District Cubscout Training

Today was the first time that my Program Chair and I  trained others within the District.  It was the Cubscout Basic’s for Den Leader, Tiger, Webelos, Cubmaster and Committee.  We had a morning and afternoon session that was about 3.5 to 4 hours.  In the first there were three people.  A Tiger Den Leader, Cubmaster and Committee Chair.  In the second session a Cubmaster.  Training was held and not canceled.

We also had Varsity, Scoutmaster, Youth Protection and Hazardous Weather.  My DE ended up teaching YPT for one ASM and the Hazadous Weather training washed out since no one signed up.  Bummer. Their loss since he is a Weatherman by profession.  However, Varsity had two and Scoutmaster had six.  So, overall, 13 Adult Scouters came out for a day of training and it went well.

Since it was all me, I started the Training with the Pledge and a few announcements.  I pointed out that we have ITOLS coming up and that our new Pow-Wow is Nov 5th. It was off to the races.

Our Cubscout training held to what the Powerpoint slides had us talk about.  However, we did not stick to the overall format or slide to slide.  Death by Powerpoint is a slow horrible death.  So, we covered what was needed.  We went over the Purpose, 12 Core Values, and Character Connections of Cubscouts.  As well as the Methods. We drove these four topics home in several way and examples.   We talked about how in November, we are using the Flag as a centerpiece for respect & citizenship.  Explained a Flag Folding Relay that we will be doing at an upcoming Pack Meeting.  Also,  we explained that Cubscouting is a Family activity and that while advancement is part of the method, we look at it last.  We want to create fun for the boys and parents so they will come back again and again.  We have skits and den yells to help bond the boys together and promote activities that while fun, serve to explain many of the purposes of it.

We explained how to work advancement into “A Game with a Purpose” mentality.  Explaining that if you can have an event or even work with the local school teachers, gym teachers or other people the Cubscouts come in contact with, that advancement will happen without them knowing it.  We explained that these people are Activity Badge Counserlor‘s.  Much like a Merit Badge Counserlor’s, but not an official position within Scouts.  For the ABC, think of other parents who know something about Construction or is a Lawyer or Doctor and the Webelos Den Leader gives them the OK to sign off in their book for completion.  If a Teacher is going through a Geology section within class over four weeks, why spin your wheels teaching it in two Den Meetings and an Outing.  Your wasting time and money.  Yes, you need to have the boys show, explain and possibly demostrate what they have learned.  But if that Teacher is a ABC, then they have earned it.

As Cubmasters we talked about how a Den and Pack meeting should be planned and how parents should be involved.  We pointed out many resources on Scouting.org  The main one we focused on was the Den and Pack resource guide.  While we had hardcopy versions of this and others we pointed out that many of them are downloadable off Scouting.org.

In covering Pack Meetings, we covered Committee Meetings, budgets, fundrasing and other Pack, District and Council Activities.  This is the point in which both of us started to point out many outings, campouts, cub0rees and derbies we have done.  We pointed out where to go, what to do and other pitfalls.  It’s also were I showed a slideshow of my Pack’s latest Pumpkin Derby.  A Committee Chair and Cubmaster wrote that down.  They were going to go to a Pumpkin Patch, but now switched it because what I showed them was a lot more FUN.  My Co-Trainer Allan, explained that the best ideas are shared and stolen.  I used Allan’s Pumpkin Derby and changed it up and also added a food launcher.

Throughout the entire first training we pepper the talk with what WE did, how WE did it and offered suggestions on how to make THEIR Pack/Den meetings fun and entertaining while educational.  Some of it was just pure fun at the Parents expense.  Allan also had several ideas such as making hats out of paperplates as shown above.  Take one paperplate and cut it like a pizza without cutting the edges.  Don’t tell the boys that they are making a hat.  Then have them decorate it.  Such as, use Car Photos, matchbox cars and the like.  Glue/Staple/Adheare it to the plate on the pizza slices.  Then, put it on.  It’s your Rally Cap for Pinewood Derby or whatever else you can think of.

In the second session, we only had one Scouter show up.  It was my friend Wes who was a the Eagle Troop Guide this year when I was the TG for the Bobwhites.  He came for the Cubmaster & Webelos Den Leader session.  OK. One person!  We are on this.  This session took about three hours, but all worth it.

