Summer 2012

I've posted about the end of the year and summer before. This year starts a rather poignant journey for me. While I typically don't like to put myself center stage (I prefer to leave that spot for the scouts), I'll make an exception this one time.

The end of my Cub Scout trail is, oddly, in sight for me. Every event this year will be a little more special, as I spend my last year with the Pack and as Cubmaster. Just this last month I celebrated my last Cub Scout graduation, although I didn't really think about it at the time.

Looking back, are there things I wished I'd done differently? Sure...Would I trade the experiences I've shared with so many scouts, leaders, and parents? Not on your life!

I'm looking forward to the events we have planned for this summer, starting a new year in August, and treasuring each week.

What will the pack look like when I've moved on, after six years as Cubmaster? It'll look great!!  The pack is not "mine." I have always felt a Pack is so much more than one leader. While I may have influenced some small part of the path we've followed, it has been the scouts, parents, and leaders that have shaped this group. No one leader is absolutely vital to a pack. We're all important. My moving forward is just an opportunity for fresh, new ideas that will lead this pack into its next level of excellence!

I'm both excited and saddened. But, I know the pack will continue to grow, will continue to set the example for other packs, and will continue to have FUN!

I'm not singing my swan song yet, and no fat lady has jumped up to take over the pack meetings...we still have the coming year!!

See you throughout the summer!!

Reaching Peaks and Crossing Bridges

Being Cubmaster has its perks. There's the travel to exotic places, sweet clothing, and did I mention the fabulous pay? What's not to LOVE?

All kidding aside, being a Scout leader gives me a chance to try and positively influence the growth of Cub Scouts. Whether it's helping them with flag etiquette, reinforcing good manners, or teaching about citizenship, it all comes down to the boys.

I haven't looked back at other March entries to see if I'm repeating myself....but, then again, this stuff bares repeating.

Think back about your son when he first entered Cub Scouts. Maybe he was a Tiger Cub, with orange neckerchief and hat, and a very blue, very stiff, uniform shirt. There was probably twice as much shirt as boy! Each year he grew another inch (or two) taller, and grew a little closer to leaving boyhood and entering youth. I've spoken before about Pack Graduation, one of my favorite ceremonies. He steadily grows all year, then, POOF! Put a new neckerchief around his neck and he's suddenly another inch taller!

My other favorite ceremony is Bridging. The Cub Scout formerly becomes a Boy Scout. He's spent the past year as a Webelos 2, scratching his way through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, earning rank, Compass Points, and Activity Pins. Then, if he's worked hard enough...the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting's highest recognition for achievement. The Eagle Scout of Cub Scouts.

Last year my oldest son bridged into our troop (after earning the Arrow of Light). Another parent snapped a picture of him in mid-stride. He's seen the picture, and tells me he was trying not to trip. I know he was really just getting an inch taller.

A boy's journey to youth, then adult, can follow many different roads. Sure, I'm a big supporter of the program we call Scouting. But I know it's not for every boy. That's OK, as long as he finds SOMETHING to guide him. For us, it's Scouting. And being able to be even a small part of what helps build that young man has few equals.

To Darden, John, Matthew, and Bryan....I've been honored to watch you grow from Tigers, bumping into your own shadows, to Boy Scouts. I'm very proud of the work you've done, and, while a bit saddened to have to turn you over to another Scout leader, I'm exhilarated that you've made the journey, reaching the peak of Arrow of Light and bridging into the Troop. Continue your hike toward your future, and don't forget who you are and what you've achieved!

What Defines A Pack

A Den Leader suggested, during the course of a longer discussion about pack leadership, that the pack was the Cubmaster. I understood what he meant, and took the compliment in the spirit it was intended. He just meant that the Cubmaster is the public face of the pack to the parents and scouts. However he or she interacts with the scouts, families, and other leaders helps define part of the feel of the pack.

While I honestly don't believe that my presence could make or break our pack, I am conscious of the fact that the parents and scouts don't typically see the behind the scenes work. Although, it is important for them to participate in monthly pack committee meetings, as their voices are crucial to the drive and direction the pack chooses to go.

So what happens when I move on? By then I will have been Cubmaster for 6 years. I can tell you: another person will step up to the job of Cubmaster and the pack will continue to grow! Of course, I'm an optimist. I know there are packs that struggle to find a Cubmaster who has enough enthusiasm to make the role a central part of their life. I know of packs that have had five Cubmaster in as many years. Sadly, those packs will struggle with an inconsistent leadership. What do you do in those cases?

