OwntheNight

I know a couple people like that and I still like them. They're good scouters and their heart is in the right spot. But, I get where you're coming from. You don't need everybody's resume on the signature line of the email or letter they sent. If I send something out, I use the title that I'm sending it under that pretense. i.e. Cubmaster Pack XXX or Asst Scoutmaster Troop XXX.

Because of the rethread on this post, I set this up for our pack meeting tonight. With Blue and Gold on Saturday, we weren't going to do much advancement, so this seemed perfect. Over the last few den meetings, the boys have been wrapping boxes for our B/G centerpieces. We have parents bring supplies from a preset list..Hand sanitizer, hairbrush, toothbrush, shampoo, toothpaste, hot wheels cars, deck of cards, drawing tablet, crayons, etc. The boys then fill these boxes with the items and after B/G, we donate them to a local homeless shelter or women's shelter for the children that don't have anything. Well we had everybody bring an unopened bag of socks to the meeting tonight, I managed to pick up a couple of shipping cardboard boxes, some Duct tape for the DMZ, and let the kids go nuts. They absolutely had a blast. Of course they started to get creative by taking 4 or 5 pair of socks and stuffing them in to 1 sock to make a huge " snowball". The best look of surprise I got, was when they were done, I told them they had to find the matched pair of socks for every pair, since we would be putting these socks in the gift boxes for the donations... Priceless

For those that winter camp in buildings. learn to make Igloo's or quinze's or even Ice block shelters. The boys have a blast making them and sleeping in them. NLD, Igloo's are cooler's right? I'm sure the boys would love to make shelter's out of Frozen Oklahoma Red clay during our winter camp. They're not riding in my car on the way back though

Way to go 'Fish! I'm finishing up my first year as CM. Our CO has said they want the CM to only serve 2 years and then hand the reigns over to somebody else. I thought I had my replacement lined up with our Tiger DL...former Boy Scout, great with the kids, really excited about Cub Scouts. Well real life got in the way, more of his time is being devoted to work in a new position. His wife has stepped up and been running the last month of den meetings and Go See It's. I'm now hearing through the leadership grapevine that he's probably going to step down as DL and move to ADL next year. With only 2 active dens, now that our WEB's are crossing over on Saturday, It looks like I need to have a sit down with the COR and discuss an option year for my 3rd year as CM. Of course that would be my son's final year in the pack, so it would kind of force the pack's hand to get another CM lined up. Gonna have to find that diamond in the rough during Spring Recruiting !

We only cabin camp once a year, and that's for Winter Camp. Everything else is tent camping only. We use to do a lot of plop camping, but over the past year we've been changing the culture to backpacking in and setting up camp. The boys have started seeing a difference in the program and enjoying it more. We've even encouraged boys to buy their own backpacking tents. Certainly beats hauling in and out the 4 man Timberlines. So if they let the outgoing PLC plan the following year's agenda, are they OK with this or do they even want to change it? What's to say they can't change the plans now and do what they want instead of the previous regime? It's one thing to sleep in a basement or museum as long as it's not the final destination of the trip.

