clydesdale115

We just had this very discussion at Roundtable last week. Our District Activities Chair brought up that district and council would be meeting soon to lay out next year's calendar. He said flat-out that there would be no district spring camporee next year and no district spring Cub event (aside from district PWD). He said we just have so much going on between the district and council that all our weekends are being taken and units don't have time (or perhaps inclination!) to plan unit events. Maybe he too has been seeing that folks expect district to plan something so the units don't have to. I think we have active packs and troops in our area that don't NEED the district to schedule activities, but I'm sure some units think, "Why bother planning our own Pack campout in April if the district is having another Cub-o-ree?" clyde

Last year we did Girl Scouts Rock! Activities centered around either rock music (I did a sock hop in music rotation, Jr. Night was a karaoke contest) or geology. Unit names were like Swingers, Be-Boppers, etc. We have also done Beach/Ocean, Back To Basics (camping skills, sit-upons), etc. You've got me worried now ... we are talking about doing Amazing Race theme this year. Was it really too much work? I lead music each year so I'm already wondering how to come up with ideas. but what difficulties did you encounter using that theme? Just to share: Our camp is indoors at an elementary school. We have classrooms for unit time, music room, art room, gym for opening and closing ceremonies and skits, lunchroom, outdoors, etc. We take a bus daily to a nearby pool we have reserved for the week. It bites into the schedule time, but it's a great alternative for us. clyde

I know some new requirements went into effect this year for the lower ranks (TF,2C, 1C). When a Star, Life, or Eagle candidate presents for a SM conference, could he (or should he) be expected to answer to those new requirements? A SM conference can include a review of all ranks up to the one you are conferencing for, right? Would that include new requirements that weren't in effect when you are at that rank? I'm new at the Boy Scout end (crossed over from Cub leader). I have taken SM Fund. and IOLS training, but this has just come up. I have my own opinion on whether or not this is appropriate, but I'd like to hear yours. Know of anything written in stone? I'm going back through my SM training manual to see what I can find. clyde

A few ideas: Use empty eggshells as flower pots for quick-growing grass. Clean the eggshell, add potting soil, scatter grass seed, and sprinkle with water. When the grass grows, it looks like green hair on top of the egg. Use markers to decorate a "face" and you'll have a great Pack display in no time. (To make them stand-up, sit the "egg person" in a small bathroom-size paper cup.) One year we made Easter baskets (actually we used white paper lunch bags) for veterans in the nearby VA hospital. The boys brought in Easter goodies plus we had some things donated. We decorated the bags with markers and stickers, put Easter grass in the bottom, and filled with candy and goodies. They were very well-received (of course, we cleared it first). Hospitals and nursing homes are often remembered at Christmastime, but they were so pleased to be remembered at Easter. I have many times made "washcloth bunnies" with kids - just Google for instructions. No sewing, you just need a washcloth and rubber band. Add a small bar of soap for bath fun. We actually used those blue freezer things for a fun first aid item - we call them boo-boo bunnies! You could make egg carton caterpillars. Use 6 sections of an egg carton (down the long side - you'll have 2 caterpillars per egg carton). Turn upside down, paint or use markers, add pipe cleaner legs and antennae, googly eyes, etc. Very cute. Hope these help, clyde

Mathematics notwithstanding, my son (Webelos II at the time) was one of the 4,000 who submitted a logo design. Art is not his strong-suit but we were awfully proud of what he sent in, and he was, too! :-) clyde

