

Start small with the parents. Have one bring a snack- have them fill out the talent survey and then look at that. Ask one to lead an activity based on that. Getting them involved in little ways builds involvement. Use other organizations as a source for leadership and activites Latino community group-Adults from CO- older sibs- You former Boy scout troop. Contact Scoutreach for ideas.

That's what I really mean. Basically we need a pocorn kernal to sell popcorn and if we dont' get one dues will be 150.00. List who does what already so they see the same people can't do this too. They still ahve to pay for any acivities above and beyond as that is just for badges of rank and awards. I'd tell our pack the same thing.

I think it shows how important Popcorn money is to the pack. When they start selling their dues go down.

Maybe a litle diff than scout but still a youth camp. My daughter attended a "camp Cadet" last summer. free 1 week resident camp run by model of police academy that shows kids the hows and whys of police work by actaully being treated like real police cadets. Puts them through their paces too. Kids ages 11-14 (male and female). Separate barracks. Very upfront rules. Also if kids calls home and cries to Mom and Mom comes out to check on Jr. Mom can take kid back with her!! Anyway if there was fighting ANY types of illegal or inappropriate behavior kid was sent home with a date to appear in court.Behavior contract given and signed by paretns up front. You think that being run by POLICE OFFICERS would dis-incline anyone from getting in trouble but we were told any number of stories from the past. This was not a juvie camp- it was one to get the kids involved in a positive manner during their formative years. I think it had a VERY positive influenc on my daughter and I encourage anyone to send their child to such a camp. i'm one that goes by the book. I've had incidnets of catching shopliftrs of all ages- called police on every single one- let Police and Mom and Dad sort it out. Don't know what I wold have done but based on history of the kid alone- prob would have reported that too. If kid did this at school what would have happened? Police reported- certainly- suspened- at least- kicked out of school- very possible. Get polcy upfrotn and clear in all outing lit- this will happen if XYZ- and follow through. Parents and kids can;t be surprised.

We went through this with a cub. The troop does not give him the award it is a council or national award. They get the paperwork from DE or DC and then witnesss must fill out and submit. Council or (national?) decides the actaul award there are differnet levels depending on if scout was at personal risk and what risk to the person "saved" etc. Nice to hear these great stories!!

Perhaps instead of proving their "commitment" to the pack mention they hard they have worked their way along the tiger trail and have now achieved their rank. You are honored they will be advancing to cub scouts now. The parents to show a commitment to help them along on the cub scout trail will reach in to get their son's badge and pin it on their son. We have the parents take a pledge when awarding the sons their badge so maybe his is a better way to work a similar prgram in.If you want to do this take a big pot of some sort for the outside (a Lobster pot?) and use a smaller inside for the dry ice. Instruct the adutl to only reach to the outside ring. Hopefully an adutl could get it right??

Scoutingmama, I don't think it's necessary to supply all the colored paper or crayons, etc to dens. Esp. with budgeting early on. Ask families to donate supplies those supplies. .Also many offices have extra used computer paper that they will just thorw out, ge them to give you some. Look at craft stores for close-outs and other discounted items. Maybe they will donate some items ?? The leaders should get one of those plastic starage totes that can be carried around for liturature and as a den box once items are collected. Also good to have- all sorts of nature books. Look at book stores for ones on clearance. I found an awesome N. American tree guide, small poacket guides for rocks , birds, minerals and knots. There are all sorts of prgram. Any time you are at the zoo or a nature centers grab acouple of each pamphlet if it's ok. Thers' lots of ideas on the internet to do prgram w/o purchasing the boxed helps. Use your Scouting magazine and Ballo''s Bugle as guides for activities if you are doign the themes. Also look at the archives of Baloo, awesome stuff there. Did you mention you're doing popcorn this fall?? You need it to help fund the prgram- maybe some car washes with local troops helping too.

So nice to hear such wonderful stories. despite "financial" skeptism from others about your son being put in a CIT position all summer. There is no way it would have been done if your son was not highly regarded. Words gets around, I'm sure SM was spoken to in absence of expectations that were well met. We're off this summer to our first Cub resident camp. Was excited to hear my nephew will be councilor at the camp. I asked where he'll be so I can prepare to give him a hard time!! He has hair in ponytail and it's and on-going joke btween us that I'm coming one day w/ scissors and clippers- w/ ponytail tied back it's perfect to snip right off!! Very proud of him. he's going to Philmont and in between working at camp. He's becoming a fine young man and good example for my son also in scouting. they are in a different dostrict but same council. I'm hoping to have my daughter join venturing next year after she finishes 8th grade and was told the venturing girls could also be counselors.(probably not right away) I'll have to have her wear a garlic necklace to keep the boys away!!