We dived right into Cubmaster and how he runs his Pack meetings.  He’s a new Cubmaster and is on his first year, second meeting.  We again went over what we did in the first session, but disected what he does.  We asked why he does this and explained that just because it was a tradition before, does not mean you cannot change it.   We gave many ideas of what he could do and what Allan and I do in our Den/Pack meetings.  I showed and shared all the books that I brought and explained I use them as guides.  Both Allan and I run our Pack’s very differently.  I would love to impliment some of Allan’s ideas within my own.  So, I learned a lot too.

As to Webelos, we again explained that the Webelos can earn the Activity Pins within the Den, but also within the home and School or other activtives.  Meaning, Family Member is done at home, Scholar is at School, Aquanaut can be a Den/Troop activity.  I explained that a local Troop has historically took our Webelos IIs on a swim night when they work on the Swimming Merit Badge and other items.  The Webelos earn the Aquanaut in one night and knock out a Troop visit for Arrow of Light.

The main thing that both Allan and I tried to convey over both sessions is that Scouting is not cut and dry.  It is also not about doing it all yourself and re-inventing the wheel.  Look at your resources, parents, teachers and the like and see what the Scouts are doing in other places that will make YOUR LIFE EASIER.  Yes, you do want to have Scout Activities based upon SCOUTING.  Have those Scout moments Count and Matter.

The two last things we touched upon are the Religious Emblems and Leader Knots.  Since we had two LDS Leaders at our training we dived into what their Religious Emblems were like and how they accomplished it.  We explained that it is an important aspect within Scouting and should be promoted.  As for Leader Knots, I explained while I like earning them, it helps me make sure that the program I am providing to the Unit and others, is a quality one.  If it was not for the Cubmaster Knot, I would not have started a Summertime Pack Event for two years, not worked the Quality Unit Award and continued towards the Journey to Excellence.

I also explained that as the District Training Chair, I felt that BALOO and OWLS are vital to the continuing education of Leaders.  Once they get into Boy Scouts, there is more face to face training than the Online Training they are used it.  Plus, it prepares them for ITOLS and the like.  Taking BALOO & OWLS educates the Leaders as how to promote, plan and execute a great Pack Program.

It was a great training session.  I am looking forward to the next round of training.

YIS

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Called to the Carpet

  On Sunday our Pack Committee Meeting.  It was a good meeting.  We have an agenda that we plow through.  Figuring out what needs to get done, by who and when.  Some discussion about events and projects that we want done.  There are reports on all the den activity and progress.

During this meeting I had to defend my stance on why the new boys were getting their Bobcats.  Point was that generally none of the current boys really could give you the Cubscout Promise or Law of the Pack.  Yes, it’s pretty sad.  Most of the boys cannot say it without prompting with some more than others. That is why I started having it with the Opening Flag and doing it at every chance we get.

Within the Pack, when Elliot was a Tiger,  all we did was the pledge, flag, awards and a brief talk and maybe a game.  That was all we really did.   So, for the most part I followed the agenda of the meetings but I kept putting in stuff that I wanted to see.  Remember, I was only a Wolf and I this is the start of my fourth year in the Pack and third as Cubmaster.  So, I have learned a lot of what I want to do from Roundtable, Wood Badge, Pow-Wow, PTCMEDIA and surfing the Internet.  I still have a lot to learn and do.

Towards the middle of the year, I started to inject the Promise and Law as much as I could.  Hindsight, I should have done it earlier and and required at all meetings.  At the end of the year, I had placed it in the Pack Meetings and now require it at all openings.

Back to the defensive stance.  I explained that as our tradition the boys getting the Bobcat will get it.  I will ask them several questions, but slacked on the Promise & Law.  I got questioned on why.  I explained that Tigers generally cannot recite it.  Once in a great while a Tiger can.  I walk them through the sign, motto, handshake, WEBELOS and then had it out.  This year is a tad different since I am going talk them through the Promise and Law.

A few Committee Members got on me about how their son could not recite it publically cause they do not know it.  I explained that is why I am doing it at Openings and that I am getting back to what a Tradition Pack SHOULD BE!  They all understand and agree that it needs to be done.  However, a debate ensued of “Did they earn the Bobcat?”  I explained that in the Tiger meetings we went through all of it, having them repeat it several times, asking them what each line ment.  Several of the less shy boys stepped up and explained  what they thought it meant.  So, we did go through the whole process.

