Last night my daughter (fourth from left) was inducted into Girl Scout Troop 45481 with eight of her newest girl friends! I am so very proud of her. This now makes us a Scouting family. Elliot, myself, Rachel and my wife. My wife was a Bluebird and Campfire Girl.
I told Rachel last night as I went off to a Pack outing to the Winterhawks Hockey game. The Pack and Girl Scouts need to coordinate this stuff..;) I was sad to miss it since it is a huge thing. Think Bobcats for Cub Scouts. I told Rachel that I would not miss the next big Award Event.
Rachel as a little sister has been afflicted with the syndrome of going to “stinky boy stuff” meetings. That is what she calls Cub scouts. Last year I bought her a Daisy hoodie that she wears a lot.
The cool thing is that in her troop, there are four girls including her, that have brothers in our Pack. I know that there are several other boys whose sisters are in Girl Scouts at different levels.
I know that Rachel will have a long and happy life within Girl Scouts.
Today, while in Walla Walla, Washington for work, I saw a young lady (I am 42…go from there) on the corner holding a sign. What the sign said is not important. However, what you and I know is that she was asking for money and help.
I was taken a back by this since Walla Walla is a small town and you would not think that someone would be on the corner with a sign.
I drove past, I was busy and I avoided looking at her. I hate that and I am a Cub Master. A person who points out to the boys and others that “DO YOUR GOOD TURN DAILY” is a good thing.
What is a Good Turn? Is it seeing a person who seems lost in a fog and get them pointed in the right way? Holding the door open? Saying thank you & please? Helping your Mom do laundry? Making a meatloaf for a neighbor who is going through a death of a family member?
I have earned the Service Ribbon on the BSA 100 Year Patch. Which one of the items was to do a Good Turn for Seven days. Wow, that was hard. I told myself that doing normal things was not a good turn. I started off the seven days by donating blood. Which turned into donating via Apheresis since I had great blood! I have kept this activity up.
So, why did I miss a chance to do my daily good turn. I try everyday. I am able to keep track of it through my iPhone App. A fellow Scouter made this App, and it’s very cool! There are several reasons why I missed this chance, but I realized an opportunity.
I missed this chance for this reason alone. I generally see people who ask for money this way as someone who might need Professional Medical help. Meaning, they are on the street and need help for substance abuse. Not all street people are this way. However, I do not want to contribute to their path of harm. I want my Good Turn to actually count. Selfish?
We as a society would rather rally around cute fuzzy animals and good causes that are in the moment. We do not help those in need on an ongoing basis and when we physically see someone right in front of us who need help.
So, what I am going to do about this?
The December Theme for Cub Scouts is “Repect.” I have had a hard time in figuring out how to make pack meetings better, wanting to be more entertaining. Because of my encounter with the lady on the corner, I have switched gears.
My goal for the December Pack Meeting is to help show what the Spirit of Scouting and Good Will can do. I will follow-up after the meeting.
Tonight was a good. We had our Charter Org Rep on hand, the President of SW Kiwanis and our new Unit Commissioner. Who is also the Ast Scoutmaster for Troop 221. I think she got the boys talking about the 20 mile hike they just went on and the bike ride this weekend. Very cool. (I did put her on the spot, but she will get used to it.;) )
We had a quick 20 minute Parent meeting to see how we are doing, where we want to go and asking them for help. I wanted to have it so we could get feedback and also let them know our plans. I think the message and feedback worked.
We played two games. One was paper airplanes thrown for distance, into buckets far away and hula hoops down the basketball court. The boys then had to blindfold themselves and have another person walk them from one side of the gym to the other. It was a game of trust.
When I got back from the parent meeting, we swung right into awards.
Pictured above is Grampa Sam. He is the Den Leader’s Dad and really helps out a lot with the boys. The boys worked on Knots at the last Den meeting. This was their den demostration of knots.
The Tigers were also veery active this past month. The one cool thing is that they did a skit!
Both of the Webelos Dens were also very active, but I did not get any photos of them. They are working through a lot of pins, earning many achviements.
The one downside of the meeting tonight is that I really had to clamp down a couple of times on the talking and disruptions. It actually got really bad when I tried to do the Circle of Light. In which when I read over the weekend from the Lions-Weblos 1954 Handbook, that it means Friendship, it just did not work out. The boys and parents did do the Circle several meetings ago as a pack. I have also done it with every Den except the Webelos.