Well, it's almost time - we are crossing the bridge on December 17th! I say "we" because hubby and I will both take on some sort of role in the troop, I'm sure - I just don't know the best role for us. We've had a very successful Cub Scout den (most since they were Tigers) and I have no doubts they will all do well in Boy Scouts. My son is SO ready! But is it bad for us (mom and dad) to want to take a little break? We working on our 5th year as den leaders, and even though we have worked really hard to introduce the boy-led concept to our Webelos and have given them increasing responsibility in our den, being a den leader has been total immersion! We're kind of ready to come up for a breath of fresh air. My husband and I are both well-trained (both Wood Badge - Beaver and Bobwhite - plus I just completed SMF as part of my ticket). Like you all, "We love this Scouting stuff!" What suggestions do you have for us in the Troop? We'd definitely like to step back from our own son and give him some independence. I can see myself on the Committee, I guess. Husband has been asked twice lately to take a role on the District. We have both found merit badges we could counsel. Does that sound about right for leaders who move from Cubs into Boy Scouts? clyde

Have you tried www.usscouts.org - From the home page, click on Clipart in the box across the top, then click on Scouting Clipart Collection. They have lots of great images there - perhaps you can find just what you need. clyde

I like ScoutingMom's take on this - I love to do super-cool science experiments with my students in class. When the big surprise comes at the end (heavy weight lifted, smoke, color change, etc.), we ooooh and aaaaah, then we like to say, "It's not magic, it's SCIENCE!" A more straightforward choice in our community: a local magician tapes a magic show on Saturday mornings at the TV station. Several times, we have had Scouts sitting in the audience during the taping, then they get to see themselves next week on local-access TV - that's cool enough, plus the magic tricks! Is there perhaps anything similar in your area? clyde

We were in tents both weekends (2nd was a patrol weekend). I was glad I brought along a notepad and pen - at night before I turned off my little tent lantern, I wrote a note to my son. I recapped the whole day with as much details as my sleepiness would allow! I brought it home after the first weekend and we read it together. I took it back with me on weekend 2 and continued writing notes. It became a nice keepsake of my WB experience and a good way to share with my son. clyde A good ol' Bobwhite - working my ticket! 2 down, 3 to go!

It's time (actually PAST time) for recharter around here and we're still struggling to get some Scouts and leaders to complete their paperwork. Seems like every year, we are making calls and sending emails at the 11th hour to get folks to pay their dues and update their records so we can turn stuff in. New Scouts (who joined in August) can't understand why they are paying again - current Scouts dilly-dally - leaders act like it's the first time they've ever heard of this. There's gotta be a better way! Anyone else have similar problems? How about fantastic solutions? clyde P.S. With August Round-up, we jumped to about 115 Cubs - looks like we'll recharter about 60.

You're going to need a more solid headcount. 71 Cubs on your role doesn't necessarily = 71 Cubs + 2 parents/per + 1 sib/per at your PWD. I would have them sign-up to get a more reliable working number. You could have your registration include a "meal ticket" then figure in an overage for those who didn't sign up for lunch, but just can't resist the smell :-) Based on that, we have good luck going with a 1-1/2 x our headcount. If we have 100 signed up, we figure on 150 'dogs, chips, and drinks. If this is going to last all day as you predict, folks may come back for seconds anyway. Besides, hotdogs are easy to freeze and save for your upcoming Spring campout. And this menu shouldn't break the bank, even if you do over-buy. clyde

We just presented our out-going CM with a nice BSA Walking Stick. We had asked each den to make a "dangle" to hang from it. As they arrived at the Pack meeting, we hung their dangle on the Walking Stick then made a nice presentation about "as you continue on your Scouting journey." (He's also very involved in the Troop). We got the Walking Stick at our Scout Store, less than $30.00. It was a very nice gift and the dangles were a nice way to personalize it. Each den dangle was unique and creative - we gave very little instruction, just that it needed to hang from the strap. clyde

At our last meeting as Bears, we created our own Webelos workbooks - 3-ring binders with 20 sections for each Activity Badge. We use these to hold all our activity badge handouts, paper crafts, mini-posters and flyers, brochures, you name it. Any little pencil puzzles the denner comes up with for opening activity also goes in there under the correct section. And their handbooks fit nicely in the inside pocket. Our boys are told to bring their handbook and their workbook to each den meeting - and they do. We reference the handbooks during the meeting ("boys, open to page ...") so they know they'll be needing it. We've had very good success with them bringing it. I also use a spreadsheet that is very helpful, but probably once a month, I take time out of a den meeting to just sit down with everyone's book and get them updated. We do not ask them to bring the handbook or workbook to outings. I understand about not wanting to reward "expected" behavior, but it might be wise until the boys make it a habit.

