An Hour A Week?

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #35a

2005-08-18T22:49:00.000-05:00

Podcast #35a-A Special Message from another Podcaster

http://www.forkatie.org

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #35

2005-08-16T23:07:00.000-05:00

Podcast #35-Let the school year begin!

Wilderness? No escape from technology world

Both boys started school today. It's been a long 48 hours getting ready for school.

Again, sorry about the bad production of this show. I'm too tired to record and probably should have waited.

No show Monday night

2005-08-16T01:13:00.000-05:00

I took the boys up to their school to meet their teachers and ended up blowing out my voice!

Hopefully before Tuesday night, I'll be able to speak. If not, I think I'll do a text version of the show.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #34

2005-08-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

Podcast #34-The Boy Scouts get drugs and why don't you ever come and visit?

What a long night. I had a Round-Up meeting which took up most of the evening-barely got to see the boys before they went to bed.

On a personal note: Happy 25th anniversary to my parents!

Boy Scout Prescription Drug Project

2005-08-11T22:20:00.000-05:00

There are more than 44 million Smericans without health insurance. In eastern Iowa, there are thousands who can't afford to buy prescription medications. Now, some boy scouts are reaching out to help...

Boy Scout Prescription Drug Project

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #33

2005-08-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

Podcast #33-Some recruitment ideas to kick off your year

Tips for making recruiting more successful. I'm going to cover less topics per show-I'm still rushing it.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #32

2005-08-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

Podcast #32-Some personal updates from me and my Pack.

Since it's been almost a week since the last show, I figured I'd get everyone caught up on what I've been up to-Leader Meetings and family reunion "fun".

Planning For 2010 Jamboree Has Already Begun

2005-08-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

Jamboree News: "As 43,000 Scouts, leaders and staff leave the 2005 National Scout
Jamboree, planning is well underway for 2010 - the 100th anniversary
celebration of the Boy Scouts of America."

Parents hard-pressed to work with scouts

2005-08-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

While hundreds of volunteers work on Wild West Day and other school projects, there’s only so much time available to parents in the High Country...

Vail Daily News for Vail and Beaver Creek Colorado - News

Wilderness? No escape from technology world

2005-08-09T12:07:00.000-05:00

THURMONT, Md. – At a campground in the quiet of the Catoctin Mountains, 11-year-old Michaela Downing rode bikes with her friends and sat with her grandmother under a canopy of tall trees, with a 78-foot waterfall and glistening lake just a short walk away...

Journal Gazette | 08/09/2005 | Wilderness? No escape from technology world

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #31

2005-08-04T22:37:00.000-05:00

Podcast #31-Another Scouting injury, popcorn sales suggestions and my Pack's Half Day Camp

More Scouts get injured, but we must keep moving forward. We're geting ready for school and another year of scouting!

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #30

2005-08-03T23:26:00.000-05:00

Podcast #30-It's all about the podcast and feedback.

An update on the podcast stats, how to subscribe and finally-some feedback!

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #29

2005-08-01T23:15:00.000-05:00

Podcast #29-A review of the week in Scouting

Sorry about having no updates last week. I'm not sure I would have had much to say anyway.

My heart goes to all of the families who have suffered due to the last week's tragedies.

A lot has been going on in my part of the Scouting world but I wanted to have one show before I get back to normal.

But I am ready-we'll see you later this week.

No Show tonight

2005-07-25T22:19:00.000-05:00

I was all prepared to do a show tonight and saw this story. Prayers go to all of their families and Scouts from their Troops.

CNN.com - Four Boy Scout leaders die at Jamboree - Jul 25, 2005

I'll have a show tomorrow night.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #28

2005-07-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

Podcast #28-Scouts get prepared, are youth programs working, camping Girl Scouts more monthly theme reviews.

Scouts try to be prepared for searches

Report says youth programs aren't meeting all needs

Oregon Camporee draws Girl Scouts from 26 states, three countries

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #27

2005-07-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

Podcast #27-A final search for a missing Scout, repairing the Statue of Liberty, and a couple more monthly theme reviews

Sorry about the poor quality at the very beginning and end-still working out a few bugs.