Well we made it back to the Lone Star State! A little tired, (Okay, alot TIRED, that was a lot of walking and hiking )in need of a shower, felt bad for the people on the flight, they got to share the plane with us and and an under 16 club hockey team from Dallas who just finished up a tournament that day ( they finished 4-0 in their tourney!) So all around good representation from the city of Dallas, and the state of Texas. Have to say, this trip moved to the top of the list of any trip I've taken as a Boy Scout or Scouter. It was a fantastic trip all around. Our boys had a great time. They were attentive, had a great attitude, asked great questions every where we went. Can't tell you the number of people that came up to us and complimented our boys on their Scoutlike behavior. Everybody from TSA agents, to Customs agents, to passengers and the staff out at Valley Forge. They all knew who the Texas boys were and let us know they appreciated our visit and would welcome us back anytime. So Friday afternoon, My son and I get in about 3pm, we head over and pick up one of the 15 passenger vans for the trip, and start making our way up to Valley Forge ( after getting misplaced in one of the communities outside of the airport!) We make it to VF, and I meet up with our Treasurer and another ASM, who had arrived earlier and picked up all the gear from the warehouse. They had already done all the shopping for food and were getting ready to start laying out all the tents to set up, when a Venturing Crew from New Jersey offered to set up all the tents for us while we drove back to the airport to get the rest of the troop. What a great start to the weekend. Got back to the airport, with a few minutes to spare before the troop flight got in. Got everybody loaded in the vans and made our way back up to VF. On the way back up , we were flipping through the radio stations and found that the Mavericks were playing the Sixers in Philly that night, wish we would have known that sooner, maybe tried to get tickets for the game, oh well.. We got into camp and setled in for the night. Saturday morning, everybody got moving around, got coffee in the adults and some hot cocoa and oatmeal in the boys, and then got sandwiches made for lunch. Was finally able to get on one of the last shuttle buses to the site and got there about a quarter of the way through the opening ceremonies. After the opening ceremonies, we got back on the buses and headed off to our first rotation point on the other side of the park. We worked our way through all the rotations that day and even got the requirements done for the extra encampment badge (Visiting Gen.Washington's HQ, Visiting the Washington Chapel, and the Visitor Center) Just so happen that our lunch time rotation coincided with the medical rotation referenced in the article that Schiff posted. Lunch was not as appealing during his discussion of amputations and diseases! After all the hiking that day, it was good to get back to camp and start some dinner. We decided on Chicken Tortilla Soup instead of chili. Didn't really matter, it was hot, it was good and we got to share it with some boys from a troop from Buffalo. After that, we got the DO's fired up with about 5 different cobblers going. Tried convincing the boys to go to campfire that night, but they were content just hanging around the campsite. It was nice just to be able to hang around and visit with some of the other units near us. Sunday morning- Took a little extra doing, but we finally got everybody up and moving around and getting camp broke down. Kind of a hodge podge breakfast, we basically threw all the food we still had left on the tables and said "finish it up". From cheese to summer sausauge to oatmeal to fruit, we had the full buffet going. We also found an Apple cobbler that didn't get touched, that became the adult breakfast, throw the DO on the stove and heat it up a little bit, you got yourself a warm apple danish! Camp staff was gracious enought to let us get our Uhaul early so we could get all our gear loaded instead of making us wait for our campsite inspection to be done. All the vehicles were parked in a remote parking lot and they had shuttles running from the camp site to the parking lot for all the drivers. They also moved us up to the front of those lines, so we could get all of our vehicles early. Got all the gear and boys loaded and headed towards downtown Philly. Stopped at Pat's and Geno's and got to enjoy a nice gooey mess on a roll. One of the boys commented to me, " It was good, but the people behind the counter were kind of rude!" Welcome to Philadelphia, son. I joke, but that was really the only time we experienced any kind of negative attitude, everybody else we ran into was very friendly and wanted to ask about our troop and our adventures. We got the boys dropped off at the visitor center and started our walking tour around Philadelphia. Saw all the usual suspects on the tour, Franklin's grave, Betsy Ross House etc. Our tour ended up at Independence Hall and we got in line for the tour. An hour later we're standing in the room where the history of our country began. I have to say I was pretty overwhelmed by that moment. While I've been to DC and seen the " Big 3 " documents behind the glass, that just seemed very antiseptic and distant. This was totally different, this was the spot where our founding fathers agreed to commit treason against the King to create a better way of life for us today. We then finished up at the Liberty Bell and the Visitor Center to let the boys burn some of that money in their pocket. We then headed out across the bridge to find the Battleship New Jersey. Once we got on the boat and settled in, our boys got the honor of doing the evening flag ceremony on deck. After dinner, we were broken into 2 groups and were given an up close and personal tour of the boat. Our tour was directed by a retired Master Chief who served on the New Jersey's sister ship, the USS Wisconsin, during the Korean war. Chief had some great stories to tell, and seemed to have more energy than the boys. It was 2230 and we still had 3 more parts of the tour to go with a 2300 Lights Out/Taps. Chief got us finished at 2255, just enough time to get changed and in the racks. The boys finally crashed about 0030 to get some sleep, 0700 reville would come way to early!! Monday morning- The Final day of our journey. After morning colors, we ate breakfast and started packing up the gear. Got all the boys off the boat pretty quickly so we could do the obligatory photo ops. We finished up the packing of the Uhaul, so we could deliver the pallets back to the warehouse, where they will be picked up by a shipping company and transported back to us in a week or so. The boys wanted to stay on the boat for a while longer, and were perplexed when we told them we were going to a mall instead of playing on a battleship. We loaded up and headed to the Reading terminal. For those that haven't been there, this is like a food court on steroids, except it's not chain restaurants, but local merchants and families. They have a lot of everything! I got to enjoy a fresh made cannoli, wanted to get a fresh pretzel, but didn't have the time. Of course the boys all commented on the chocolatier that had body organs made from chocolate. Lungs, Hearts, you name it. Pretty wild stuff. Some of the vendors have been spotlighted on The Food Network. Definitely need to get back to try some of the other cuisine. I could eat there everyday for a week and still not have seen it all. I got a great perspective on Scouting this weekend and a refreshing breather to keep me energized about scouting. In talking to some great Scouts and Scouters, I realize we're not doing it wrong, we're letting the boys plan a great program, or at least letting them see what is possible. While we did the heavy lifting of the planning and dealt with the logistics of the trip, the boys got a really cool opportunity. I hope we can do this again down the road for other boys that join our troop, and those that didn't get to go this time. Thank You all for the ideas and input, and if any of you know any staff members from the Valley forge encampment, please give them our best regards and warmest thanks again from the Texas boys. Don't forget to say Howdy if your unit makes it to Dallas anytime. Now it's off to plan the Pack Blue and Gold.