It is absolutely paramount that the Pack Committee Chair and the Cubmaster work side by side. There is no room for egos or attitudes. I know, I know, the leader handbook defines the Cubmaster as essentially working for the Committee Chair. But, I can tell you, a closer relationship is not only going to show teamwork, but will help encourage greater participation from the line leaders and parents as they see the functionality and success of that teamwork.

Sounds good, doesn't it? Almost like a thesis (I DO have a Phd from University of Scouting!). But I guess I have to accept that I don't know it all. I only know what I have seen work with our unit. I've also learned from my counterparts from other units, other scouting leaders, oh, and of course, Wood Badge (have you registered for it, yet?).

By the way, if you're interested in being Cubmaster starting summer 2013, let me know...I'd like time to get you trained!



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Parental Involvement in Cub Scouts

I remember going to Cub Scouts as a boy. My mom would drop me off at the Den Mom's house, then retrieve an hour or so later. I never saw the other dens until Pack Meeting time (I really don't have memories of pack meetings....so maybe they didn't actually happen?)

These days, though, every Akela (recognizing not all adult partners of scouts are their parents) is a cornerstone of Cub Scouting. Without them our program would be almost impossible to deliver.

But how do you get them involved? Akelas, listen up...this is about you and your scout!

Committees serve to handle any events that occur outside of the den meetings. Blue and Gold, Pinewood Derby, Popcorn...all of these can (and should) be organized and managed by Akelas with registered leader support and advising. Here are some ways to ensure solid committees:

-Assign committees by rank. Tigers take Christmas paras and party; Wolves take Pinewood Derby, etc. After 2-3 years your pack will have a large supply of Akelas experienced in a variety of events (read succession planning).

-Akelas are often willing to help out, but lack the experience or depth of understanding of a project that registered leaders may have. That's OK, ask them to do something specific, "Jennifer, could you pick up cups and plates? Mike, could you move these tables to the fellowship hall?"

-Use the family Time and Talent forms provided by BSA (available at www.usscouts.org) or make your own. Worried about collecting and sorting all those sheets (possibly a big task for larger units)? Try an online site like Survey Monkey. It's free!

Akelas are a valuable resource to be appreciated and utilized. There's no reason for leaders to be overwhelmed with work. Remember, the Cub Scout follows the Akela, and the Scout helps the Pack go. Connecting the dots, the Akela, as well, helps the Pack go!

Have success ideas for getting Akela involvement? Drop a reply!

What Happened to February??

Wow! February will be over NEXT WEEK!! What happened to it? It's only a couple days shorter (at least by my calendar) than the rest of the months.

This weekend we celebrate Scouting in the US's birthday with our Blue and Gold Banquet. We have a small committee of dedicated Bear parents working hard to make this the best banquet ever...but they still need our help. Set-up is this Friday, Feb. 24, starting at 6:30 pm. It shouldn't take too long if we can all chip in!

But, Blue and Gold is just one of the great things we do starting with January. Pinewood Derby, B&G, District Pinewood Derby, Bridging, Arrow of Light ceremony, Pack camping, District camping, and Pack Graduation (when summer starts!). When you look at it like that, summer's almost here!

One of the fun things I get to watch while watching our scouts grow is the changes in their behavior. They come in as Tigers all wild and bumping into each other, chasing their tales, and generally without order. That's OK...they're just starting! Then they get new neckerchiefs and hats, and they grow an inch or two. They're no longer "new" scouts...they're seasoned and salty, their Wolves!

As Wolves they start to notice some things to look forward to...like Whittling Chips and shiny new pocket knives! Can't wait to be a Bear!

They come into Beardom anxious to get that chip, and looking even farther ahead to getting a new, khaki, shirt net rank. You got it, Webelos (alway spelled with an "s" at the end, for We Be LOyal Scouts!).

Webelos 1, the first year of transitioning to Boy Scouts. They feel older, bigger, more mature. THEY get to wear khaki. But, even as we've weaned them from us, the parents, they're still looking back over their should regularly to make sure we're still there.