Notes:
Family plans a final search for boy missing for a year.

Statue may cost $16,000 to repair

Veteran Application

2005-07-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

I mentioned this during yesterday's show. You can download a copy of the application here.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #26

2005-07-11T23:29:00.000-05:00

Podcast #26-Time to plan those Pack Meetings!

I cover the first 4 Pack Meeting themes for the school year, a "new" award and my site updates.

Update: For some reason, the show did not upload properly. The file is now.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #25

2005-07-05T22:51:00.000-05:00

Podcast #25-What are we doing for our Scouts this Summer?

The break I've taken from Scouts over the past month has been a little too nice. It's time to find my motivation and get working on Summer activities.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #24

2005-07-02T23:42:00.000-05:00

Podcast #24-I'm back with a quick update.

Live 8, July 4th, a long weekend with the family and neighbors. Who could ask for more?

No shownotes tonight.

Sorry about the lack of updates

2005-05-05T23:27:00.000-05:00

Between Tiger coming out, our Leader Meeting, getting ready for our Spring Round-Up and Cub Olympics, I just haven't felt like writing or recording anything.

But I will return...

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #23

2005-04-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

Podcast #23-The April Pack Meeting and mustard problems.

Pack Meeting was great! I've been too tired to record another show, but here's one anyway. It's going to be a long couple of weeks, but I'll keep my head high!

Show Notes

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #22

2005-04-15T10:14:00.000-05:00

Podcast #22-More Scouting myths and Scouts attitude.

It's Tax day! So what, we've got more important things to talk about.

Show Notes

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #21

2005-04-13T00:22:00.000-05:00

Podcast #21-A movie, a derby package and 6 myths

Back after a long, but fun weekend. We look at the first 6 myths about Scouting.

Show Notes

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #20

2005-04-06T00:17:00.000-05:00

Podcast #20-We be fishin!

We talk about the Pack's fishing derby. Damn, it was COLD!

Show Notes

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #19

2005-03-29T23:21:00.000-06:00

Podcast #19-Not so good Scout news, our March Pack Meeting & the Ten Commandments

Some bad news in the Scout world today. Did the Genius Kits go over with the boys? Should Ramses let Moses' people go before he did?

Show Notes

The joys of Scouting (Guam)

2005-03-29T16:09:00.000-06:00

The joys of Scouting (Guam)

With the news that came out today (listen to tonight's Podcast for more on that), I thought we could use a story ona more positive note

Tonight's show delayed until Saturday

2005-03-25T22:15:00.000-06:00

and next Monday's show will probably be done Tuesday evening.

Tonight, there's some nasty weather playing with our power, so no computer.

Monday, we have a Pack meeting and I'm not sure I'll get home in time to record the show that night.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #18

2005-03-22T07:03:00.000-06:00

Podcast #18-Pack surprises and a Happy birthday to my dad

I had to change some of the show ideas after a couple of Den issues tonight. Oh, the fun we have...

Show Notes

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #17

2005-03-18T23:39:00.000-06:00

Podcast #17-The first crack at a 30 minute show, with all sorts of new stuff

More news, a free fishing derby, Genius Kits, and new show notes.

Show Notes

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #16

2005-03-15T22:41:00.000-06:00

Podcast #16-It's time for a shake-up, but before that, let's complain about the ACLU

I think it's time for a change-we're going to a 30 minute show. But in the meantime, let's see what the ACLU is doing now.

Show Notes

Bikes For Boy Scouts

2005-03-15T16:59:00.000-06:00

Bikes For Boy Scouts

A big "thank you" to Schwinn for the support! Hopefully they won't be sued by the ACLU for this.

