CubPack495

dsteele wrote: "If you have questions about insurance, you really need to direct them to your council service center. Don't hesitate to ask for someone with the Risk Management Notebook -- if they have it in their posession, they can answer your question." Thank you so much! I have asked about the specifics of our insurance, but to date don't have them. We are trying as a Pack to be better organized with our paperwork, and this is a question that comes up often. It's good to know *exactly* who to ask ~Laurie

This actually seems to be encouraged--at least to a degree. BSA National has an Emergency Preparedness Award for all levels of Cubs and Scouting. Would this address what you are asking? Here's the link: http://www.scouting.org/pubs/emergency/index.html ~Laurie

The other thing that's super is that in the Pack and in the Troop, the family is all involved. My husband is a MBC, and he'll begin training for ASM, and he goes on outings with our older son every month. The great thing about this is that I'm a stay-at-home mom, and that used to be my "job". Now they get to do the "guy thing" With the Troop, I'm just on the Committee, very much behind the scenes. In Cubs, I'm the Assistant Cubmaster, filling several roles, and loving it all. Cubs is for all the family, and I love the gatherings. And the baby, though she's too little and the wrong gender to be part of the BSA, she's been warmly welcomed to everything. And her Li'l Scouting Buddy hat (to keep her from swiping the boys' scout hats) is a hit with the boys. Family fun--can't beat it. Families working together--better still We didn't work together before becoming part of Scouting. ~Laurie

I love everything about it, but nothing brings greater satisfaction to me as a mom than when I see my oldest son (who never seemed motivated by much of anything) suddenly growing in confidence and excited about what he's doing. I know he's in a great environment, so it's a win-win situation for me. The follower is also becoming a leader, and he's only 11 When I see my younger son receive his awards in Cubs--the smile couldn't be bigger. Better yet is when he has learned something and is excited about sharing it with his fellow Cubs, and when he helps out someone else in the den. He's a fast learner, and he is learning to slow down and be more humble in serving his friends rather than just playing with them. For me as a leader, it is the opportunity to help other boys to grow in confidence as the try new things in a safe environment, free of ridicule and the fear of failure. Goofs are just an opportunity to try again anyway Maybe even to improve on the method that they are using.

Merlyn, I'm sorry, but I honestly don't know what it was before this month as I am new to scouting and now seem to be adding to the confusion. What I asked the SE and the DE was if the media was correct in reporting that the Cradle of Liberty changed it's policy. I asked to see documentation of this change. Their responses were that this effects Learning for Life only. I was also given the position statement that is now shown on National's site, which shows that BSA policy for the council is consistent with that of National. Until this month, I had not seen a position statement relating to our council--only those that were already on National's site. The one thing that I can say with confidence is that the media is reporting something other than what council told me. Again, I'm sorry if I'm making things more confusing; my attempt was only to answer the question posed. ~Laurie

Page 13-2 of the Cub Scout Leader Book addresses unit insurance: "Non-Scouts attending scheduled activities (including group travel to and from such activies) for the purpose of being encouraged to participate in Scouting are also automatically covered; however, the plan does not cover parents, siblings, or other guests." There should be a copy of your specific insurance policy with the rechartering information. Hope this helps ~Laurie

You are welcome It has been very hard to understand what is happening if the press is all there is to go by, for nothing is clear especially since Cradle of Liberty says so very little in response. Good day to you! ~Laurie

This was not a reversal, but rather a misunderstanding or misrepresentation. Cradle of Liberty changed one policy only: the one relating to Learning for Life. The position statement on leadership in this council is on National's website. Though the media is continuing to publish statements that are incurate, the council is not addressing this publicly but will answer anyone who asks them about it. ~Laurie, member of Cradle of Liberty Council

YakHerder, thank you for posting the news that National has the COL position statement on-line. I've been following this thread as well as messages elsewhere, and as a member of COL, I've been wondering where the news media got its information. That prompted me to contact council to see if our policy truly had changed, and I've had the position statement for a couple of days now. It is clear to me, unless I am misunderstanding something, that the media reported in error. For that I am glad, for regardless of where one stands on the issue of homosexuals in Scouting, I think it's a positive thing to see that COL did not simply disregard/defy National. I'd like to say too that I appreciate the lively but respectful postings on this board! ~Laurie