That my friend is what you call faith, karma, etc. at work. When it seems like the world is closing in on you and nothing makes sense, a small glimmer of light gives you a break and lets you hold on through the darkness. I'm glad to hear that Scouting was there for you and your son when you needed it. I feel your pain, last year at this time, I found myself in that dark place dealing with emotions and feelings I hadn't dealt with in over 30 years yet at the same time trying to take over a pack that was on the verge of being ripped apart for all the wrong reasons. It was my friends in Scouting and my family, and even the voices on this forum that gave me the courage to move forward. No matter what life throws at you, your friends and family will have your back so that you don't have to walk alone. Be there for your wife and son through these tough times, I'll keep sending out my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Awesome job Base! Shows how much your DE knows! Sounds like an adult beverage and a nice cigar are in order and some well deserved R & R before jumping in with the Troop.

Base, Yes, the boys are off for President's Day, and some are taking a half day off from school on Friday. I'm pulling my son out of school all day Friday since we have an earlier flight than the the Troop flight. Cost: The Trip cost is 200.00 per person, this does not include the flight. This covers all our fees, and our food. Our CC actually used his company to ship all the gear, so that saved us some expense, but we have to rent 2 vans and a bobtail to transport gear and the troop. A friend of our COR is letting us keep the gear in his shop until we get there. We did manage to get a group rate for the flight which came out to around 460.00 per person. My son and I are using advantage Miles to fly up there, and a lot of people are using miles for the flight as well. T2E, Thanks for reminding me about the tastykakes, I was getting obsessed about a steak wit wiz. That is a good finisher!

I got distracted after the Yoo Hoo, what was the question?

So, our Gear is loaded on a truck and will be heading from Texas to Philadelphia in a few days. Less than 2 weeks from now, myself and 37 other members of our beloved Troop will be heading to the airport to catch a flight to Philly for the 100th Boy Scout pilgrimage to Valley Forge, PA. We're getting excited about the trip. Lot's of history to see, oh yeah, and the cold! I got to let our Pack know I wouldn't be around for Scouting for Food that weekend. Couple of the boys were jealous I might get to camp in the snow and they wanted to know if they could go!...Maybe in a few years! So, have any of you fine Scouters done the pilgrimage? Any advice for us Chicken fried southern boys with the funny accents? Are any of you attending this year? If so, come find the 1776 Texas boys and say Howdy! We won't be hard to find (or hear)We'll be the ones eating chili, dressed up like we should be in Alaska, while everybody else is in T shirts. And don't worry, the Texas drawl isn't contagious, it does wear off after we leave! So here's our Itinerary for the rest of the weekend, anything else we can go see in Philly? Yes, Pat's and Geno's are on the agenda. All scouts and adults will be at the camp site in Valley Forge on Friday night and we will spend Friday and Saturday night at the camp site. The Valley Forge Pilgrimage is over Sunday morning; we must be out of the Park by 10 a.m. on Sunday. We will spend Sunday night at on the U.S.S. New Jersey, across the river from downtown Philadelphia in Camden, N.J. Information about the New Jersey can be found at: http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org We will spend Sunday touring the historical sites of Philadelphia, including touring inside Independence Hall and seeing the Liberty Bell. Part of our time will include a 75 minute walking tour which includes the following sites: http://www.theconstitutional.com/guided/guidedMap.html On Monday, time permitting we will visit either the Rocky Statue or Reading Terminal Market. Information on both of those sites can be found here: http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/the-rocky-statue-and-therocky- steps/?gclid=COnE6e2p4K0CFQ3DtgodYjetmQ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_Terminal_Market

