Tomahawk_Bob

Quick side story, related to the topic. I just had my first meeting ever, where I planned on having 10 boys and their parents, and one mom unexpectedly brought along a younger brother because she had no sitter. I was a little worried at first, since I only had enough juice boxes for ten boys due to my inexperience in planning for the unexpected. Nevertheless, I included him in everything, from the snacks on, and it was great to see his face light up when his brother made him a friendship bracelet just like all the other boys got. I did this because I remember being too young to be a cub scout, and having to sit at the meetings and do nothing while my two older brothers got to have all the fun because my mom had nobody to watch me during the meetings. And thirty two years later, I still remember how heartbroken I was to be excluded. Also, more to the topic, we're having our first Pack Camp Out soon, and it is made blatantly clear that every parent and every sibling is welcome to come, from the Boy Scouts down to the Tiger Scouts, as long as the parents understand the Leaders aren't babysitters and that they are all expected to be involved and take part in the activities. It's all about creating a positive enviornment for the boys AND their families.

Like many of you here, I'm sure, I went to register my son for Tiger Scouts, and was given the pep talk about how much fun it would be to become a Den Leader. I was hesitant at first, since I can easily recall the two years I spent as a Boy Scout, which more or less consisted of a weekly meeting every Tuesday night in a church basement, and little else. I am determined to make sure the boys in my den have a much more enjoyable experience than I did, and am already trying to figure out how I can get them accelerated to Eagle Scout within two years (LOL). Like some of the others here, I also have a few disabled children in my Den, and am glad to see there have been a few helpful hints posted, especially as it relates to autism and learning disabilities, since I have every intention to make sure they are included in every activity we do. I look forward to learning as much as possible about my new responsibility, and would welcome all helpful suggestions.