The Return of the Turkshead

My cord from Leathercordusa.com has finally arrived.  This is a project that will see it’s end in the October 2011 Pack meeting.  I am using this Turkshead to help bring the Boys and Leaders into the Pack.  Generally each October a fresh crop of Scouts will earn their Bobcat at this meeting.  I am going to induct EACH Scout from Tiger to Webelos II into the Pack along with each Den Leader.

In September it’s called Join Night.  It’s not come hang out with us night, nor come to a meeting night.  It’s JOIN NIGHT!  Because of that, the boys need to understand that they belong to something.  It’s not baseball or soccer.  But Scouting is a family.  Adults and Boy Scouts talk about when they first joined Scouts.  Soccer and baseball are seasonal, Scouting is every season.

All this being the case, once the Scouts are inducted into the Pack, I will give them this woggle.  It’s theirs.  They own it.  A part of the Pack.  It’s not a simple metal object that they used to have and lose, but this is what shows everyone that they are a part of something special.

I have about 50 to make.  These are three of them.

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Summertime Pack Events 2011

This is our third year since I have taken over as Cubmaster in 2009 that we have put forth a Summertime Pack Event program.  In 2009 we did a Ivy Pull at Tryon Creek State Park, a Sleepover at the Portland Beavers Baseball Game and a Bike ride that the City of Portland put on.  In 2010, we held a Raingutter Regatta, another Sleepover at the Portland Beavers (their final since they moved) and a marched in a Parade in Portland.  This year, we are holding a Bike Rodeo, a Disc Golf Clinc and again walking in the parade.  The one thing different we are doing is also incorporating hikes as well.  This was based upon a comment at a Parent Meeting of “We cannot make everything, but want to”.  Which stems from the fact that there are things that the Pack does that can be used for advancement but we only did it once and on a specific date that might not work for all.  So, taking that into account, I thought let’s have one main event but also another one.  For me, the easiest to do was HIKING.  It’s SUMMER and nice out.  With that, I found that Cascade Pacific Council within their Segment Program has a segment for those who go to Pioneer Woman’s Grave on the Barlow Trail.  I have already talked to a few of the Tiger Den Leaders and they are keen on it.  It’s a nice hike on Mt Hood, and we can venture around the area after we are done. I am still working on the other two hikes, but I am really going to leave that up to others within the Pack to decide and carry out.

Is your Pack doing something? Is it fun? Is it different?  What I find is that the more different you make it from the normal meetings the better.  I like starting off with a Rodeo or Raingutter Regatta cause it’s easy.  Then branch out.  You cannot use Summercamp as part of the Summertime Pack Events, because that’s really cheating.

The one thing that I did not put down as part of the Summertime Event things is a Ranger Quest that Council is putting on for the Venturing section of Scouting.  I need to and I will, but I think I will reserve it for the boys and families already in the Pack.  Now, if there are boys who want to join and come, fine.  But this is a high-level thing within the Council.  I got wind of this on our final day of Wood Badge.  The two people who are heading this up came and spoke to us about it.  After they were done, I asked if I could use the general public part as a Summertime Pack Event.  The lady I spoke to whole hearted agreed that it would be.  She took my name and email and we have been in contact since then.  I just need to get a headcount to her sooner than later.

So, my challenge to you in Packs…GO DO SOMETHING FUN AND EXCITING!  Oh, and Cubmasters…this is one thing you need for your Cubmaster Knot.  If you are doing Summertime Pack Award, you are doing your job, your providing fun and recruiting and doing it right.  That is one thing that I like about Knots.  If you do what the requirments state, everyone wins.  I got mine, but I am still doing it because it is now a tradition. Next year, I am going to have a the Den Leaders/Committee work on this since they need to learn how to do it.  Hopefully, I will have a replacement.  aaahhh one thing at a time.

(Updated 6/2/11: finished the Summer Flyer-2011v4.)

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The @benoshmag & @gerber_gear swag from @BearGrylls Post

The other day, on Twitter/Facebook I saw this “Retweet/Like” us and you can win thing.  Great.  Is it a iPad? Nope, it’s from this online magazine called Benosh.  They are giving away some Bear Grylls stuff from Gerber.  Right, so I know two out of Three.  I quickly like/RT/Follow as directed.  No harm.
I start in looking at Benosh’s website and it’s pretty good with the outdoor reviews. While I am not a gear junkie for all the things written up there, I do appreciate Gerber, Keens, Osprey and other items that I would use.  What I do like is some of the articles.  Did you know that JUNE is GET OUT DOORS MONTH?  I didn’t until I read that article.

