OwntheNight

This is what we like to refer to as accoutrement envitus. It starts off as a harmless pin to support something you feel strongly about, then the extra items keep adding up around your uniform. Eventually, your wearing more bling than Flava Flav! There is hope though, you can overcome AE, by telling or asking yourself, what would I say to the boys who started putting all this extra stuff on their uniform? My name is OwntheNight, and I suffer from AE! It started off with the fancy city pin we got form the Mayor and the City Council, It worked up to the pin I got from the blood bank for donating blood with great frequency. And then, the parent pins for both my sons, my woodbadge critter pin. I had to pull myself out of it and just remove the pins for my own sanity. I couldn't stand to sound like a Jingle Bell. I had to stop myself! Luckily, the detoxification process I found in these forums helped me with my AE, and now I can walk proudly into a pack meeting with a clean mind and a toned down uniform. Thanks Scouter.com! (edited for sarcasm by OwntheNight)

Yeah, I look like I had a wet sponge in a headlock after some time in those shirts The Under Armour or similar type of shirt seem to work well, I've just accepted that I have to wear a t shirt or one of my supplex shirts under my uniform all the time. Now if I can figure out something to do about the salt ring around my ball cap! It's not the smell, but the burning of the eyes that hurts the most!

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I still get choked up and moved at an ECOH, it is a true testament to these young men and their families. So did you do anything as a gift?

Dirt Stains are a Badge of Honor! There's always a story behind every stain! Just like the OA sash, if it ain't dirty, you ain't doing the work. Have you tried Goo-Gone in a small spot?

With all the different knots available, I'm just waiting on the iphone app that you take a picture of the knot, and then it comes up with the title of the knot and the requirements for it. Or maybe the pocket reference card that could actually fit in the small outside pocket of the centennial pants. IMO!

The Lodge that serves our district does the District Crossover ceremony, as well as having the dance team perform at our Tiger Night event in Sept. and have some of the boys in full regalia at our Cuboree event in October. They will usually pose for pics with the Cubs and explain how they made their costume or do some demonstrations of bead making or how they designed their headdress, etc. It's the work you don't see that has the impact on the Cub Scout program. The winter storm of 09 created havoc in our Cub Scout camp. It was the OA that came in and cleared the trees that had fallen, so that we could get through the trails to the different campsites and activities. It's the platforms built at summer camp for the Webelos to use, or any of the land management programs available that enhance the Cub Scout program.

Jam, >Those that caused the issue that drove the Tigers and Bears away, are they gone?< Yes, that has been dealt with accordingly, so we are able to start with a clean slate, somewhat. There are still some "hot embers" we need to keep an eye on, but for the most part, every body has moved on and is trying to put this behind us. We all still see each other frequently, due to our CO lets this other Pack use meeting rooms at the church for their meetings, luckily it's on the opposite side of the building we're at. I'm actually meeting tonight with our COR/CC to talk about our Spring recruiting efforts. Our district has an inflatable Bounce House that the units can rent, so that's a possibility. I was reading a post earlier, and something stuck out to me. I believe it was AKDenLeader that said in a nutshell, It's easy to sell the program to the kids, you have to really sell the program to the adults! So that is my mindset now. Thanks and Good Luck with your Pack as well

Saturday night at our Blue and Gold, I was installed as the new Cubmaster for our Pack. Just so happens we were also celebrating 30 years of consecutive recharter with our CO. Now comes the hard, but rewarding, work. For the last few years, the pack has been humming along like a well oiled machine. A steady stream of boys coming into the program to replace the boys that were graduating to the Troops, active volunteers, great financial shape. All the things you want to see in a pack, until the beginning of this year. Due to some personal conflict between a few people, we ended up losing our Tiger Den and a Bear Den to another pack. And now, our WEB II den has graduated, we are down to about 14 boys (9 wolves, 5 WEB I)from about 40 boys at the same time last year. I know some might say this is a train that's running off the track, and I need to jump. I'm actually very encouraged about the future of this pack. I have a core group of adults who are taking on additional responsibilities, our wolf den has two capable leaders with another parent in the group who could be a great 3rd ADL. The outgoing CM is still going to be with the pack until her WEB I den crosses over. She is staying as my ACM. Another parent has stepped up and agreed to be our Treasurer. The only thing we're lacking is a permanent CC. Our COR has stepped into the CC role on an interim basis. Our CO had been pretty hands off for quite a while, but because of all of this, they are getting involved again. This is a good thing for us to be able to work together and feed off the resources each of us brings to the partnership. Another reason for my encouragement is alot of people want to see this Pack return succesfully. The SM of the troop we've been feeding boys and even our District Chairman, both of whom were CM of this pack, have pledged their resources and support to our efforts. The SM has even told me not to worry about my ASM duties and just focus on the Pack and it's needs. Having that support does ease some burden off of me, but I still have to go out and have a good recruiting effort and hopefully mend some fences along the way. Finally, I want to say to all the Scouters on this forum, thanks for your experiences, thoughts, ideas, and opinions you have posted along the way. Going through and reading the threads has given me some ideas of what I need to do to make this successful and how to deal with situations as they come up. I really do appreciate and value your advice. It helps knowing I'm not the only one who's been in this situation. I look forward to updating our progress with you. For The Boys, OTN

Nice! I call that home as well!