Scouts Make Preemptive Move Against ACLU's Threats

2005-03-15T16:56:00.000-06:00

Scouts Make Preemptive Move Against ACLU's Threats

This is an impressive move on the national BSA's part. Moving the Charters from school in itself may not be a complicated action, but they're falling on the sword for the schools, taking the threat of lawsuit away from them. I think this will come up in the next podcast.

No Podcast Tonight

2005-03-10T22:37:00.000-06:00

No show tonight. We're spending too much time packing for Dallas and I don't feel so well.

If you want something to listen to, check out The Bitterest Pill

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #15

2005-03-09T23:51:00.000-06:00

Podcast #15-Planning a fishing derby

A few tips for holding a fishing Derby for your Pack. Keep it VERY simple.

Show Notes

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #14

2005-03-08T23:27:00.000-06:00

Podcast #14-Random thoughts about involved parenting, Scouts, and a missing Podcast?

With very few notes, we plug away with another show and end up with more notes than most of my other shows...how did that happen?

Show Notes

Scout leaders say Cub program teaches values, practical skills.

2005-03-08T09:24:00.000-06:00

I know this is kind of a "fluff piece", but it gives a good overview of the Cub Scout Pack.

Athens, AL-Scout leaders say Cub program teaches values, practical skills.

Homeschoolers Making Blankets

2005-03-07T14:28:00.000-06:00

This came to me from a mailing list:

During the months of March and April, many homeschoolers from throughout the country will be making handmade blankets to contribute to local charities, including Project Linus ('security' blankets for critically ill children) and Warm Up America. This is an all INCLUSIVE effort – which hopes to encompass a very large and diverse representation of homeschoolers. Non-homeschooling members of the community are also invited and encouraged to participate. You do not need to know how to sew or knit or crochet in order to participate in this effort. This community service outreach is being coordinated by H.E.A.R.T.S. (Homeschoolers: Educating, Assisting, & Reaching-out Through Service) and presents a great opportunity for children to participate in community service. If you would like more information please visit their website.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #13

2005-03-07T09:05:00.000-06:00

Podcast #13-Take 2-With a few less rants and the final report on the Blue & Gold

Download it here.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias
Audit continues into Atlanta Boy Scouts black enrollment
Cub Scouts do without - York Daily Record

Scouts kick off drive to help Afghan children

2005-03-04T11:53:00.000-06:00

Scouts kick off drive to help Afghan children

Scouts Congratulate Record-Breaking Pilot

2005-03-04T09:14:00.000-06:00

Scouts Congratulate Record-Breaking Pilot

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #12

2005-03-04T00:53:00.000-06:00

Podcast #11-Blue & Gold-the badge ceremonies

Download it here.

We cover the 4 badge ceremonies the Pack used in the Blue & Gold:
Tiger Branding
Wolf-"Inside of You"
Bear-"Challenge of The Fire Pit"
Jr. Webelos-"Let Your Light Shine"

I'll post full copies of the ceremonies this weekend.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #11

2005-03-03T08:17:00.000-06:00

Podcast #11-Blue & Gold-the layout

Download it here.

Beginning my explanation of our Blue & Gold celebration, starting with the physical layout of the room.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias
USScouts.org is back

No Podcast Tonight

2005-03-01T22:45:00.000-06:00

We had our last meeting with an engaged couple we are sponsoring this evening and it went too long. I'll get a show recorded tomorrow.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #10

2005-02-28T22:59:00.000-06:00

Podcast #10-I'm back-talking about BTK, missing equipment and pancakes

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias
Scouts persevere-Troop 262 Followup
morons.org - Two Lessons to Learn about BTK
Scouts cook up pancake breakfast

Boy Scout seeks to raise food for needy

2005-02-28T10:56:00.000-06:00

Boy Scout seeks to raise food for needy

Boy Scout group calls Dominican Republic trip a success

2005-02-26T10:56:00.000-06:00

Boy Scout group calls Dominican Republic trip a success

FBI investigates Boy Scouts for fraud

2005-02-24T09:38:00.000-06:00

MSNBC - FBI investigates Boy Scouts for fraud

This is a follow-up on the roster investigation in Alabama.