Finally, have four years for some, Webelos 2! That's practically being a Boy Scout. They enjoy more activities with the Troop, even check out some others for good measure. But, they are also at the top of food chain, so to speak. They've been there, done that, got the totem. They think they've seen it all as a Cub, and are ready to move onward. How does this manifest itself? Like racehorses at the gate!

I used to get all flustered that the W2s weren't ALWAYS setting the example for the younger cubs. It took a couple years to figure out what was really happening with them. Funny thing is, once they bridge, they're alot more like Tigers, again. A little wild, a little wide-eyed, and excited about their new surroundings.

Stick around, watch for the changes. It's a minor miracle that we get to be a part of...and helps keep us fresh each year!

Scouting for Boys With Special Needs

What are boys with special needs? Take a moment and consider what comes to mind for you. Take your time, use Google, I'll wait.

Alex receiving Second Place Trophy for Overall Speed at the 2011 Pinewood Derby

Some obvious answers may be boys with Autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebal Palsy. You would be right if you suggested any of these. However, Special Needs come in many, many other ways. How about epilepsy? ADD and ADHD? ODD? How about Fragile X Syndrome? Or may Apraxia of Speech?

Does Pack 365 have any boys with Special Needs? YES WE DO!

The Special Needs Population isn't disabled. Sure, they may be limited in some things they are physically or mentally able to do. But they are FAR from disabled. They have dreams and wishes like anyone else.

Boy Scouts of America, and Pack 365, supports the growth of Boys With Special Needs in Scouting.

OK, so we're a welcoming, family-oriented Pack. But, you say, I've never been around a boy with Autism, or Apraxia of Speech (heck, I'm not sure I can spell it!). How should I behave?

Meet Alex and Riley, two of our scouts. Alex has Downs Syndrome and Riley has Apraxia of Speech. Their view on the world around them may be a little different from ours at times, but, I promise you, they are still boys. They still get excited about having fun, they love challenges, and THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE TO BE AROUND!

While I've known Alex for only a year and a half, I've known Riley for nearly seven years. I've watched him grow into who he is, and I can tell you, he's a great kid! His parents, while supportive and wanting to provide him with challenges, weren't as concerned about his advancement in Scouting. Guess what? Riley leads his Den in achievements! He is an awesome and shining example of what Scouting is about!

Here's a few tips to help you:
1. Allow your scout to ask questions so they can better understand;
2. Take time to look up Special Needs and learn with your Scout about the different ones;
3. Ask the Scout's parents. They're all too happy to talk with you about their son, they're proud of their's just like you're proud of yours!

Want to be moved, motivated, and feel good all at the same time? Click on the title of this Blog. Special Needs Boys are just like any other boys, it's our obligation to make opportunities for them to be challenged, have fun, and be a part of something that they'll be proud of! Let's not just sit and watch...let's jump up and do our part!

We're Halfway Through, BUT There's Still LOTS More Fun!!

In many places getting halfway through the year signals a downhill run. Not at Pack 365! We actually have MORE events in the late winter and spring than we have in the fall!

What's in store? This month has our Blue and Gold Banquet....a celebration of the birth of the Boy Scouts of America...this year celebrating 102 years! This month also marks the 12th birthday of Pack 365!

Mr. Jeff has put together a workshop titled "Scouting for Boys With Special Needs." Part one of the two part workshop was January 31. About 15 leaders and parents attended a very informative and moving presentation. If you missed it and want to attend the second part, don't worry, you're welcome and encouraged to attend. I'll have more to say about Scouting for Boys with Special Needs in another post.

Early March is the District Pinewood Derby, pitting our first place winners from January against first place winners from the rest of the Neuse River District (about 30 boys in each category!).

March also will host our Arrow of Light and Cub Scout to Boy Scout Bridging Ceremonies at Camp Charles. Four of our scouts will graduate to Boy Scouts in a dramatic and inspiring ceremony. It's also a weekend of family camping for the entire Pack! More about this in another post.

Then, the next week, The Neusiok Chapter of the Order of the Arrow will host a Webelos OA weekend at Camp Durant. This will be a Friday night/Saturday opportunity for Webelos to learn about the Order of the Arrow, a service organization within Boy Scouts.

April brings us to the Neuse River District Camporee, and in May....GRADUATION...boys will graduate to their next rank in Scouting and kick off the summer!

Make sure to Do Your Best every week and make it to your den meetings. Your leaders work very hard to deliver a program that is fun and purposeful!!