Glad to hear you at least have a meeting scheduled, and that your SM has your back. So of course, if your tickets are approved and you get your beads, can we expect the same snarky attitude about WB on this forum? Because that's what good debate is about, right? I joke because I do appreciate your candor and perspective you bring to us in your responses. You are involved in scouting for all the right reasons, THE BOYS! Good Luck, and I raise my Nalgene to you and give a hearty "How,How"

Right now our pack is right around 31 boys on the Charter. The reality is we have 12 WEB II's crossing over in Feb. So we're down to 18 active boys. 13 Bears, 2 Wolves, and 3 Tigers, and even the wolves are questionable right now. It's tough because we have another pack who uses our CO's space and a lot of the boys from both packs go to the same schools and are friends with each other. But that's for another thread... As far as the troop, we're at around 100 boys. Normally we get about 20-25 boys a year, this year we're probably going to be at 10 boys. We only lose about 2-4 boys a year from the new boys. The feedback we've heard is that the troop is too active! Between HA, Jambo, and our other trips, it can be intimidating to new parents. The boys that joined last year, would have been to 7 states in their first year. We are blessed to still have active Eagle Scouts still in the Troop and working with all the boys. It also helps to have dedicated leadership.

If you want to come in with the attitude of having your son win at all costs, be my guest. I won't DQ your son's car, unless it is just blatantly obvious, then I'll let you rectify it before it goes through inspection. Let it race and see how it does against the other boys' cars. If you win, great. I'll raise your son's hand in victory, until.......I then step up to the microphone and announce that the official races are over and now the challenge heats begin. Boys are allowed to challenge ANY other car they want to a race and the BOYS get to set up the cars and run the race however they want, facing forward, backward, up the track, however they want to run those races!I will see the look of terror in your eyes, as your precious "baby" will be raced in a matter it wasn't painstakingly engineered for. I'll also see you hover over the car while the 8 yr old tries putting it at the top of the starting gate not so gently. Then I and everybody else will know the real story. Next year, you will be hosting the workshops for the pack, sorry, you can't use the "I don't have the tools" excuse. The pack just bought a bandsaw, drill press, and sander for just this. You will be on the PWD committee, which means Friday night before the race, I will hand the keys and the code to the storage shed to you. It will be your responsibility to get the track out of storage and set it up at our race location. Did I mention, the track comes in 2 cases we like to call coffins. 7 ft long, 3 ft wide, all wood, approx. 250 lbs each, also No wheels! As a member of the PWD committee, you will be sitting in planning meetings and sending out emails and answering the constant questions from families about the race. As the Cubmaster, I will support you and help you in any way I can. How's that "win at all costs" working out for you now? If that doesn't scare you, then I'll put you up against one of our boys I like to refer to as "Dale Earnhardt". Pack champion last 2 years, District overall champion last year. What's his secret? Dad isn't an engineer or mechanically inclined. They bought the "Secrets to Speed" book at the scout store and followed the directions perfectly. While this boy likes to win and is proud of winning, he's also a very humble winner and is truly one of the leaders in his den. He doesn't do this because of winning the race, he does this because this is time he gets to spend with his grandfather as they work on that car together. Years from now, when he hears the sound of a bandsaw, and the smell of sawdust, he won't think of the championships, but that special time he shared with paw-paw, and the bond they had. That's what Pinewood Derby is about.