From one Texan to Another, Howdy and A Belated Happy Independence day! Welcome to the fire and pull up a log. What part of Texas do you claim as yours?

A lot of my Scouter friends were at that dinner last night and had nothing but great things to say about the evening and the President and SecDef. Still my favorite was a FB post from our former DE who got close enough to 43 to "High Five" him while he got all sorts of WTH looks from everybody around him. I believe the Speech that Sec Gates gave was similar to the one he gave during Jambo, he definitely told that story about the 3 vans before.

My spidey sense is tingling a tremor right now. Here is what I'm getting out of this now. 1.) None of the other DL's want to step up to become CM. 2.) The committee elected you interim CM until the current CM recommends you for the job. That same CM and Asst CM's are leaving the pack in May, so they don't have a vested interest in the program beyond their tenure. 3.)The committee is concerned about the pack camping program and the commitment of the new CM to that program, yet the pack only camps once a year with scattered lock ins available. 4.) The current CM and ACM's seem to be doing the lion's share of work that the committee should be doing. Do they want a CM or do they just want a figure head? Why do the other DL's not want to step up as CM? Have they seen how things are done within this group and don't want to be put in that fishbowl? It sounds like since the CM and ACM's were doing all of the work, the committee was OK with the status quo. (But, that's how it's always been done, blah,blah) >They also said that I would be expected to work and report to the committee, which is fine, although I am a little nervous that I put a lot of work into this and then they come back in August and say, Thanks, but we have found someone else. I am also a little worried that I will be too cautious because I will be worried that I have to make everyone happy and that is never possible...lol < I think your gut instinct is right on about this. This sounds like the committee is putting the reigns on you and creating a reason to not offer you the position in August. Hey, Every CM should be working with the committee to plan and execute the program. This just smells of dictatorship. >One comment was made at the meeting made me a little nervous was that they did not care what the BSA said, it was what they wanted...lol < This is the one that got the spidey sense really humming! This attitude reminds me of egotism, not servant leadership. I'm worried that you'll be set up to fail, because you're not going to get the support you deserve. Scoutmom, You have a great heart and a true passion for offering the best program available to the boys. I really hope your Pack can find a way to work with you and not against you. I know I would be thrilled to have some one like you in my Pack. Good Luck!

>In going through those records, we actually found their original Bobcat report that was filed with the District Advancement.< After I typed this, I realized that the boys in my pack will probably go through their Scouting career without a handwritten advancement report due to the digital age and everything being online now. I know that all these online tools and programs are created for ease of use and making mundane tasks more efficient, and I am certainly glad for that but.. When I was going through these handwritten reports, there was a true sense of history from the pack. You know,this was the actual sheet that the Advancement Chair or the Cubmaster actually filled out in their own hand. I worry that future leaders in the pack will just have access to our database records and be able to print off our advancement records without stopping and thinking of the history. I'm fortunate in that I can still talk to the previous CM's of the pack and ask about their history with the Pack. Once again, what about the future leaders? This isn't just about Scouting records either. Simple hand written notes from the past can elicit feelings and memories that a word document just can't come close to. There is that emotional attachment that a text message or email can't convey. Don't get me wrong, I love technology as much as the next person, but I'm just as guilty of firing off an email or sending a quick text to somebody to get the information I need. I still try to write a note to my sons' teachers at the end of the year, thanking them for their dedication and support of my children s education. While the words of the Declaration of Independence are amazing to read, would they have had the same impact in a 10pt arial font document? I'm glad our founding fathers chose Timothy Matlack to pen the final copy of that document. I'm not a doctor, but I have handwriting like one!

Sounds like a little research is in order. If he was a Cub in your pack back in the day, maybe there are some hand written reports from the past that you can go through to find some info on this young man. Last year, we invited 2 Eagles who graduated from our pack, back to our Blue and gold to speak. In going through those records, we actually found their original Bobcat report that was filed with the District Advancement. We presented those papers to the Eagles' fathers, who also happened to be CM's of the pack, as gifts. Maybe something along those lines? How about a congratulatory card and have the Pack sign it? Remember, he's going to be pulled in all directions that night with family and the Troop. Enjoy the evening, and when you get a few moments to talk too him, offer him your Congrats and a little Scoutfish wisdom. He'll probably be a little overwhelmed by everything thats going on (Remember your wedding or graduation, same thing) Get some contact info from the SM,for this young man, and invite him to a Pack meeting down the road, to share his scouting experience with your boys. You thought you were a rockstar in these kids eyes, wait till you bring in an Eagle that went to THEIR pack. Stand back and watch the fireworks!

