Taking a look at the Scout Law

A Scout is......
As I lead five boys into the phase of cub scout graduation we are going over the Scout Law, Scout Oath, Scout Motto and the Slogan. These things seem so tedious but yet so important. I sit here listening to my son read to me the twelve points of the scout law and think about how important these are not only to these boys but to our world in general. I am also reminded on how somewhat hypocritical they are to some of BSA's own policies on leaders and scouts but that's something for another blogging rant. I want to start with at least the first 4 points of the law and some thoughts on them.

A Scout is
Trustworthy- in a world where we can seem to trust no one wouldn't it be nice if we could raise young men that others would consider trustworthy to the world.

Loyal - this is a trait that we should expect out of more than just the family dog. In a world where we have words like frienemy and reality shows about people who will happily pat you on the back while stabbing you in it makes me wondering if there is anyone who believes in loyalty anymore.

Helpful- I hear complaints everyday of rude kids, teenagers and even adults that can't be bother to hold open doors, carry bags for elderly ladies or think volunteering their time isn't something they are required to do but want to do.

Friendly - in an age of teenage suicide from excessive bullying the simple act of remembering to be friendly to everyone seems like it would make such a difference in the world. From the Webelos handbook the first sentence states "A Scout is a friend to all.....He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own." This is itself is a whole other blog for another day but what if we all stopped for a moment and stopped seeing what makes us different and remember we are all just people.

I'm not sure who is actually reading what I post would love some feedback on what I'm posting.

Camping-it's not something to be afraid of

Sorry I've been away so long scouters but as always I've been super busy with life. I write tonight's entry from a scout camp cabin in the woods in Metamora, MI. We have actually made it to council Winter camp this year. Not only is this one of the first years we've been in scouting that we've had any real snow on the ground for camp but we have had the time and the money to go. I'm a little sad that Rob and I are the only ones from our pack to make it to a camp outside of the ones we do as a pack. It's a nice opportunity to stay in the expensive cabin that has running water and bathrooms that don't involve putting on your shoes. There is also a chance to meet and mingle with other scouting parents(granted I'm on of the few moms) and trade war stories along with contacts. I find that I get along better with the dads than I do the moms anyway.
Camping is an important part of scouting. Whether you pitch a tent in the backyard, go to a resident camp for a weekend or rough it in the wilderness backpacking boys need to know that there's a world out there and they need to go see it. Encourage them to go make their own fun! I write this as I overhear a group of boy scouts conspiring to do something. Will I stop them, no way, but I will tell them to not let whatever they are planning not involve bail money or an ambulance. I will make sure they have gloves and a flashlights bad tell them to not leave anyone behind. Part of me wishes I was going with them, it looked like good solid trouble/fun that was to be had. Maybe that's why I'm a cub scout, because age and time has not taken away my thrill for a good adventure and frankly boys can cook up the best adventures, along with the greatest stories to go with them.
The lesson is that you're never too old for fun and there's always fun to be had as long as you never think you're too old, or too much of an adult.

Fundraising or Fun-Raising? There is a difference!

Welcome back to another edition of the Professional Scout Mom. Post Thanksgiving has been busy around our house. We our wrapping up our fall fundraisers and planning Holiday Pack Meetings. Today's focus will be on fundraisers or trying to remember that you can't have funds without fun!
I'm having to remember this myself as I'm pulling a wagon up and down streets in 37 degrees on a Saturday morning. I try remembering things like this is a fantastic social exercise for him and physical exercise for me. As my fingers freeze and I realize I'm the only one who's done this 3 weekends in a row my fun in the funds starts to slip away.
We are all so busy these days with multiple kids doing so many things that it seems so much easier to grab their order forms and bug our family, friends and co-workers for the boys but then it's about the funds you're making not the fun they need to have making their funds.
For our order form orders I make my scout write simple thank you notes which everyone thinks is a sweet touch. I'm also out here pulling a wagon, making sure the nice words are being used and above all I'm sending time with my scout. That is the fun in fundraise is making your scout a part of the fundraising experience which means getting them out even in the cold just for an hour whether it is at your local grocery store or video store and exercise those nice word skills. Most of all make it FUN! If you are having fun they are having and then it's a lot less like work.
So go out and take your scout fun-raising! Till next time!