Guess we are back to singing next month. Which finally, SKIT TIME. Yup, I am going to do one. A ceremony and I am going to bring the Den Leaders with me.
November 13th was the Cascade Pacific Council‘s annual Cub Scout Pow-wow. It was my second Pow-wow and my first as an Instructor. (This shot if from the front looking towards the crowd as Instructors were called to the stage for a round of thanks!)
I love Pow-wow. It’s such a wealth of knowledge that is garnered from every corner. Not only from the classes, but also from those who attend. There are many many conversations that happen about how to run dens, pack meetings, committee meetings and so on.
To me, Pow-wow is a must for all Den Leaders and Committee Members of a Pack. It should be required for new Adult Scouters due to all the wealth of information. Crafts, Ceremony, Camping, Den Leader Basics & Pinewood Derby info just to name a few.
The whole event was kicked off by the Cascade Pacific Scout Executive Matt Devore.
The vendors that come on-site are just amazing. So many places to have the boys go and do. Evergreen Aviation (Now home of the Spruce Goose), OMSI Museum, Model Railroad Company, Putter Theater, Next Adventure (local camping store outlet…10% discout for Scouters) and the list goes on. There are so many good deals and they cater to Scouts!
Other vendors are from the Boy Scouts what want you to use their services: Sea Scouts, Tree Planting (it’s different this year) Wood Badge. There is information about Religious Embelems, PRAY, Catholic Services within Scouts and much more.
The CPCBSA Scout shop was on hand selling most all the basics you needed minus rank badges. CPCBSA was also selling leftover summer camp shirts for $1 each. I snapped up four. two for me and one each for my son and daughter. They also had vintage scarves and shirts from the 80′s 90′s and even before Cascade Pacific changed their name to what it is today. Very cool stuff. Too bad those items did not come in the FAT GUY size!
Classes:
Last year my main reason for going to was to satisfy a ticket item of becoming a better Cubmaster. it was to go to Pow-wow. DONE. I took a lot of ceremony classes, Blue & Gold bases classes. This year I took Beyond the Committee Basics, Putting the Outing in Scouting and Pinewood Speed Clinic. The latter was taught by my Troop Guide.
I really enjoyed the Putting the Outing in Scouting. I learned that you do not have to hold Den/Pack meetings in a gym. GO OUTSIDE AND WALK AROUND. Do a Flag Ceremony at the School Flag Pole (already do that). Hold a meeting under a tarp. (It rains in Oregon…a lot) so, why not do it anyway? The soccer folks to it all the time…and they are in your Pack anyway. Also, it was confirmed to me that if your on a hike, you can work on the Hiking Beltloop/Pin, Leave No Trace, Wildlife Conservation Beltloop/Pin and many other achivements all at once. (This was reconfirmed by a conversation with a Scoutmaster & his wife Ast District Commissioner & fellow Wood Badger…if you work on a project that combines two merit badges and talk about both, both count…) The Outing in Scouting made me think again OUTSIDE THE BOX. The Box just got smaller.
The Pinewood Speed Clinic was fascinating. My Troop Guide and obsessed with Pinewood Derby. Now, straight off the bat, I am here for my son. I am not here for me. In our Pack last year we had an Open Class and one for Siblings. I made a Cub Master car and raced it. My daughter made one too! We even had a dad bring his 1966 car. This year my son will be doing a lot more work on his car. He is a Bear.
However, I found out some very good tips on how to set-up the wheels, offically supported tools that will make a difference. He talked about where to add weight and the physic’s of it.
There are many many tips that I came away with. Will I share? Sure……;)
My class that I taught was Recognition. I took it last year as part of my ticket. So, I was very familiar with it. I had to teach it three times today. In my day job I train people how to use copiers and printers, this was very different. This was all content that I had to come up with by myself. Yes, I had last year’s CD with all the information. i did create a quick sheet on a few links and info. I also created a Certificate of completion of Recognition 101. I signed it and shook each person’s hand and thanked them for coming to the class. I did provide manyt hings that I do and have planned to do in the Pack.
However, I learned a few things from some of the Scouters. I am going to bring out Den Doodbles. I am going to start the year by having a Campfire program. I am also going to end the year with a Campfire program. I again realized that it’s the little things that matter.
