BelieveinScouts

I really don't understand why an Atheist would want to join Scouts. I think everyone knows now that part of the requirement is the belief in a Supreme being. I actually have no problem with the Leader that said she does at least recite the Promise with them and teaches the kids the requirements. They might be better served by someone that does actually believe in God, but good leaders are very hard to find. I find Faith a touchy subject even within my Den. We have had a Pastor come in and speak to the boys, and have discussed it as a Den. I am a Wolf Leader and I find that at this age if I can make them understand even what the word Faith means, then I'm pretty happy. I leave most of the discussions about what "Duty to God" means to the boys and their parents though. Sometimes I catch looks passing between the parents during the discussions in the Den. Rolling of eyes etc. I think that if the parents don't like it, then perhaps they should join another organization. I'm not a Fanatic. I actually feel guilty because I hardly ever make it to Church anymore. I do believe though, and actively teach it to my son at home. For those that don't care for it, then leave. I'm not trying to be harsh, but it would be like me showing up in an Atheists living room and saying I'm going to pray for the next two hours and you're going to watch. Don't try to make our organization change to suit you. You know what the organiztion is. If you don't then you haven't been reading the news, listening to the radio, etc. I do think a program like Scouting could greatly benefit young boys who are being taught Atheism. Perhaps someone should start a separate program for them. Separate from BSA. I wish them all the best of luck.

I am a Wolf Leader. I was a Tiger Leader last year because no one else wanted to do it. I only had parents step up and host a month 3 times in the entire year in Tigers. That was okay though, there were only five achievements. I'm the type of person that always expands on the activities in the book so it will be more fun for the boys. It is more fun for the boys, but it's also a lot of extra work. This year, I now have 11 boys, and of course 12 achievements. I've had almost no parental help. I asked for an Asst at the beginning of the year, but everyone was too "busy". I don't know what to do. Next year, 24 achievements are looming. I'm really attached to the boys, but I feel like I'm starting to drop the ball at the meetings. They aren't as fun as they used to be, and buying supplies for 11 boys is about to break me. I know I should collect dues, but I don't because the parents all say they are broke, or pay enough at the beginning of the year, etc. I'm a single Mom with a son that is borderline ADHD. His Dr. says it can be handled through behavior management, but that he needs a streamlined environment. LOL Are you kidding? I have one whole wall of my living room filled up with Scout stuff! I want to step down next year, or join another Pack, but I feel responsible for my boys. I hate to leave them, but I feel like I have to look out for my own son first, and quite frankly, I need a break. We are from a small Pack. There are no committees. We have a Pack Leader that's moving on to Boy Scouts next year and can't even get anyone to take over. This may be a moot point. If we don't have a Pack Leader next year, we may fold anyway. I don't mean to complain, I'm just very tired. How do I fight Den Leader Burnout? Just once, I would like to be the parent that shows up and enjoys the meeting, instead of being the one that has put a week into planning it. Any suggestions? Thanks for hearing me out.