We are similar to jr56 and awheck - our COR is a member of the CO (Methodist Church) and former SM of the Troop. Far as I can tell, he's invisible.

Granted our situations are different, as we have 8 Web 1's. In our case, the boys "elect" a denner for the upcoming month. At this rate, they will all have been denner by Feb/Mar time-frame. As denner, they have 2 main "jobs" - an opening activity and a simple flag ceremony. For the flag ceremony, here's some of what we've already had: Denner held the flag, boys stood in horseshoe around the flag, each in turn stepped forward, gave BS salute, then stepped back. When all had saluted, the denner called for the Pledge of Allegiance. Denner had the boys form 2 lines facing each, he walked in carrying the flag, turned around at the end, then called for the Pledge. DL and denner's mom held up a large wall flag behind the denner while he "signed" to the Lee Greenwood song "God Bless the USA." Denner read a patriotic poem with lights turned down, then led the Pledge. Denner had the group outside at the end of our meeting, then led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag that's on the moon - they always get a kick out of that! Wait until you have a full or nearly-full moon for best effect :-) A couple of weeks before their first den meeting, I email my congratulations to them on being chosen denner and include a couple of safe websites they might visit to get ideas for flag ceremonies and opening activities. I would offer that hosting his first flag ceremony in front of the whole Pack might intimidate even the bravest of Webelos. A den flag ceremony in front of just his den-mate, DL, and such might help calm those jitters, and it satisfies the Badge requirements. I'm sure he's going to do just fine! clyde

Thank you one and all - I can take away something from everyone's comments. What I'm hearing is that it should be special without being a circus. Would it be appropriate to plan a surprise from our Webelos den (same bunch of boys since Tigers)- like maybe a "beaver" skit, or have them present him with a critter they made? I really liked Eagle Pete's idea of personalizing it to his interests or his focus at WB. And there's always time for cake and punch! clyde

Wood Badgers: I've been to one beading ceremony, held in conjuction with our district awards night. I'm looking for how YOUR beading was done. Hubby has completed his ticket (he used to be a Beaver) and will receive his beads soon. Here's the twist: he attended WB in a neighboring Council about 120 miles away. The WB director (forgive me if that's not the correct title) will come here and award his beads, but likely no one from his WB class will attend. Any suggestions on making it a more special night for him? I'd like to add a more "local" touch. All our den boys (Webelos) and their families will attend, of course - they have been very supportive and encouraging. Should we do it at a Pack meeting so "everyone" can see? He is the only Wood Badger in our Pack. I know it will be a proud moment for him in any event, but if you have other ideas, I welcome them. clyde

We are trying denners this year also as Webelos 1s. We've met and camped over the summer, but regular den meetings start next week. Likely our son will be denner for the first month, to get things started, then we'll let the boys elect. They'll rotate monthly. We keep telling them this is THEIR den (they decide, we guide) so they do need to take more part in making the meetings happen. Our denner will plan an opening activity based on the badge we are working on, lead a flag ceremony, and lead the oath/law/motto. clyde

For this one, we went to the "Indian Mounds" - a national monument in our area where Native Americans once lived and thrived. We went during a Native American Festival - got to see authentic dress, dance, food, etc. Toured the Indian Mounds (tunnel underground that leads to a cental meeting area beneath the Mound), learned about life back then. Nothing boring about that go-see-it :-) This was in the fall (October) - we had set a goal for completing our Tiger by March. There were many "old time" craft festivals going on during that time also. Many were at old farmsteads, so there were actually several options. clyde