That's what us ASM's are there for! To support the SM however he needs it, wether he's here or away. Our SM is an upper level Director for his day job, and is frequently out of town on business. Now, he has learned the art of the flight schedules and works around those to be at Scouting events as much as possible. If he is out of town, us ASM's can reach out to the SPL if we need to address anything during troop meetings or the SPL will reach out to us to handle a SM minute if he knows the SM won't be there. We are also required to be the lead ASM on at least one campout per year. We work with the PLC to provide logistical support for that campout, so the SM doesn't have to be bogged down with that task as well. We do ask the SM to attend Summer Camp with the boys and regular campouts as well. Anything else on top of that (HA, Jambo, Special Trips) is icing on the cake, but our SM does them because he really enjoys working with the boys. It is certainly my pleasure and priveledge to work with and for him. I don't think it's fair to ask the SM to shut down his entire life for the troop, even though they tend to sometimes because of loyalty to the boys. They're human just like us (even though I swear I saw ours walking around camp one morning with a cup of coffee and traces of a red cape hanging out underneath his Jac-Shirt) Oh, he also needs to be able to haul the troop trailer!

"The Commish held up the JTE form and said "this is what you need to be looking at when you're looking for a troop!". When I told our committee how district was promoting JTE as THE way to measure the quality of a unit they understood how important it was.I wouldn't be surprised to see all unit JTE ratings on the district website in the future. Why bother visiting several troops when Webs and parents can just join the nearest Gold unit? " When JTE came out, I went over the metrics and realized this immediately. District will use this as a marketing tool for the better performing units. Instead of judging a unit on it's merits, It's now being judged by a survey rating. We've filled out our JTE, to play nice. I haven't gotten the results yet from our CC. but last check, we were close to Gold level, because we were able to add 12 boys to our pack, even though, the year before, we lost 2 dens to internal turmoil. I don't see us as a Gold performing unit. I see us us as a unit that is rebuilding, and trying to get on solid ground. Next year will be the true measure of how were improving, but in all likely hood, we will actually drop to a Silver level because of losing a very large Webelos den to crossover. Yet in reality, we've built the pack from the ground up. Unfortunately, that won't show in Metrics. Only the people who were there will know it happened.

And from the great state of Texas https://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdotrts/SpecialPlateOrderServlet?grpid=60&pltid=76 sorry twomorrows, didn't see you added the Texas link(This message has been edited by OwnTheNight)

No Ink.....Yet. Have had my ears pierced,but those holes have probably closed up since I haven't worn the studs or loops for a couple of years. I'd like to get some ink, but haven't come up with the right design yet, since it is a permanent thing, and I want to do it right. I also haven't done it yet because I wouldn't be able to be a blood donor for at least a year. Giving that up just seems a little selfish on my part, just for some ink. I appreciate the art of the tattoo. Both my younger sister and brother have artwork done on them that is tastefully done, but still shows their personality and things that are important to them.

Well the boys know when I'm finally done when I say, "Everybody grab their chair and put it on the rack!" My CM minutes are really whatever I feel like at the time. At our Nov pack meeting, I talked about the things I was thankful for, but I also mentioned that in addition to Thanksgiving, we celebrate Veterans day, and that the USMC birthday is the day before Veteran's Day. I then asked if we had any families who served our country, and asked those 2 gentlemen if they would be our honorary color guard and remove the colors for us. I've also done songs, and the ever popular "See you next week at den meetings!" We've even sung Happy Birthday to boys (or leaders) who had a birthday that week. I do try and keep them guessing, so I don't get the chorus of groans and moans for doing the same thing.

