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!!