SM484

Your Subject Title is the least of your problems(lol). Your COR does not sound like a man of God to me. If your District Executive of Council President can't help; go to national or start another troop somewhere else. With the old SM out of the Council maybe you can get things done. The minimum number to start a troop is very low, I think it's 5 or 7 boys and enough caring adults to run it. You and the new SM should meet the families of the boys in a small group setting and talk about the problems and discuss what needs to be done for the betterment of the boys.(This message has been edited by SM484)

Welcome Lisa, The only way you are going to get more help is to ASK someone, That's how I got involved. But really I wanted to be involved in how my sons were going to enjoy their scouting adventure. You will have a better retainment of scouts in your pack if other parents get involved. The boys will see their parents helping out and will keep their intrest. I am not forcing my boys to stay in scouting but because they see me as a former Tiger Coach, Wolf & Bear Leader, Webelos Leader, Cubmaster, Asst. Scoutmaster and now Scoutmaster they see how much I love scouting and are learning commitment. If you need help with ideas for pack meetings, go to your district roundtable and program preview to find out what the monthly themes are. The reason no one wants to fill in is because you are taking care of it. You have to chose one postition or the other. Tell the parents they need to step up and they will get help from you not the other way around. Good Luck.

Have you ever seen the "Woods Wisdom" book? That book has two years of planning and programs. The program schedules and games are centered around the merit badges your troop is currently working on. From troop meetings to campouts, it lays it all out for you. The SM I replaced passed this book on to me. I have a second copy I give to the SPL to use to plan the six months he is in office. Check it out and get'r done!

Wow, What a soap opera you've got there. I agree with the others here when they tell you to roll up your sleeves and prepare to fight the blockheads that don't follow BSA Regs. Arm yourself with knowledge and back up your voice with District and Commission help. It's unfortunately for the boys that they were never given the responsibility or the chance to fail on their own because of a few stubborn parents. I have a question for you. Who is your charter organization are they a civil group or religous group? Have you gone to the head of the organization with your problem? Your C.O.R. is suppose to be screened and selected by the Charter Organization. The BSA does reserve the right to refuse membership to anyone they feel is detrimental to the Organization; no matter who they think they are. Good Luck and God Bless.

I am in the West Central Florida Council. I am willing to trade 1:1 for any council patch. My e-mail is thaddeus.feldhouse@verizon.net

Try getting the parents involved by having picnic in a wooded park. Don't try to rush them too fast. Your council may have cubscout family camps at your local scout camp. Have a backyard campout.