WOW, Your Tiger must be 7 ft tall!! The Scout store sells the the Jumbo Emblems. http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=UNIFORMS&C3=INSIGNIA&C4=&LV=3&item=700JE&prodid=700JE^8^01RTL&

The Food being served! Ants on a log vs Cherry Cobbler!!

From my personal experience, at the end of my course our Course Director told us to talk about the merits of Wood Badge and how it helped us. But they also asked us to not talk about the details of the course so that new participants can experience it and make their own assessment of the course. For me, OA has more mystique about it, why? Because I wasn't in OA as a youth, and I haven't been asked as an adult. I also choose to keep the mystique there by not going out and researching the ceremonies and finding out as much information as possible. If I am ever asked to serve in the OA, I want to be able to enjoy that moment without thinking to myself, "OK, A has been done, now comes B, then C" As far as Wood Badge For me, it was like going back to summer camp for a week, except I had that "If I knew then what I know now" moments. I had a blast at Wood Badge, because it really gave me perspective and purpose about Scouting. I was one of those burnt out leaders who was providing a poor program to the boys I should have been serving. I came away re energized about Scouting. I also realized this "game" is what I love to do, so I recommitted myself to Scouting and decided this is where my efforts should be focused.

Ryan, Welcome to the forums and Thank you for your service to our country and for wanting to give back to the Scouting program.

WOW! The first thing I would have said to him, after picking myself and the phone up off the floor would have been "Sure, Do you mind if I procur Corporate Sponsorship for this to add some needed funds to our Troop bank account" I wonder what his reaction would have been to that. GOODYEAR proudly presents the Eagle Court of Honor for Johnny Scout of Troop XYZ live in HD on The OUTDOOR CHANNEL GOODYEAR Tires and Johnny Scout-"Where Eagles Fly!"(This message has been edited by OwnTheNight)

Exactly what Eagle G said. "Where is the Committee Chair in all of this?" The CC should be running the Committee Meetings. Also, in all of this, where is the Chartered Organization Rep. This is the person designated by the CO to be the final say in the unit. Granted, some CO's are very "hands off" when it comes to how the unit is run. You should be in attendance at this meeting no matter what. Or, I guess you could get the parents in your den to register as committee members and actually have a vote on the committee. This can only end badly for all parties involved. I know this, because the Pack I am taking over as CM for in March had almost the same thing happen to us this year. CC wanted a Asst Den Ldr removed due to personality conflicts, got the committee to vote with the CC and ADL was removed. A couple months later, that den informed the pack they would be transferring to another pack. This created a domino effect, our Bear den ended up leaving also. I now have a pack of Wolves and Web 1. Not the best situation for an incoming CM. Needless to say, I am trying to mend fences with that Den, and hopefully they consider rejoining us. The CM is responsible for the pack meeting and the "program" part of Cub Scouts. The committee should be responsible for the "business" side of Cub Scouts. As a CM, he should be prepared to step in as a Temporary DL if he loses a leader, or the other side of this is that the Committee better be prepared to name another CM if he decides to walk due to a perceived lack of support. Remember, we become Scouters and Leaders "FOR THE BOYS" Here are the Qualifications and Responsibilities for the Cubmaster: Qualifications: Is at least 21 years old, subscribes to the Declaration of Religious Principle, and agrees to abide by the Scout Oath or Promise and the Scout Law. Possesses the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth. Does not need to be an expert in all Cub Scout activities but should be a leader who is able to communicate well with adults as well as boys. Should be able to delegate responsibilities and set a good example through behavior, attitude, and uniform. Should believe in the values and purposes of Cub Scouting. Preferably a member of the chartered organization. Selected and appointed by the pack committee with the approval of the chartered organization, and registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Responsibilities: The Cubmaster's responsibilities are to * Conduct a pack program according to the policies of the BSA. * Complete Cubmaster Fast Start Training and position-specific Basic Leader Training. Attend monthly roundtables. * Plan and help carry out the Cub Scout program in the pack. This includes leading the monthly pack meeting, with the help of other leaders. * Help the pack committee with a year-round recruitment plan for recruiting boys into Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouting, and Webelos Scouting. * Know about and use the appropriate and available literature, including Boys' Life and Scouting magazines, Cub Scout Program Helps, and the Webelos Leader Guide. * See that the pack program, leaders, and Cub Scouts positively reflect the interests and objectives of the chartered organization and the BSA. * Work with the pack committee on (1) program ideas, (2) selecting and recruiting adult leaders, and (3) establishing a budget plan. * Guide and support den leaders. See that they receive the required training for their positions. * Help organize Webelos dens and encourage graduation into a Boy Scout troop. * Help establish and maintain good relationships with Boy Scout troops. * Maintain good relationships with parents and guardians. Seek their support and include them in activities. Involve male relatives such as uncles and grandfathers so that Cub Scouts will have additional male role models. * See that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts receive a quality, year-round program filled with fun and activities that qualify the dens and pack for the National Summertime Pack Award. * Guide Cub Scouts in goodwill and conservation projects. * See that the responsibilities specified for the assistant Cubmaster are carried out. * Help the pack committee chair conduct the annual pack program planning conference and the monthly pack leaders' meetings. * Work as a team with the pack committee chair to cultivate, educate, and motivate all pack leaders and parents or guardians in Cub Scouting. * Take part in the charter review meeting and annual charter presentation ceremony. * Request den chiefs for all dens and, after selection, see that they are trained. Recognize the den chiefs at pack meetings. * Conduct an impressive graduation ceremony for Tiger Cubs. * Meet with the unit commissioner, Webelos den leader, and Scoutmaster to establish plans for the Webelos Scouts' transition to Boy Scouting. * Help plan and conduct impressive Webelos graduation ceremonies involving parents and guardians, the Scoutmaster, the Webelos den chief, the Webelos den leader, and the troop junior leaders. * Conduct impressive Arrow of Light Award ceremonies. * Encourage high advancement standards for all Cub Scouts. * Help bring families together at joint activities for Webelos dens (or packs) and Boy Scout troops. * Support the policies of the BSA.