Podcast temporarily on hold

2005-02-23T16:57:00.000-06:00

I've decided to put the show on hold until next week. With our Pack's Blue & Gold being this coming weekend, all of my free time is being used getting ready.

I will post some news stories on the site this week, to hold you over until next Monday evening.

Happy Scouting

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #9

2005-02-17T23:31:00.000-06:00

Podcast #9-Judge Sentences boys to Scouting?

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias
Harris Co. judge sentences juvenile offenders to the Boy Scouts

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #8

2005-02-16T22:10:00.000-06:00

Podcast #8-Celebs help Scouts and my podcast recipe

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias
Donated memorabilia to help local Scout pack
Light-emitting line reels in the big fish

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #7

2005-02-15T23:41:00.000-06:00

Podcast #7-Random stuff: a little Cub Scout history, famous Scouts

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias
Famous Scouters

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #6

2005-02-10T11:55:00.000-06:00

Podcast #6-Two deep leadership and finding your Pack's history

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Music-The Flying Garcias
Scout Pair Jailed For Child Abuse
Rebel Dad

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #5

2005-02-09T22:46:00.000-06:00

Podcast #5-Blue & Gold Planning Part 2 and "Cupid Poo"

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Mock broadcast to benefit tsunami relief
Richland Cub Scout pops into fund-raising record book
Suburban Pittsburgh Cub Scout sets popcorn sales record

Crazy Fads
Famous Scouts

Cupid Poop #1

Here is something from the Cupids above,
who fly along with all the doves.
Whose arrows have hit many lonely hearts;
they send you a gift for your heart.
Your kindness and love have been so true,
so the cupids have sent you their little poo-poos.

Cupid Poop #2

Here is a gift from Cupid above,
To get us all in the mood for love

You've been such a good scout, being brave right and true
And keeping the Cub Scout Promise in all that you do.

Cupid has seen what you've done;
His admiration you've won
And sending a gift might be fun

Because that is true,
He went to the loo
And bagged up his poo
And sent it to you!

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #4

2005-02-04T23:26:00.000-06:00

Podcast #4-the night before the Report to State Parade.

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Seguin Boy Honored For Heroic Rescue
Girls Get In On Pinewood Derby

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #3

2005-01-31T01:04:00.000-06:00

Podcast #3 covers some Scout internet news and Part 1 of the Blue & Gold Banquet.

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Scouts In Action-Water Rescue
Address to help USScouts.org

Podcasting

2005-01-27T15:21:00.000-06:00

I'm working on getting the podcast listed on the iPodder.org directory and pinging it to audio.weblogs.com.

Once that is done, who knows what will happen.

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #2

2005-01-26T22:13:00.000-06:00

Hot on the heels of last night's debut comes tonight's podcast. A few less "Uh"s; I'll keep working on it.

Podcast #2 covers a couple of Scout news items, a wrap up of our Pack's Pinewood Derby and "An Hour A Week" explained.

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

Links:
Home Schooled Scouts
Alabama Council Investigation

An Hour A Week? Scout Podcast #1

2005-01-26T01:17:00.000-06:00

Finally! I just sat down and did it.

Podcast #1 is an introduction to my part of the Scouting world and the standard "thank-you"s. Feedback is appreciated.

To receive this Podcast, e-mail me.

'night Johnny

2005-01-24T13:21:00.000-06:00

He's one of my inspirations for my Cubmaster style.

I remember watching his last broadcast and knowing that I was watching something important, but also not knowing exactly why it was important. I know now.

I'll miss Mr. Carson.

Today is the big race

2005-01-22T04:08:00.000-06:00

It is way too early for me to be up.

I woke up a couple of hours ago and just can't go back to sleep. I keep thinking about the Pinewood Derby and making a podcast. If it wasn't so early, I think I'd just record it right now. Maybe tonight.