So, while I was reading all this, the next day or so, I realized that I had won!  Whoo hoo!  This is now my fourth time winning something off the Internet.  First, it was a Cubscout t-Shirt from Classb.com, then a mini-shovel from The Bechtel Summit and then a Gift Card via PTCMEDIA to get a Scouting book that I picked out with it.  Pretty sweet!

Now, the thing that I like about this, besides the great knife, is how the kit is laid out.

While it’s not the 10 essentials, it’s a great kit to have. It will be with my 10 essentials and any day hike that I go on.  What I really like about the packaging is that on the back of the bag, there is a communication item that shows how to communicate with searchers from above.  Very simple and effective.

So, well done on the designing of this kit.  I have a similar knife from Gerber already, but this one is nice and lightweight.  While my son is soon to be a Webelos I, he will get this someday.  It will be tucked away in my kit as well.

Overall, a great magazine, knife and Ultimate Survival Kit.  I did not think that I would get both, so I am very happy.  The person who I took my info via email sent a great note too!  The box came from Jackson, Wy.  A place that I really like.  I spent a summer in the Teton National Park and two others in Yellowstone National Park and I wen to Jackson a lot.  A wonderful place to go spent time in.

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Top Ten List: #Scoutnation

So, this post is dedicated to the two fine fella’s of Scoutnation.  They are Shawn Cleary  and Bryan Spellman.  Both Scoutmaster’s.  One has a small Troop, the other about 120 Scouts.  As I pointed out in my last Post, as a Cubmaster and sometimes the Troop stuff gets lost on me.  However, when listening to the Scoutnation Podcasts and also Shawn’s other Podcast True North, there is a lot that I get out of it.

The one thing that I am going to focus on is how a Troop views Webelos and recruiting.  In both cases of these two Troops, they look to Webelos and Packs.   They are active within the Packs and willing to do something.  This can be a demo at a Pack meeting or going to Camporee.  Both very different, but vital.  Yes, being in a Troop and a Boy Scout is very fun and exciting.  But showing the Webelos and Cubscouts what is later after Arrow of Light and also having an Eagle Scout work with a Tiger is a huge cool thing.  Many of the cubscouts talk about being an Eagle, but sometimes they have never seen one.  Ok, Dad or Grandpa, but they are OLD.

Having a Troop take the time and work with a Pack also helps the parents understand what the difference is and will be once their son crosses over.  For that, both Shawn and Bryan go into how they deal with “Heliocopter Parents”.   They are the well-meaning Cubscout parents who have yet to detach.

Having the Troop perspective on Webelos & their Parents is a great insight.  It has helped me start to work towards conditioning myself when it comes time to crossover.  It also has allowed me to reachout to the Troops in my area.  I generally won’t wait for them to come to me.  I will go to them.  If a Troop is receptive of my communication and invites, then they get more time.  If not, well, then they don’t.  It’s their loss since I will have made up my mind about them.  As Cubmaster, I carry weight with the Parents and Den Leaders as to where I am going to go afterwards.

Before I start getting hatemail about how it’s not my choice, but the Boys’s Choice to where they go, your right.  It is the Boy’s Choice.  However,  as a father to my son, I will question him in why he likes one or the other.  This will be one of his first important decisions of his life.   I will take him to several Troops to see what they are like.  I will give him time to figure it out and will help him with his questions.  This could turn into being a hard choice for both.  However, it’s his Troop, not mine.   Point being is that I do have influence, but it is guided discovery.  As to the other boys and parents.  It’s up to them.  My son might not be into hiking in Philmont, but just camping in sight of the parking lot.  Who knows.  I really suspect that isn’t the case.

But as Cubmaster and being the Cubmaster’s son, people will notice. I know that as I write and post this, that there are Troops in my area that read this blog.  Please do not read into things one way or another.  I am going to be fair and give equal time to all. I will go where my son wants to go.

Overall, the Scoutnation guys have really helped me see Scouting from their side looking at the Pack system.  Good insight.

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Top Ten List: The Easy Button

So, I met this guy Arlen on the Internet one day.  Apparently he’s kinda smart.  He’s a Scouter, a Wood Badger (Beaver too) and a Cubmaster.  I also figured out that if I had not been a Troop Guide this Spring, I would have met him and his family at Philmont during the “Strictly for Cubmaster” class.  Sounds creepy that all of this is similar.