The one main theme that I got from all the classes is RECRUITING HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. INVITE BOYS ALL THE TIME. PUT FUN INTO IT! The boys come to a Pack by two ways: The parents sign them up and their friends explain what they are doing.
Now that Pow-wow is over for the year, I cannot wait for it again next year. Next year it’s all Webelos classes for me. I am going to PUSH HARDER for my Pack to show up. This includes the parents.
Our District Chairman is also the Scoutmaster for a Troop/Pack for disabled youth/adults with Down syndrome and other things that do not allow the boys into a normal unit.
He asked during the Cub scout break out to have the units or Scouters come do an activity with the boys. Just silly games or something for 20 minutes.
They meet on Tuesdays @ 6:30pm. I think that this is something that can be done. Our unit is asking for Den Cheifs, so this is one way we can give back.
Yes, there is a beltloop/pin for this that the boys can earn, but it’s really not about earning an award. It’s about brotherhood in scouting and helping our your fellow man.
At the November District Roundtable change started to take place. Which, in my mind is needed and welcomed. One of the big changes that directly affects myself is the start-up of a Cubscout Camporee.
I can only speak to the last 2.5 years of going to Roundtable since I found out about it and started going. There has not been much of any Cub Scout support. The most that I ever saw is the OA doing Crossovers and some troops coming to get the boys. If older brothers were in a Troop, then that Cubscout and his friends might tag a long to the Boyscout Camporee. Webelos Woods is the only other support, but it’s for Webelos and not the whole pack.
Last night the District Chair came out and stated that the one way Boy Scout Troops thrive is by supporting the Cub Scout Packs. There were only 6–7 Packs represented, which is normally 3. District made calls & emails to all Packs. Roughly 27 in district. Troops are about the same.
The Cubscout Roundtable Commissioner made pleas to Troops present about Den Chiefs. In our breakout we heard that some troops are dwindling and asking district for help. What? Why does District need to help. Troops need to work with Packs. Not just an invite after Webelos Woods, but to come to meetings and outing and even to go to Pack meetings to run something.
Back to Cubscout Camporee. I did volunteer to co-chair this early on. We got info about estimated dates. So far, no conflict with Wood Badge. Location is at Council Resident Camp that has horses. It will be a two night overnight with many activities. This is not a Summer Camp style camp. It’s going to be a recruiting event that families can attend. Meaning, if there are Kindergarten boys that want to join, invite them. Bring the whole family. If Pack is going, it is required that some leaders teach a Beltloop/Pin activity. So, ten packs, ten beltloops. Once completed, boys get a “bluecard” to take back to unit so unit can buy & award it. I even think Webelos Pins could happen.
Our Committee Chair was there with me at the meeting and he said that we are coming. We think about 30 people will show up. He told the crowd that myself and him were already trying to figure out a camp outing in the spring. We now suspect that we will have two. (SO VERY HAPPY!!!)
Using this as recruiting, we can set-up boys to invite friends and also Kindergartners for joining in June. District already has a May Fishing Outing that is council wide. So, here is the plan as I see it. April Cubscout Camporee. May Fishing Derby (include Pack-round-up for new boys at meeting to get Bobcat) June Pack Meeting have Bobcat Crossover with rest of Pack crossover into new rank. Summertime Pack Events start and include new boys & families. This means, sending out flyers with events for new/current boys that list April to Aug events.
Our Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner basically did that last year and got 20 boys which doubled the pack.
Overall, the take away is that to grow and create fun, people have to step-up and make it happen. For the people who are stepping up in our District and forcing change….GOOD FOR THEM! I will do what I can to help. I am glad this is happening.
I also realize that my career within the District is starting to take off. I am excited to see this happen, I want a Cubscout Camporee. The more we do about making stuff exciting to the boys, the parents/leaders/scouters will start coming to Roundtable.
I am going to start inviting more District people to our Pack Meetings.
The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
Veteran’s Day is a day to remember all those who have served and who are serving our Country. Thanks to all those who served.
First off, it’s my Wife’s Birthday! Happy Birthday!
Normally, I am the one sending out emails or making contact with people at the Council or District level asking for stuff. Today, tables were turned and it was all GOOD!
First, our Unit’s new Unit Commissioner emailed me letting me know we have a new one. Great thing is, I know her. Second great thing is she’s with Troop 221. We are Pack 221. Been wanting more interaction with Troops. 221 used to be the Troop we went to years ago. (Don’t anyone read anything into what Troop is what…more later on this.)