Usually I can't sleep the night before a big Scouting event because I'm too nervous-thinking about what I've forgotten to Pack, what announcement I'm going to forget to make, how I'm going to make a fool of myself (and not in that 8 year old boy "cool" sort of way).

People started calling around 5:00 yesterday, asking about last minute preparations and seeing what I needed help with. That's when an event truly begins for me. That first call from another parent, when they tell me they're working on something or just want to clarify some last-minute detail, always makes me feel like I'm not the only one worrying.

Unfortunately, I usually am the only one worrying and losing sleep over Cub Scouts. Normal people don't worry this much about Cub Scouts. The other volunteers are helping out, leading, running errands, picking up food, you know-normal people tasks. I'm sitting up trying to figure out how things could go wrong (they never have) at 4 in the morning.

Sane people don't lose sleep over activites for a group of 7-10 year old boys, do they? I'd like to think that doesn't reflect bad on me, but I will admit it's a little odd.

Also, thanks to Jim at Posithink.net for the positive words earlier this week.

Dealing with ADD & ADHD Scouts

2005-01-20T08:57:00.000-06:00

Our Pack has a few ADD & ADHD Scouts, which I have found to be difficult to handle at times. Some of these boys are also my favorites to just sit and talk with at campouts or after meetings. I find it difficult to keep them engaged in a Den or Pack setting, even though I can do it when we're in a smaller setting, with only 1-2 other people around. It's been like that for the last 2-3 years and I've never really found a good list of advice that was specific to Scouting.

This morning I found one and here it is. Please forgive me for not giving credit- I found this on a Scouting mailing list.

--------------------------
Keep all activities down to 15 minutes or less. I would add that allowing and encouraging the boys to be creative in their projects helps tremendously.

Separate the ADHD boys from each other, and from other boys who are liable to follow the ADHD boys' lead in going wild. I seat my boys in a "U" shape with the Den Chief and my Asst Den Leader at the bottom of the "U". The three ADD and ADHD boys along with the most reactive of the other boys are seated in an alternating arrangement with the quieter boys. The two ADHD boys are seated right next to the leaders (DC and ADL) to allow for personal one on one control and the ADHD boys work harder at self control as they can get immediate words of praise from the leaders.

Let the boys know the plans for the meeting at the begining. Give them a goal and keep reminding them why they are doing what they are doing. Give recognition in the meeting for their achievements.

Maintain control of the meeting. I use a carrot and stick approach. The carrot is the "good conduct jug". Each boy places a bead in a clear water bottle at the start of each meeting. When disruptive or dangerous behavior happens, the Denner removes a bead. There are lines on the jug that will take about 3-4 months to cover. We just had our first reward, by their choice a trip to a local pizza/game center. The stick is first to "signs up", while using direct eye contact with the boys. A firm, non-stressed voice helps. Don't dwell on control, but quickly move to the focus activity.

Use short simple sentences. Ask the boys to repeat requests and directions back to you.

Have the boys draw up their own den meeting rules. I have a list that my boys made up posted in our meeting room. They point out infractions to each other.

Serve refreshments last. My boys do a round-robin for "snack". Every kid seems to prefer red drinks. The food coloring used, plus sugar in the cookies is guaranteed to have the kids bouncing off the walls in a half hour. Snack is a time for quietly going over the days activities and letting the boys know what will be done at the next meeting.

Be prepared. I prepare a month in advance what will be done at each meeting, and what must be done at home for each boy to earn the current activity pins. Having a well thought out plan gives me the freedom to adapt as the situation changes. In addition make one or more of each craft in advance so the boys have a model to "touch and feel" and so that you know how to do it, and that the boys are capable of doing the tasks needed for the craft.

Get the quick boys to help the slower boys. With supervision this can be a help. But watch out. Boys this age switch from cooperative to competitive modes very fast.

Keep the boys focused. ADHD boys are very easily distracted by external stimuli. I and my leaders constantly walk among the boys asking them to tell us what they are doing, complementing creativity. This seems to help in the longer more complex Webelos crafts.