Do a google search for "cubmobile" and you will get plenty of information on the cubmobile plans. These are also in the Cub Scout Leader How To book.

Forgot to add this. I think these are all great responses and I intend to paraphrase these when I'm writing my CM presentation to new parents. Thanks for the great ideas, keep 'em comin'!

Seen this movie before! Instant Gratification vs Delayed Fulfillment. As a fan of sports, can I see when somebody has a talent or a "gift" for the game, Absolutely. As a former scout, and a Scouter now, can I see when somebody is "Scoutlike", I like to think so. How did I learn to recognize those traits? I've watched Sports for many years, I've also watched my Scoutmaster and the Scouters I work with very closely. If your looking at the Scouting program as an outsider, you don't see the planning and training and all the time that was spent fostering relationships. You see boys who memorize some lines from a book, wear uniforms with doohickeys on them, and go camping with their buddies once a month and for a week in the summer. After a few years in the program, you then start seeing a reponsible, mature young man who is well rounded and prepared to face the next step in his life head on, not running the other way. How do you recognize this? You saw how this young boy was when he started the program. It's easy to see a boy progress from flag football to pee wee to full contact over time. It's hard to see a boy turn into a man, unless your looking closely.

Saw her last Thursday at Roundtable and then saw her on Saturday morning at the Pack leadership meeting. But that was because the COR was introducing the New CC to the leadership. Who's the new CC? himself, on an interim basis, until he finds a permanent one. When I was voted in as the new CM in January, our UC specifically searched me out at RT last month to talk to me about the job, and to offer her support. Does running into them at dinner at one of the local restaurants count as well?

After reading some of these, I feel fortunate to have the District RT staff we do. Last year we combined all RT to one night, CS,BS,OA. Everybody meets for district annoucements, awards, etc. Everybody then breaks out to program specific. With CS we usually go through a simulated pack meeting..games,song, activities, pack doodle for next RT, unless district has brought in a guest speaker. This thursday was a volunteer from the train museum, a sales rep for the local minor league hockey team. We usually have 3 or 4 tables set up for event coordinators to hang around and give out more info to people in lieu of making long presentations to the group. They make a short ,sweet presentation during announcements and then point to the table their going to be at for further questions. Our district uses Googlegroups, for CS,BS,and OA, to send out email as needed. It's easy to sign up for and get more than enough info flowing through it. A big problem,I've seen is on the district website for contact info for units. This hasn't been updated in quite some time. I don't understand why they don't cross check the unit info when recharter comes up and correct as necessary. ( better be quiet, or I'll be doing that job too ) Another problem I've seen is getting correct and timely information from the council. Our RTC gave us the info for the Tour plan and the JTE this past Thursday, she couldn't give much info about it. As she said, "If I hadn't called the council to bug them about this, they wouldn't have seen this change", so now they're spinning their wheels trying to get everything sorted out. Sometimes it is information overload, at least I'm getting the information.