SolderedBugle

Starting from Lion, it has been difficult (programmatically) to get familiar with the program while working with existing leadership in joint den meetings. We are working well personally and the kids work well, but finding the crossover is already running dry. Having more alignment between den goals is going to be helpful since I will be helping to guide the Lion leaders next year. Reading more about the length of the program, I can see the potential for burnout in any activity. But I disagree that the program should be shorter. For scouts with older siblings, the lower ranks give them access that they wouldn't have had in the past. And in some states (CA) younger and younger children will be starting elementary school (4 and a half years old, maybe younger). Many scout programs are tied to elementary schools. Traditional scoutcraft and outdoorsmanship is beyond the younger kids, but they are happy to learn and play even if they cannot do it alone. Rather than make the program shorter, I wonder if it would make sense to have the program be easier to jump in and out of. Many kids are trying various sports and activities. To some parents, scouts is just another activity. But instead of being 2 months long it is 12 month to 12 years long.

To be fair, it was a light snow but enough to close the roads early until it was cleared the following day. And coffee is good. I'll have another. ☕️

Hi everyone. My son recently joined cub scouts in the US as a Lion. I was not aware that Kindergarteners were in scouts so I am glad that the local troop was out recruiting at the beginning of the school year. I never had the best memory but being involved in scouts again reminds me of so many memories I had forgotten about. Like I competed in the pine wood derby. A time when I was distraught because my handful of absences from cub scouts meant that I missed a couple requirements for my Arrow of Light (I did get it sorted out later). I remember cooking on scout campouts. I remember seeing a bob cat at camp. I remember seeing a brown bear in the Sierras! And I remember being unexpectedly snowed-in after my Order of the Arrow ordeal. I'm looking forward to making more memories with my son and my other kids as they get older and hopefully want to join scouts.