Many ADD and ADHD boys take drugs (Ritalin, etc) to allow them to control their responses. Parents try to give the boys their dose about 1/2 hour before the meeting. But in real life, this does not alway happen. Be prepared for lasts week's angel to be this week's terror. My Asst Den Leader will become the terror's shadow when this happens. This is vital to a
controlled meeting.

Contact the ADD Warehouse, which has a catalog of reading and other things relevant to ADD/ADHD. You can call them at (800) 233-9273. I sat down with my ADD/ADHD parents and selected books that covered symptoms that were most common with their boys. The public library in my town had several books that gave me a good insight to the problem, but be warned, my parents told me that some the information was out of date.

ADD/ADHD kids need even more complements than other kids. But don't forget the other boys. Make the complement real, and word it in such a way as to encourage future growth. One of my ADHD boys has become quite an innovator in fishing for complements. He is begining to understand what actions will and will not earn him a complement and his behavior is slowly improving.

Cycle your activities. I have an active gathering game, den business, a focused activity, another short game, and then snack/reflection all within a 1 1/4 hour period.

My parents stay away from den meetings unless we are doing an activity that requires lots of supervision or assistance. The parents state that their boys are learning that all adults (Akeylas) require the same behavior, not just parents and teachers.

Relate information and activities to "doing" things. Somatic language that connotes physical activity helps. Many ADD boys learn best by doing, and are very poor at memorizing remote facts. This can slow meetings down, but will improve the experience for everyone.

I'm in a bad mood

2005-01-17T13:56:00.000-06:00

I'm still getting ready for the Pinewood Derby this weekend, but just had the wind knocked out of my sails by someone. Since I'm new to blogging, I'm not sure who is reading this (if anyone) and don't want to mention specifics about what happened.

I think I'll work on some freelance jobs tonight, maybe not think about Scouting. Everything should look better in the morning.

Lazing on A Sunday Afternoon

2005-01-16T13:24:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a lot of fun; we had a few "Leader Meetings" during our Pinewood Derby trial run and picked up a new Den Leader! It seems like such an easy concept-just ask for help and people will help. No cars were damaged and the track is still in one piece. We're just about ready for our PWD next week.

It also gave me a chance to talk to a lot of the parents about their opinions of the Pack and it's leadership. I don't get to do it as often as I would like; there's never enough time. Or privacy. Or not having excited Scouts around. It is nice to have a minute ir two to look a parent in the eyes and really listen to them. I learned a lot about the Pack from the "other side".

I ordered a mircophone today from eBay. I am SO ready to start Podcasting. I'm hoping I can get it this week, so I can do my first one this weekend; maybe I'll even do two.

But for now, it's Sunday afternoon, 44º outside, and I'm going to spend some time with the kids.

Pinewood Derby and a new Podcast

2005-01-14T20:33:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow we're having the trial run for our Pinewood Derby, where everyone comes over to my house and makes sure their cars are within spec. I'm actually looking forward to it; I get a lot of energy from being around the other Scouts and their parents. We'll see if I still feel that way tomorrow night.

Also, Dave Slusher played a "shout-out" from another Podcast (http://www.posithink.net/). Amazing, but Jim talked about almost exactly the same thing I did in my first post. Good for you, Jim! I'll be listening to his Podcast; I think it's an untapped area in Podcasting (much like Scouting).

Boy Scouts of America Recognizes National Mentoring Month

2005-01-14T09:47:00.000-06:00

Boy Scouts of America Recognizes National Mentoring Month

As part of its ongoing efforts to do a Good Turn for America, the Boy Scouts of America, the nation's leading youth organization, is recognizing January 2005 as National Mentoring Month.

Get out and do what you can to help inspire young people. They're going to look up to someone; why can't it be you?

Getting ready for our Pinewood Derby

2005-01-14T09:12:00.000-06:00

Last night we tested our Pinewood Derby track. We do it every year to make sure we have all of the screws, the wires for the timer are all there, stuff like that.