Through the #100daysofscouting I got to know him a lot better.  So much so, that I realized that he is really smart.  Anyone who tweets that he just had five patents accepted is way smart!  I just got five ticket items approved two years ago and I thought I was doing pretty good!

So, let’s take a look at his blog. First, there is the disclaimer.  Now, my blog has one since I might use logos from the BSA and other places and I don’t want a letter from anyone telling me to stop. Mine is pretty generic.  I got it from Scoutmaster Jerry.  Now look at Arlen’s Disclaimer.  Again, I am not so smart.

In reading his tweets and posts I realize that this guy is educating me about trying other stuff within the Cubscout Pack.  He is really doing it right.  He is engaging the boys.  Building things that throw awards to the boys (no baggies there!), Game Shows the list goes on.  But then up comes The Easy Button post.  It’s a bit about Scout Sunday and how life isn’t meant to be easy.  It’s about taking the hard choices to help you learn.  He even quotes Mike Rowe’s speech from the 2010 Jamboree. (You’ve heard it. If you haven’t then your not in Scouting. So go Google it and come back.) Arlen also quotes another friend of mine Phil’s post about taking it easy.   (Please read both posts/blogs by this point. Stop now if you need to.)

Ok, so taking it Easy is not supposed to be Easy.  Scouting to me is helping boys to confront what they do not know, what they find hard/difficult and overcome it.  We as Scouters (and Dad, Husbands, Brothers and Moms, Wives, Etc) need to do this in our lives as well.  It does not take Woodbadge to get items to work on.  Sometimes it’s called a to-do list, a honey-do list or tasks to complete.  We are here to make ourselves better and those around us.

So, why do I like “The Easy Button” post?  Well, I like it and the blog.  Again just like yesterday’s post about being a Bad Dad, I learn something and I use it. It’s a life lesson.  The blog shows me that there is another Cubmaster doing things for fun and the boys.  He is very creative and I thrive/feed off that.  Do I want him in my Pack?  Oh yeah! But, I don’t think he will move.  I also like that he is a Cubmaster.  I am a Cubmaster and not a Scoutmaster.  I am not out climbing mountains or having Scoutmaster Conferences or going to Eagle BOR/COH and such. Arlen helps me realize that with all the proper planning and work, Pack meetings are fun and exciting.  (which they are).  I get to have my virtual roundtable with him.

So, is he really smarter than me?  Well, in some areas yes.  Are we equals in others? Yeah.  We are Cubmasters.  We will succeed in Scouting. Oh yes. Will we ever meet? Yes, I believe so since another twitter friend got us thinking about the Philmont Leadership Course for 2012.  It’s Wood Badge on Steroids.  That’s no easy button, but it will be fun.

So, I really like his whole blog since it’s at my level.  It also challenges me to do more and stretch.  I survived Tiger Den Leader, being Cubmaster should be easier, right?

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Top Ten Blogs-Posts List: Bad Dad’s Piss Me Off

A blog post or so ago I stated that I would be creating a list of posts that I like.  I spent a few days thinking which ones that I wanted to talk about.  Several sprang to mind very quickly.  I had first thought that I would go through my list of ones of MINE that I liked.  Nah, too self centered.  Need to think of others.  So, here goes.

In no real particular order here is one that really stands out to me.

http://davidnokc.blogspot.com/ And to be specific this two posts.  Bad Dad Speech and Bad Dad Post.
David’s post was the first one that I thought of. The very first one.  While I know David was not out to win any awards with this topic, it was something he is passionate about.  To be great, you have to lay it out on the line.  He is very confidant of himself, his life and family.  While I have never met David, and an iPhone user (He works for Sprint) I am a Dad.  This post has nothing to do about Scouting.  It’s about his life and the circumstances he could and cannot control, but it’s about how he dealt with it which makes it special.  That is what makes me remember it.  We all have choices in our life, some are made by forces that we cannot control.  Others we have complete control over.  To me, these posts and speech help me be grounded and to be the best Dad that I can be.  I do not always succeed, but I try.  This is but one reminder as to why I need to.

So, when I see a bad Dad out there, whether its at a Scout event, Baseball practice or just in public, I feel bad about his kids.  Can I do anything about it?  Generally not.  If he is harming his kids, sure I need to step in.  Can I right the wrongs of bad dads?  No, but I can learn from them.