Then, it came.  I got called to the carpet.  I was asked by the Committee Chair as Cubmaster to recite the Promise and Law.  He did it right there. Crap….my worst fear.  Asked for the Promise and Law…..  On the Carpet and failed.  Yes, it’s something that I just have not worked at, and it should be something that I should know by heart.  My Committee Chair does.

So, I am starting to practice the Promise and Law.  If the Cubscouts are required, then the Leaders will be required as well.

Yours in Scouting….

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Kayaking Cub Scout Style

Today, I let loose a fire storm on Google+ with a simple question of:
Aquanaut activity badge question: if son does 1-3 doesn’t that also count for #7? Also does a kayak count as a rowboat? I say yes for the latter. He already got swimming beltloop again this summer and one other. So he he just needs to swim with a PFD and he is done besides explaining why.

The first question was answered because I did not read Feet vs yards within the Aquanaut requirements. Done.

Here is the full requirements of the Activity Pin:

• Jump into water over your head.  Come to the surface and swim 100 feet, at least half of this using a backstroke.
• Stay in the water after the swim and float on your back and your front, and demonstrate survival floating.
• Put on a personal floatation device (PFD) that is the right size for you.  Make sure it is properly fastened.  Wearing the PFD, jump into water over your head.  Show how the PFD keeps your head above water by swimming 25 feet.  Get out of the water, remove the PFD, and hang it where it will dry.
• And Do Three of These:
• Do a front surface dive and swim under water for four strokes before returning to the surface.
• Explain the four basic water rescue methods.  Demonstrate reaching and throwing rescues.
• With an adult on board, show that you know how to handle a rowboat.
• Pass the BSA “Swimmer” test:
  • Jump feet-first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming.
  • Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl.
  • Then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.
  • After completing the swim, rest by floating.
• While you are a Webelos Scout, earn the Cub Scout Sports belt loop for swimming.

So, my son Elliot over the course of the summer and just today has completed the following:
#1: Earned in pool earlier in summer.
#2 Same as above, but he is skinny so he worked at that a bit since he didn’t float like boys who EAT! (He’s very skinny for his age.)
#3 Not done yet. Need to find PFD
#4:Done: He does this all the time when diving.
#5: Not done.
#6: Did it in a Kayak this summer.  He has done this before in a Rowboat, but not as a Webelos. So, I cannot count what he did before he attained Webelos I   rank this June. (At family cabin on a Lake in Montana.)
#7: Not completed as a whole.  Which he needs to do.
#8 Earned the Beltloop for Swimming.

So, I posted this on Google+ and got a lot of Feedback.  Remember Feedback is a gift!

While I am not going to post every response, this one sums it up. “With an adult on board, show that you know how to handle a rowboat.” — it’s not a rowboat, it’s a kayak…not the same device. “  Ok, I got it.  But, I will go futher in what the Boy Scouts of America officially says.

First, Safety Afloat. Under section six: For Cub Scouts:Canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and rafting for Cub Scouts (including Webelos Scouts) are to be limited to council/district events on flat water ponds or controlled lake areas free of powerboats and sailboats. Prior to recreational canoeing and kayaking, Cub Scouts are to be instructed in basic handling skills and safety practices.

It is restated on a PDF for Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities.

So, while I get and understand that a Rowboat is not a Kayak, another Scouter pointed out: Think about why canoes (and kayaks) are discouraged for cubs: they are much more likely to capsize than a row boat because of their narrow beam. So a row boat is mentioned in the requirements because of the higher amount of safety it provides for the boy. There is also one significant difference between handling a row boat and a canoe or kayak: with the row boat you are going backwards and the others you are going forwards. So, in order to control where the rowboat goes you need to know how to pick a reference point.

These are all great points and I would have argued in the end that yes, a Kayak is not a Rowboat.  I see and get that.  In life, I work to follow the rules.  In Cub Scouts, and in the early ranks, I use the “Do my Best” philosophy.  Meaning, if a Cub Scouts really tries to do the activity and makes the attempt, then he gets it.  However, last year a Bear did not write a letter as required for a Communication section for Rank or Beltloop. (I wasn’t the Den Leader I cannot fully remember what it was for.)  However, he was not awarded credit since he did not do it.  Now, the Den Leader sent home the information so he could bring it back and present it to her or his mom.  Nope, did not do it.  So, he was told why he did not get the requirement.  Yes, he was upset.  But he learned.