So a couple of the Den Leaders come by and we open the box for the track-and the wires to the starting gate have been cut and there's a label on the serial cable (in MY writing) that says "Replace this Cord". Every year, it's something. 2 years ago, we broke the starting gate, last year we broke some of the other wires; it's always something.

So a couple of promises to go get new wires and one soldering gun later, we have everything set up. 3 lanes out of the 4 work right away. We haven't had a 4-lane race in a couple of years, so it wasn't that big of a deal. But the other 2 guys wanted to try and get it working, I just wanted to get it over with. So much for my great Cubmaster leadership.

After 10-15 minutes, they got all 4 lanes working and they labeled everything so we could put it back together next week at the real race. We broke it all back down and it is quietly sleeping in my garage.

The point: I have a real bad habit of trying to do as much as I can myself. If those Den Leaders wouldn't have come over, I would have just left it at 3 working lanes. We would still have our Pinewood Derby and it would still be fine, but I would know the Pack Leadership didn't do it's best and that would make it harder for us to ask the boys to do their best. If the parents and the Scouts know the leadership is giving as much as we can to the Pack, they will give as much as they can.

Let the Blogging begin

2005-01-13T09:10:00.000-06:00

I've let the weblog turn into a retelling of new stories from other sites, which was not my intention at all. So let's try this again, from the top...

Interned Japanese-Americans embraced Scouting

2005-01-12T17:13:00.000-06:00

KRT Wire | 01/10/2005 | Interned Japanese-Americans embraced Scouting
An old flag stored for decades in a suitcase under someone's bed. A stash of books, their spines barely creased, rescued from a classroom at a San Francisco Buddhist church. Combined, these items tell the story of a little known part of American history: how Japanese-Americans segregated in internment camps during World War II embraced Boy Scouting, a most American tradition, at a time when the United States restricted their freedom.

Ottawa - Scouts to assist with southeast Asia relief effort

2005-01-12T17:10:00.000-06:00

Ottawa - Scouts to assist with southeast Asia relief effort
“As an organization that teaches its youth to help others, it is important that we provide our members with the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the relief effort,” explained Mike Scott, Scouts Canada’s Chief Commissioner. “I have therefore challenged each Beaver, Cub, Scout, Venturer and Rover across Canada to donate his or her weekly dues over the course of the next two weeks to a special national fund.”

Lennon's Scout group benefits from trust

2005-01-12T17:07:00.000-06:00

ic Liverpool - Lennon's Scout group benefits from trust
JOHN LENNON'S former Scout group is among the beneficiaries of a trust set up to benefit the people of one of Merseyside's most popular suburbs.

Scout collects $1,800 in donations for tsunami relief

2005-01-07T15:35:00.000-06:00

Scout collects $1,800 in donations for tsunami relief (Omaha World-Herald).
Gus Winner, the 11-year-old Cub Scout who responded to news of the Asian tsunami by going door-to-door in his Omaha neighborhood collecting donations, surprised even himself.

Scouts to buy Melita Island

2005-01-01T16:08:00.000-06:00

Scouts to buy Melita Island (Daily Inter Lake).
Today is the deadline for a Boy Scout campaign to raise $1.5 million for the purchase of an island on Flathead Lake, and it appears that target will be met "by the skin of our teeth," the campaign chairman said Thursday afternoon.

Scouts In Action-Tsunami Tragedy

2004-12-30T16:31:00.000-06:00

Scouts In Action-Tsunami Tragedy
A picture of a man in Sri Lanka cradling his dead nephew made an impression on Gus Winner. The 11-year-old Omahan was so moved that, like many people in the Midlands, he decided to do what he could to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami that ravaged south Asia on Sunday.

A great story. I love to see Scouts jump into action quickly.

New Design is done

2004-12-29T16:55:00.000-06:00

Finally! I've been working on this for a couple of days now. I finished the design a week ago, but didn't know a thing about working with Radio.

