Chadamus

Nah, just a typo. I'd bet my necker on it.

Clothes lint! It's free, light, and readily available. (Especially to families with kids!) To give credit where it is due, a Life Scout in my son's Troop brought a ziplock bag full of the stuff to a campout. I thought it was a great idea so I now save a pinch after each load of laundry.

Great thoughts, everyone! Thank you! Keep 'em coming!

My son has seen and heard about my passion for Scouting for years now. I doubt he'd be surprised if I continued on. I feel like once I agreed to take the SM position, I was in it for all the boys, not just mine.

The first time I went to a meeting without my son (sick) was surprisingly satisfying. I understood the appeal of sticking around and being part of the unit even after one's son ages out of the Troop. There are (hopefully) many years before I'm in that position, but I can see myself being that kind of leader.

Torchwood, I respect that. I had not considered doing so, partly because I was "voluntold" I would replace the current SM when it was time, and also because I feel like I can do right by the boys. I'm looking forward to the opportunity. As I mentioned earlier I will be talking to my son and will be interested to hear what his answer would be if it were up to him whether or not I was SM. Thanks for that perspective!

I'm trying to remind my son less and less as he grows, but I've definitely done my share. We also pawn ours off. It took my son a bit to understand why I will not sign off anything in his book.

It's a fine line for sure. I find myself biting my tongue at times for fear of push-back. I haven't received any yet! Thanks, Barry.

One of my big concerns is that I will almost always be there. Once of the appealing things about Boy Scouts for me was that my son could do Scout things without mom and dad around like in Cubs.

Good advice, qwazse. I do see the extra time investment from the current SM and son. To his credit, I've never heard one complaint about it from the son.

Back Pack great feedback, thank you. My son has asked me on more than one occasion if I've noticed how the current SM and his son don't act like father and son. Me response was "What are you not seeing to make you say that?" and "Why do you think that is?" He initially thought it was the SM that wanted it that way, then said maybe that's how the son prefers it. I'm glad he's already thinking about the dynamics of the relationship. The conversation he and I eventually will have should be a good one.

To the current and former Scoutmasters who have simultaneously had a son in the Troop, to any non-Scoutmaster who has observations about the relationship between Scoutson and Scoutmaster: What challenges have you experienced or seen? How did you overcome them? What are the pros and cons of such a relationship? What I'm most interested in is how different can the Scouting experience be for a boy whose dad is the Scoutmaster? I ask this as an ASM who will be in this situation eventually. I have some thoughts/concerns of my own i'll gladly share, but for the time being I would rather listen. Thank you in advance!

+1 for the reminder Barry, but as you well know these threads frequently take their own paths. Reminds me of MattR's post questioning whether or not we're really helping anyone. Which, as far as I can tell, was answered most appropriately by MattR himself on page 1.

15+ nights per year is normal (expected??) for many Troops. Some Scouts don't make all events so let's say we half that and round down to 7. Even then after three years you'd be at 20. Agreed.

The Catholic school curriculum is significantly different than the one offered by public schools in my neck of the wooks. Cursive penmanship to give one minor example. A religious education is a major example. Your mileage may vary obviously.

According to post #3, the MB counselor and SM are one and the same.

As a parent faced with a $10,000+ tuition decision in a few months, I can say cost can be a major reason for some.

http://www.troopmaster.com/#

Similar experience here, Stosh. Back when I first registered I received no response. I later learned the only responses given are when an application is denied. Regardless, I took the initiative to follow-up on my application so I could be prepared when a Scout showed interest.

But NJ we must talk about the fact that they're talking! ;p

Several adult leaders in my son's Troop have continued to volunteer long after their son's time as a Scout has ended. This leaves me in the wonderful position of being able to sponge up years worth of experience, stories, advice etc. Is this culture normal?

I'm not trying to be the moral authority for anyone TAHAWK. Because one can discriminate, doesn't mean one should. Just sayin'.

So religious discrimination?

GSMOM73 & bsaggcmom thank you for the clarification. I did not know Girl Scout units do not have Chartered Organizations. Fehler, these 'alternate facts' are why I asked previously: what is being opposed? Edited for spelling.

☺ I know which side of the argument you're on. But that's for a different thread.