Hence, my understanding of why people responded the way that they did.  So, Elliot will not get credit for that section of the Aquanaut Activity Badge.  It is still easily attainable to him and he will end up getting it.

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Why I became the Training Chair

I have technically been the District Training Chair since June 2nd when I signed the Application and gave it to my District Exec.  So, what radical changes or changes have been made.  None.  I am at the beginning of seeing what is what and how things work.  I am the new guy within the District.   Before I became the Training Chair, I sent a couple of emails saying this should happen and that should happen and why isn’t that happening.  While I didn’t get an earful, I did get an education of why.  Which was great.

So what do I do now that I am a Training Chair?  I have to educate myself on what classes are out there, who needs them, who my training team is, what powers I have within my position and what are my goals.
Step one: Educate myself.  I have already sworn that I will take every class that is offered.  I need to know what and how they are taught.  This stems from BALOO to ITOLS.  Also includes Den Chief and Merit Badge Counselor as well.  Why, because I will get questions on why a Scouter needs it.  I will also need it because I plan on moving on after my son crosses over.

Step Two: Who needs Training.  That would be everyone within a Leadership, Committee or Direct Contact position.

Step Three & Four: Who is my training team.  Many people have already come up to me and said that they would like to be and that they will help as needed.   These are Scouters who have helped put on trainings before. AWESOME!  I had a great conversation with the acting Chair and he explained a lot of who is who.  I have also found out that it is within my power via the District Chair and Exec that I can designate those as Trainers if I see fit.

Step Five: What are my goals.
Right now, I want to keep it simple.  Keep what is planned on the books and make it happen.
What I would like to see as what our District offers is seperate class offerings of BALOO, OWLS & ITOLS during the year.   I would like to also offer training within Roundtable nights.  Den Chief, AED, CPR, Weather Hazard, How to fill out a Tour Plan & WHY.  Who is your UC and why should we care?  Journey to Excellence….

So, why did I take on the District Training Chair while I am still the Cub Master, or just take it on.  To me, it was my chance to figure out and see why these courses were not offered.  I did not and do not have an issue with anyone within the District.  I like everyone. ( I say that publically since I know several of the District people read this blog).  I also figured that my life beyond Cub Master is being paved now.  I have till March 2013 until my Son crosses over into Boy Scouts.  This position will allow me to take a break from Unit Leadership and step back and learn more about the Troop he goes into.  Will I get on the Committee or be a MBC or ASM within that Troop. Yes.  But, I am taking my time to learn about them.

I also took on this position because I like training.  It’s what I do at my day job.  The more I can learn about something, the better I am in helping those who are in my Unit as others within Scouting.  With the Vaccum of no BALOO or OWLS within our District many Leadership Knots cannot be awarded.  This includes the Webelos Den Leader Knot.  Which, if a WDL has put in the time and effort to complete all the other requirements but cannot attain OWLS training, then we as a District and Council have failed.  OWLS should really be taken by the Bear DL before they move into being Webelos DL.

So, what is my planning of what I would like to see how training is planned out for the year?
Sept: ITOLS
October is all Training needed for the position & YPT.  It’s a Super Saturday that is already in place.
Novemember. Our Council is changing from a Cubsout Pow-wow to a Program & Training Conference for Cub, Boy Scouts, Varsity, Venturing, Sea Scouts and OA format.  So, Promote that.
December: BALOO/OWLS.  Super Weekend of both Yes, do it in Dec. Early enough so it won’t conflict with Football Playoffs and Christmas vacations.
January/Feb ITOLS
April/May: BALOO/OWLS Super Weekend of both.

Having BALOO/OWLS together makes sense at this point.  BALOO would be first and those who just want that, can leave after it’s complete.  The OWLS will be after that and people can register for both.  This will allow for those who have taken BALOO to skip it and head directly to OWLS.