Second, Our Charter Org Rep asked if he should be coming to our Pack Meetings. I said that it would be fine. I am generally hoping he comes to the Committee Meetings since, that is a better use of time. Either way, it will help them know what the Pack does.
Third, our District Exec reached out and asked if I was going to Roundtable on Thursday and that he wanted to know how we are doing.
Fourth, a person from the District Training Committee (I beleive) contacted me about helping out in training other Den Leaders. We setup of coffee meeting to discuss it all.
Fifth, our Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner sent an email out to all the Unit Leaders inviting us to Roundtable and drumming up excitement. Apparently the DE is pushing for more Packs to attend. I also suspect Troops & Crews. Our Roundtable is not very well attended. Even though we are generally 15 minutes from downtown Portland, OR. I am glad to see that the District is working on getting more people to Roundtable.
And Finally……wait for it……. one of the Den Leaders told me over Facebook that he is going to go to WOOD BADGE 2011! I think he and I drink the same flavor Kool-aid! He did ask me awhile ago about the Assistant Cub Master position…….;)
PS: The Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner also told me he is going to Wood Badge. Very cool!
It’s been a good Scouting Day. Who knows, maybe I might volunteer to be the Bobwhite’s Troop Guide…..
Going back to Gilwell, but this time as a Troop Guide. I was not able to go this last session due to schedule conflicts. However, when I found out that this year’s Wood Badge was scheduled for April/May, made sure my schedule was clear.
Tonight I received a call from the Scoutmaster offering a Troop Guide position. I was extremely flattered and honored. I immediately said yes.
Suffice to say, I am very eager to go back to Gilwell. Wood Badge has really shaped my life and helped in many ways. Now, off to recruit people to go in April!
The latest buzz within the Scouting Twitterverse, Facebook and Internet is about a book. No, it’s not the “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” It is “Working the Patrol Method” by Four Eagle Scouts. However, it’s just as good knowing where your towel is at and knowing how to motivate a Scout. Each is being prepared!
I recently ordered and received this book. Over the weekend I read it while on a visit with my son and daughter to the Grandparents house. Just to clarify: I am in my second year as Cub Master and was a Tiger Den Leader. I never got past Bobcat in Cub Scouts. However, I have been beaded from WE1-492-09 Wood Badge Course. I am a Beaver. My son is a Bear Cub Scout. I love Scouting.
While reading this book cover to cover, I realized many things from Wood Badge that just ring true. I had forgotten about the “Performing” in Forming, Norming and Storming. I realized how the game is played between Scouters and Scouts. The book also plays a very important part in describing how “helicopter-parents” mean well, but disable Scouting to the quick.
The point is very well driven home about how the difference between being a Den Leader/Cub Scout Parent and what the parent role is within a Troop. As a Cub Master, I already know it will be a hard transistion for the parents. The Webelos to Boy Scout transition is something that I need to work upon within my unit. It will also hopefully be something that if I can join the Troop as a Scouter, that I can help in future.
While this book is pointed at the Scouters within the Boy Scout Troop, it is a great wealth of knowledge for those Scouters & Parents who have not had any involvement in Boy Scouts growing up. It explains not what is needed for advancement of the boy, but why Scoutmaster’s are tasked to do.
As a Cub Master, I realize that I am of the same cloth and tradition as the Scoutmaster. While, I cannot just sit back on a camp chair and motivate, I need to be in the thick of it with the boys and Den Leaders. Granted, the Den Leaders are the focal point, I am there for support. Think Senior Patrol Leader to their Patrol Leader. However, I am still ON at all times. I am respondsible for their rank advancement. I need to know what is going on and to motivate them.
This is something that I learned in Wood Badge. “Working the Patrol Method” is much more than a guide for the Boy Scouts, but also to help the Cub Master, Den Leaders and Parents get ready for Boy Scouts. This is a book that I will use as a reference as with any other official BSA Handbook or guide.
There is also a great review of “Working the Patrol Method” and interview with some of the Author’s at Clarke Green’s Blog & Podcast.
Last night my daughter (fourth from left) was inducted into Girl Scout Troop 45481 with eight of her newest girl friends! I am so very proud of her. This now makes us a Scouting family. Elliot, myself, Rachel and my wife. My wife was a Bluebird and Campfire Girl.
November 13th was the 