SP, I feel your pain! This is my first full year as CM. So I've got my first recruiting class in Sept, I called every parent of the boys who had signed up, talked to them about their boys,and themselves. All the while trying to take mental notes for the parents I was going to approach about DL positions. Made my callbacks after the first den meeting (which I led, to try and give everybody an idea of what a meeting should look like) and pitched/offered the DL position to my first choices. None of my first choices have panned out so far, I'm actually down to my 3rd choices as DL's. It took some mining, but I found my gems. My TCDL is great, he really has stepped up and done well. He's even recruited another Dad to help out as the ADL. Wolf den is a different story, 1st leader not panning out, but 2nd leader is willing to help and is trying to plug along as best as he can. Luckily that den only has 3 boys in it, so the DL doesn't feel so overwhelmed by the process. I'm thinking next year about having a seperate class after recruiting night for new leaders/parents. Our district training is usually about a month after the school night for scouting. I'd like to be able to incorporate some of the ideas to run good den meetings and some training on Scouttrack, or at the least, have resources available for the dens to pick through for meeting ideas. I made the mistake of not having the DL guide and How To book available at the first meeting.Or, I'll set it up as a "nuts and bolts" type of meeting. Here is how all these elements work together, Go See It resources, why is the uniform important, where to get craft ideas, how the pack operates. If I can get that information fairly condensed, I can get it to all the parents on the first night. My TCDL told me after our first committee meeting, "I didn't realize there were so many moving parts to a Cub Scout pack". That's one of those things we take for granted at times. I really do feel, it takes about a 6-8 mos to have a good feel for how den meetings should run and the direction you want to go with the boys in your den. Well by that time, the year is finishing up, and your scrambling to finish the basic requirements. I believe it is overwheming to be a new DL. Maybe a case of Too Much Information at once, all those manuals, flyers ,videos, requirements, uniforms. It's hard to wrap your head around how everything works together until you see it in action. Our District training is more of a generic "What Cub Scouts is about" instead of a practical hands on tool. The lady who runs our Tiger training knows the program back and forth, because she's done it for 20 years. But I think time has passed her up some. I love the Tiger program, but I also think the program as it was written actually plays down to the boys, instead of giving them a challenge to rise up to. With the Webelos, I'm lucky to have the former CM as the WEB DL. She gets the boys out. There is usually 1 or 2 weeks they don't have den meetings at our CO. I've spoken to my Bear DL about this for next yr. That we shouldn't see the WEB I's doing schoolwork type of meetings. There is too much, going on outside to see and learn from. What's the saying, "Advancement shouldn't be the reason for doing something, but the effect of doing something."? I tell all my DL's, that the the city we live in is our playground, and there is too much going on for us to ignore those happenings. Think outside the box a little bit, sign up for newsletters from the Parks dept, or from the city itself. Opportunities are always out there. Or at least talk to myself and the other leaders who have been in the pack a couple of years to find out what's available for activities or teaching opportunities. The boys will have more fun and it doesn't seem so much like work for everybody. Gonna have to revisit your posts on recruiting in the spring to get dens up and running, before the summer.I'd like to be able to have an operating den by the time day camp and summer activities start rolling around. momof2cubs: there is some gift to being a DL, but my best ideas came from the internet and I still use it to come up with all sorts of ideas and activities. I don't worry so much about having a perfectly planned and timed meeting, all I ask is "Did the boys enjoy it?" I get accused of not having more structure time and having more ADHD moments during meetings, but seeing those boys with a huge grin on their face, worth the paycheck every time. Best advice I was ever given, "Just remember, You get to be 9 yrs. old again, even if it's just for that 1 hr a week!"

At winter camp a couple of years ago, our Troop worked on this. We ended up doing a lost scout scenario. All scouts were supposed to meet at the flags before lunch. SPL and ASPL's always did troop counts to verify all patrols were present and accounted for. This time, one of the ASPL's was not present and accounted for. He had set up the premise for this, by telling a couple of boys he was going off for a hike after breakfast. All Patrol's were organized and branched off by groups, and then headed out in each direction calling for him. After about 20 minutes, we hear one group call out they had found him, every body reconvened at the flag poles with ASPL in tow. Little bugger was sitting in my car enjoying my heated seats and my satellite radio the entire time!

Got to thinking about this from the other thread about moosetracker's dilemma with the Scout that was trying to skirt the intent of the MB. How do you deal with a boy who is taking classes in school and wants to use those requirements for either advancement or MB completion? First off, we do not have a boy in our troop trying to do this right now. This is all a hypothetical situation I'm creating. Myself and the other TTFC ASM sent out a note to the boys and their parents, stating that if they participated in Red Ribbon Week activities and/or went through the Bullying seminars at school, that we would sign off those requirements. I know the School District takes those things very seriously and emphasizes the message very strongly to all the students. So we were OK with signing off the requirements. Here's my hypothetical, and I'm only using my son as an example, since I know what classes he is taking. This is not the whoosh-whoosh of helicopters running around, I swear! Along with his required courses (Math, Science, English, History) he is taking Band, A Mutimedia developing class (This is a prerequisite for next year, if he decides to be on the School News crew/ He's creating audio and video projects using video camera's, editing software, etc..)and Tennis/PE. Next year, he will have the opportunity to take a full year course on Robotics. So in that scenario, I see quite a few opportunities to work on different MB requirements. (Music, Cinematography, Robotics, Personal Fitness, those are the one's I can think of just off the top of my head, without looking at all the MB requirements) I know the rule is to have the SM sign off the blue card first to authorize him to begin working on the MB, and then get him the list of MBC's to contact. Obviously, a teacher can't sign off the requirements, unless they are a registered MBC. Would he have to have the SM sign off on all those blue cards at the beginning of the school year to work on them throughout the year? or... Would you as a SM or MBC sign off the card or requirements for work done at school? Here's the gray area. He would be technically fulfilling the requirements, if he's participating in class, and learning about the subject matter from a "professional instructor", But he's also in a way, circumventing the spirit of the MB and the program. While he would have to reach out to a MBC, he would only be showing the work, not in addition to it and doing it separately. As a CM, I encourage my DL's to allow for requirements to be signed off by participation in school activities. As long as they are in the same year that the boys are in the program. In other words, stuff you did as a Kindergartner, can't be used for Tiger or Wolf year requirements. I hope this makes sense, or I am just reading way too much between the lines? Thanks, for the input.