Why is BALOO/OWLS important at a Pack level.  I get ITOLS importance.  The main reason is that Boy Scouts main function is to CAMP & HIKE.  They are not in a gym doing crafts like their little brothers in blue.  They put the OUT in scOUTing.   If you have a robust Pack program via Den Leaders that gets the boys OUTSIDE, awesome.  If you don’t this is why.

Being BALOO trained will help the Pack understand that CAMPING is available to the Tiger, Wolf and Bears.  Yes, they have to CAMP AS A PACK for them to go out. Webelos can camp on their own.  Promoting Camping as a Pack does count for earning requirements and other badges.  However, it will help the new parents and parents in general to be aware of the Council Camp Properties.  If you are able to reserve them, the parents will see where the boys go in the summer.  It will also provide a better understanding as to how a Council operates and what is offered at that level.

It will help the parents to understand what the Popcorn and FOS money is used for.  You must give a tangible benefit to those who generally are not invested within the program.  If you do not, they will not donate or participate more.  The parents are generally there for THEIR son.  Not yours.  So is their pocketbook.  Once you give that tangible benefit to the parents, they get more invested.  Maybe not to what you are looking for, but it’s at a deeper level than before.  Am I saying that Training will lead to a better FOS year? Nope.  It could though.  What I am saying is that providing the avenue to learn more will increase the fun of each boy/girl within a unit.  It will create more fun for families who participate in Pack Camping events.   Which in turn will increase better memories for all.

At the Pack level Camping really is a family event and not so much within the Pack itself. (My Pack, maybe not yours and maybe others don’t camp as well). Yes, we have had overnights at a camp property for Arrow of Light, but that’s it.  There is also a Council Family Camp twice a year.  We have done it once.  It’s Family and not PACK. So no Tour Plan/BALOO is needed.   In Boy Scouts, it’s camping all the time.  Parents have been in the Scouting world for awhile and understand this.  Not so much in Cub Scouts.  So, there is a learning curve.  If you can introduce the idea and start Pack Camping, then the value of training is recognized and fullfilled.  If you don’t, then why train?

Overall, the reason to go to training is to provide a great program and be that person to help create a program within the unit.  If you don’t care about the program, don’t train.  Don’t train, don’t volunteer.  Don’t volunteer, don’t care.  It’s as simple as that.  I care about the program and I have gotten trained so I can continue to volunteer.

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The Webelos Summer

      So, this summer is my Son’s first Summer as a Webelos.  And I am excited.  I think that it’s more ME than him.  So, I am trying to ratchet it back a few notches.  He is going to Summer Camp and I am following along.  In Scout Master Jerry’s Blog, he talks about what do you do at Summer Camp.  There are a few of us Scouters within our little Twitter/Internet Virtual Council (as I am starting to call it) that are going to Camp.  Some of us are even running it.

I have generally waited a few weeks to get back into Scouting mode with myself and son.  However, I started last night to talk to him about the Activity Badges and what he can earn.  I am thinking that Fitness, Family Member and Traveler might be a good couple to start.  This is also a long with several beltloops.  The beltloops will help him earn part of the requirements of the Badges.

He was not too receptive about any of this.  Eyes started to glaze over, so I asked him what he wanted to do.  We ended up playing a game of Sorry and Battleship.  He won Sorry and I won Battleship,but it was a great time together.  I did suggest playing Chess as he loves it.  He quickly was onto me about the Chess Beltloop and declined the offer.  The Chess Beltloop is part of Scholar Activity Badge.

Within summer camp in July at Butte Creek, there are several Beltloop and Activity Badges that he will be able to earn.  In theory he will be able to earn two beltloops and Activity Badges.  If he works on the other three Activity Badges and those Beltloops he will be well on his way for getting the Webelos  Badge.

So, back to Jerry’s Blog.  I am going to expand it a bit and mold it to Cub Scouts since he deals with Boy Scouts and Troops.  By their very nature Boy Scout Troops are run by Boys, not Adults and are more independant than Cub Scouts.  Packs generally do not have official meetings during the summer.  Unless the Pack puts on a Summertime Pack Award program, then it’s done till Fall.  If your Pack is NOT doing a Summertime Pack Award program, then you are not allowing the boys even more fun and chances to earn various awards.

