twoodjr

My pack doesn't do it, but a neighboring pack holds PWD workshops where this is the only place to make the derby cars. Both parent and Cub have to attend, and the work is done by Cub Scouts, with parental assistance. Power tools and other hazardous tools are strictly done by an adult. The derby cars for that pack, never go home! The thought of spending $100 for a $5 hunk of wood is ridiculous! Maybe you want to take that parent aside and say "hey man, I heard from chit chat in the pack that you spent $100 to purchase your car. I'm not going to judge you, but if it is true, think of what you lost because your son will never say, my car won because of what my dad and I did together."

What you should keep in mind is what is best for the boy. I had a fifth grade boy who joined along with his brother in fourth grade. For the first couple of months, he met with Webelos I, to work with other new boys earning their Bobcat badge. This boy was very much an introvert (shy), so it was decided to keep him with his brother as a Webelos I. This was acceptable to his mom, and the distict/council. I would have to say that if he was "forced" up because of age and grade, he would not have stayed in Scouts. It is hard to determine what is best for a youth that you don't really know, but having him in his dens, you should be able to evaluate whether he is ready to move up to a troop or should stay and complete is Cub Scout trail. If he doesn't get his AOL but sees others with it, will this make him resent Scouting?