Cubmaster!!!! But seriously, As I'm going through my second go round with Bearson, here are my impressions. 1. Webelos- There is a lot more flexibility with the program and you still get accomplished what you want, instead of fighting the clock trying to finish up by B/G. Yes, we've become one of those packs, and I'm trying to change that. (reminds me of the old joke, Have you ever tried to push a rope?) Also watching the boys maturity level rise from the end of 3rd grade to the end of 4th grade is phenomenal. 2. Tigers- The joy and excitement I see on those boys' faces could light up a dark room. It is truly genuine. They are also eager to learn and do everything. Also, the parents are more than happy to help out, because they don't know any better. 3A. Wolves- Personally, the Wolf year is good because you have to challenge yourself to come up with fresh ideas for den meetings to keep the boys engaged. At least there are enough arrow point electives to choose from and even create some competition. 3B. Bears- More of the same from wolves, but a few more options to work with. The hard part for me was keeping fresh ideas, that I didn't already use during the wolf year. I think the boys get complacent with the program halfway through the year. If they started as Tigers, they've already been camping 3-6 times, they've done the same things at Cuboree and Day Camp for 3 years. They're ready for new experiences and adventures. Leaders start getting that burnt around the edges look. If the boys are active in sports, those teams are starting to become competitive leagues instead of recreation leagues, and games and den/pack events start getting placed in different priorities on the calender. We had a few families who couldn't make our Fall campout because of play offs. Even had a couple of boys leave the campout for their playoff game, but they did come back for campfire. My first time through as a Tiger leader was the hardest, just because I didn't know a thing about the Cub Scout program. CM saw that I was a Boy Scout and asked if I'd help out as the TDL, I said sure, he handed me the leaders guide and said here you go. It took me all year to finally get comfortable with running den meetings and planning events. I've promised myself, any new DL under my watch won't go through that again. My job is to help and support them in any way possible. They are not alone!! I would probably say once both my boys are out of scouting and living their own lives, I will probably work my way back to a Pack to help out instead of being a professional district volunteer. Nothing against you fine folks, but I'm a boots on the ground type and will always be a 10 yr old at heart!

Nothing like walking around with your sleeping bag draped around you. Those would be the perfect hats for "Capture the Flag" What is it with those wacky Brits?

Seattle, We do have a receipt book that has 2 copies in it. So the person gets a copy and we have one on file. When the cash comes in, we actually have 2 people count it, the Treasurer and usually a committee member or myself or the CC to verify the numbers. We also encourage checks or using the credit/debit card reader we have tied to the account. Our COR does stipulate having two signatures on the checks, so we can't get around that. The treasurer does have to report at the monthly committee meeting all the activities, which usually means pulling the report from Quicken for the past month and printing out for the committee. I do like the idea of having the statement sent to somebody other than the treasurer. I might talk to the bank about using their online tools, to be able to view the accounts, even though that might not give you the full picture of the unit economics. 83, While Wal Mart does carry alot, they don't have some of the kitschy stuff. One of our parents is a regional manager for one of the craft/ hobby stores around here. He'll either get us coupons or will use his employee discount, depending on the better deal. We also like to shop local, to support the community as much as possible. (This message has been edited by OwnTheNight)(This message has been edited by OwnTheNight)