Old thread, I know, but I was just talking with the pastor of our CO this week about Scout Sunday in February. Each year, attendance by Scouts and leaders has dwindled at our CO. Some go to their own churches, some are unchurched. The COR said they like to keep it "low-key" - even changed the date so we would not interfere with Communion. At the most, the boys handed out programs, once a boy read a scripture, another a Native American poem. That's about it. So I have suggested that this year, we have our Scout Sunday service on Sunday evening. This CO does not meet on Sunday evenings and it would still allow Scouts to attend their home church that Sunday morning. It could end up being like a "youth" service, as we would lead all the service, from music to sermon to closing. The pastor would definitely like to be a part and would invite any from the congregation to join us. As it stands now, we have very little contact with the members of the church. He loved the idea because he knew it would mean a more special time for the boys, not just an added attraction at their Sunday service once a year. We'll see... clyde

I agree - nice article! We are leaving Sunday for Camp, so I'm printing this to take along with me. I like the suggestion of having the boys lead a stretch before, plus I love all the ideas for keeping hikes interesting. Any opportunity to sing the "Hokey Pokey" should not be overlooked! clyde

Our Webelos 1's are already doing well on learning the Oath and Law - but as we all know, kids learn best with repetition. Play an "Oath" game, make up a "Law" challenge, etc. to keep it interesting, and soon it will come very naturally to them - at least that's our goal. (I actually wrote a RAP song about the Scout Law - it's a lot of fun for the boys to add the sound effects - insert "bmmm, chh - chh, bmmm, chh - chh" here!) Memorization is one thing - "application" is something altogether different. That comes from going over each part of the Oath/Law/others and putting a daily life spin on it: How can I use this stuff on the other 6 days of the week when I'm not at a Scout meeting? We are trying hard to impress on our den boys that they represent Scouting at all times. So the Oath/Law have to mean something to them - we have to find a way to personalize it. I hope when our den boys cross over, they will be able to recite all these from memory. But mostly, I hope they learn to make that character connection and really live that Scouting spirit! clyde

Not exactly sure of my German geography, but we have a den family who is being tranferred to Germany next week. They are Air Force, being assigned to "Ramstein" AFB (spelling?). Apparently there are 2 Troops and at least 1 Pack on-base. In fact, the following week, one of the Troops is apparently leaving for a week of Boy Scout Camp. I'll make a couple of phone calls and see if I can get you any details. Maybe it will be of some help to you. (The family is "moving in" with us tomorrow for a week or so until they fly out, so maybe I can get a little inside information for you :-) clyde

Lisabob - I agree about the problem with waiting for Council to get anything set-up. Besides I'm afraid if I bring it up, I'll be defaulted into position of Event Chairperson! As far as I've ever heard, this would be a new undertaking in our District. If it HAS been done before, it's been a long time for us also. I have a good relationship with Webelos leaders in 2 other local Packs. I think together we could each secure a Troop to work with us in planning something like a Webelos Woods. That would mean 3 Packs and 3 Troops. Sounds like we ought to be able to pull it off! We'd be looking at next fall anyway - plenty of time :-) I thought the link that ScoutNut provided was excellent - just what we'll need when we really start hashing out details. If ours is successful, maybe it could become a district-wide event, perhaps every 2 years or so. Having such a big event like this yearly would probably be overkill, especially since Webelos are in for 18 months at least. No need for a been-there, done-there attitude, such as what creeps in with Day Camp by this stage of Cubs. clyde

Are folks doing Webelos Woods anymore? I had thought something like that might be a lot of fun, even on a very small scale. Perhaps Webelos from 2 or 3 Packs working with Boy Scouts from 2 or 3 Troops. It would be a great way for the Troop to recruit - in a natural setting! Does this need to be a district activity, or do you think it could work as a mini-Webelos Weekend? I know we couldn't have shooting sports w/o it being district- or council- organized, but there's still plenty that could be planned. clyde