Within the Pack, and specifically Cascade Pacific Council’s Summer Camp program there are three awards/patches that the Adults can participate in.  It was my goal to earn them.  However, during last years Resident Camp I realized that it would take me away from the then Bear Den and my son.  Granted, out of eight boys that went, seven Dads were there.  However, I was there for my son and watching another Bear.  They were fine, but I felt the need to be there with them.  I did not want to wander off in search of signatures or doing things to get the patch.  I did participate a bit.

Cub Scouts need a bit of direction during, well just about everything. I herd Cats & Turtles during this time.  You just cannot leave them to their own devices…for the most part.  They had their own play time near the sleeping area that I let them do what they wanted, but always close enough for the Two-deep leadership part.  Everyone was good.

So, I did not participate in that Badge.  I know that I will not do it for the other two camps that my Son will be going to for the same reason.  Also, because we will not have the dad coverage that we had last time this year.  Next year is a four night five day camp as Webelos II.

So, for Camp, that is what I will be doing.  I will be with my son and the other Scouts making sure they get to where they need to be and help as needed at those stations.  BB Guns and Archery won’t be an issue since they get it.  Others, well let’s just see what can happen.  I am not going to DO the crafts for them.  But I will hold a nail for them or stretch leather so they can nail it into place.

Back to the Webelos advancement….  It is generally the policy of our Pack that items earned over the summer are not bought by the Pack.  It’s up to the parent to buy them.  We will log them into Packmaster so they get credit for them.  It’s my general idea that the Webelos program is 20 months long without a real break for Summer.  Meaning, the boys should be a bit more active in earning their rank.  So, here is the rub.  With all that I think that my son can do over the summer, is it really HIM wanting to do this, or is it me?

Yes, he will get at lest one Activity Badge that is required outside the three for Webelos this summer.  One out of 20.  The four others not required for either Webelos or Arrow of Light possible rank requirements might happen, but will be up to him.  As well as the beltloops for others.  It really is MY goal for him to get all 20 Activity Badges and not his.

So, that’s the rub.  So far it’s all about ME and not HIM.  I know we will get a few things in, but Scouting is for him.  He drives this bus and I am the silent guide/passenger with him.  That’s my struggle for these upcoming 20 months.  I am working on not becoming that Helicopter parent or one pushing their son to do everything within Scouting.

I would love to hang out at Summer Camp and read a book or do the patch, so who knows…..

Have a great summer!

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The Bully #100daysofScouting

I started a blog post about how a scout within the pack has decided to leave due to what I believe is related to bullying.  I however could and can be wrong about this.  From what I have re-read in some of the emails is that he felt like an outsider because the boys did not include him in activities, others complimented their friends and is not good in sports.

Because of this, I have reached out to the parents of the Scout letting them know that I, as Cubmaster know and am concerned about them and their Scout.  While I am in charge of the program of the Pack, I am also to help guide the scouts in goodwill and support the Den Leaders.  This is such a case.

We as Scouters are charged with helping those within the Cubscout Pack to help them in Character Development.  Within the Cub Scout 12 Core Values, Compassion, Honesty and Respect are key.  These values are reflected directly within the Boy Scout program in the Scout Law. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
As shown from Scouting.org’s website:
Compassion:
Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for the well-being of others.
Courage:
Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears, the difficulties, or the consequences.
Respect:
Showing regard for the worth of something or someone.

However, what can Leaders and Parents do about Bullying.  From the story from Scouting Magazine “The Troop Bully”.  “Find the PowerPoint presentation “Bullying: Prevention and Intervention Tips for Scout Leaders and Parents” at scouting.org/filestore/ppt/bullyingprevention.ppt.”  Hindsight is 20/20 and when reading the PPT, it is clear that bullying happens within the pack.  But it is also apparent that there are things that “WE’ as Scout Leaders need to do within the Pack.   Our Webelos and Bears recently viewed “It Happened to Me”.  While that was great and we got the boys to start to understand what Youth Protection is all about, we as Scouters (in any unit too) need to look at ourselves and be aware.

Because of this incident and what I have been reading, this months Pack Meeting will still go on as planned, but will include a segment of what the Cubscout Promise  and The Law of the Pack is and how we need to live it.  I am hoping to only speak about it for 5 minutes or so.  Call it an elongated Cubmaster’s Minute, but I will start it off with the Cubscout Promise and The Law of the Pack.

Overall, it saddens me that a boy has ended his Scouting life due to bullies.

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