This weekend I had the chance with my own two kids.  Elliot and Rachel.  My wife was off at a Lampworking workshop and it was just me.  Granted my parents came down to see my son’s baseball game, but it was us.  On the last day before mom came home and after the Grandparents left, we went to a street fair in Portland, Or.  It was great.  It was just time for us.  My daughter asked if she could have an elephant ear and I said yes.  She jumped up on a haybail and then me saying “you the best daddy in the world I love you” and gave me a huge hug and kiss.  Yeah, that’s all I need.  We got one and shared with all of us.  It was good.   While it’s a little thing that means a lot to me and she will forget it over time, it’s proof that working at being a Good Dad pays off……So, take the time do something with your kids.  Listen to them. Be with them.  Don’t be a bad Dad.  Be a Good Dad!

I became aware of David via Twitter because of Scouting, because of some English General that though a Game with a Purpose would be a fun thing to do.  Interesting how things come to you.  Maybe someday we will meet in person.  That would be fun.  He also has a Scouting blog too.  It’s a great read as well.

So, one down and nine more to go.  Whose next and why I pick it.

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My Wife

I cannot do much without my wife.  It’s true.  But, I am not going to talk about our relationship here or now.  What I want to say is that she’s pretty wonderful.  I think that I change lives within Scouting.  However, she as PTA President of the Stephenson Elementary School in Portland, Or really makes a difference.  It’s only her first year in a two year term.  But there are two things this year that really went above and beyond what a lot of people have done.

First, she started, spearheaded and got everyone to VOTE for Stephenson to get a new blacktop for the Playground.  She got us to vote and win the Grant!  Woot Woot!
Now, she tells me that she got another local grant to purchase 10 Dual Core Pentium 2 Laptops from a company that is getting new ones for $200.  They are replacing DESKTOP units that are REALLY REALLY SLOW.  I think 266mhz.  ugh.  So, all the teachers now have new laptops that will allow them to work from home and not be at school late at night.

Pretty good for first year PTA President.  These are only TWO of the many things that she has done this year.  She’s just amazing.  If she was in Scouting…she would get the District Award of Merit in my book!

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Top Postings of Scouteradam #toptenlists

Everyone has a Top Ten List. So, I am going to have one.  I am kicking this off with the Top Ten Posts that got the most views.  This is according to the WordPress counter.  This is not the Top Ten posts that I think are good.  That’s a different one.

I will also be going for a Top Ten list for Scouting as well.  Yes, I am going to milk it for all it’s worth.    The main reason I am doing this is there are a lot of websites and other resources that I frequent that you might not.  Hence, missed information that might be helpful to you.

1. Uniforms with 323 views
2. Tigerblood with 134 Views
3. Webelos & Den Chiefs with 129
4. Pack Committee & Cubmaster Meetings with 116
5. My Son with 103
6. First Cubscout Pack Meeting of 2010-11 with 100
7. Pack Badges with 100
8. About with 99
9. Arrow of Light Ceremony with 96
10. 2010 CPCBSA Pow-wow with 84

Next up for Top Ten will be the posts that I like.  These might be mine and/or posts from other bloggers.  I will give the reasons why.

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Butchery

Alright, so this is not Scouting related. It’s more food related.  Why am I blogging about this in this Scout focused blog?  Try as I might, I cannot think of a way it’s Scout related.  Could it go for a Cooking MB? Maybe Tracking MB?  Or a Cubscout requirement after the Whittlin Chit for cooking?  Who knows.

But this is one skill that is being lost.  It did it while in Culinary School and in my restaurant career.  I love this skill.  However, I do not get a lot of chances to do it at home.  Generally, I will filet a Salmon or bone a chicken and BBQ it right there.

So, today when reading a local Weekly, I came across an article that got me to this website. PDXMEAT.COM  They have classes on it. This is what I have been looking for for awhile.   One of my jobs that I wanted at one time was to be a Butcher.  The job I wanted most was to be in a Bakery.

So, for all those out there who might be looking for a career change…being a butcher would be awesome!  You could even go up to Alaska and cut fish for a couple of seasons and make a lot of money!  I had a few friends do that in college for college.

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The Wood Badge Song

In a Linkedin forum, someone posted their Cubscout version of the great song.  The School is Gables, hence that name.  But wanted to post it here for fun.  I might alter it for my use.  If there is a way to sing, let’s do it!

I used to be a Tiger
A good old Tiger too!
But now I’ve finished Tigering,
And I know what to do.
I’ve done all my Achievements
And can Tiger no more,
So, I’m going to be a Webelos yes I am!

Back to Gables, happy Land!
I’m going to be a Webelos yes I am!

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