I finally went through the trouble to learn just enough to change the RSS feed to include enclosures (I swear I'm going to do a podcast), change the back-end a little, and get my design working.

By the way, the picture at the top of the page is me and my oldest, Curtis, taken in early December at our Pack's Winter Campout.

Maybe I'll quit messing with the design and actually focus more on content.

Scouting recruitment for all

2004-12-29T16:46:00.000-06:00

Scouts busy recruiting (The Herald Tribune)
There's magic in the number 100. That's the number of new scouting recruits that the local Boy Scouts of America wants to sign up during a special recruitment drive this week.

This story got me to thinking: Has anyone ever done a joint Cub Scout/Girl Scout/Boy Scout recruitment drive? If so, drop me a comment, I'd love to know if it was worth doing and how to do it.

The calm before the storm

2004-12-27T17:12:00.000-06:00

I really forgot how nice the holidays can be. Sure, the gifts, family, food and fun are all great, but I mean the break from Scouts!

While I was cleaning off my desk and getting ready to regroup for the week, I realised I hadn't done anything Scout related in the last week. I hate to say it, but I was glad.

I give a lot of time and effort to Scouting September through Mid-December and January through May; I forget that I'm not really burned-out, just need a small break.

I'm sure you other Scout Leaders can relate.

So, I'm off to spend a few minutes getting the kids up. Hopefully, Curtis and I will work on his Pinewood Derby car some more today. We'll see if I can get a podcast recorded before Tuesday morning also.

Pinewood Derby Award List

2004-12-27T17:11:00.000-06:00

Here's a list of my favorite Pinewood Derby awards. Our Pack is running our PWD at the end of January. We do give out participation awards to everyone, but I really think the Scouts who put in the extra effort should be recognized above and beyond.

Cubmaster's Award-Most representative of Scouting
Most Realistic Car
Best Old-Time Car
Most Valuable Car-The car that ended up with the most money glued to it to make weight
Best Crash
Strangest Shape
Most Futuristic

We usually make the awards ourselves. They mostly consist of a stained wood block with some sort of gold painted item glued to it (a 6" ruler for Most Realistic, a giant penny for Most Valuable). They're fairly cheap and quick to make and the Scouts really like seeing a big pile of awards on the table.

Capitol Area Council will get a new home!

2004-12-27T17:07:00.000-06:00

Former Boy Scout donates $2M for new center (BizJournals)
The Capitol Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America plans to build a new service center in Austin, thanks to a $2 million gift from council board member Frank Fickett.

All I can say about this is: THANK GOD! The current Capitol Area office/shop is a former church and it is cramped. They've been talking about a new Scout shop somewhere in north Austin for a year or two, but nothing has ever come of it. Maybe they'll find a site a little closer to my neck of the woods.

Our Winter Campout (Review)

2004-12-21T17:14:00.000-06:00

So here's the story on our Pack's campout-only a week too late.

Beautiful weather both nights (12/10 and 12/11). It got to 32 degrees on Friday night, so everyone earned their "Polar Bear" badges. It was not nearly as cold as the 17 degrees it was last year.

When Curtis and I showed up to the campsite (Canyon of The Eagles-Burnet, Texas) we were all ready to set up our tent, which has been really messed up since the "lantern incident" a couple of years ago (more on that another time). One of our Den Leaders comes up and tells me that the beautiful tent set up next to the spot we were going to set up on is our NEW TENT! Kick-ass! It was all uphill from there.

Saturday, the Scouts all had a great time, lots of Capture the Flag and playing down by the lake. Saturday evening, we did our flag retirement ceremony.

I've been part of retiring American flags for 3 years now; this one was the best so far. We had 4 Scouts as our color guard and they were spot-on perfect. Not bad for Scouts who only got to practice once 2 hours beforehand. All of the other 24 Scouts who participated were very respectful; I wish they were that way all of the time. It's the only time during the Scout year that I get emotional.

Came back on Sunday, exhausted, but happy. We had a good time and we're going to book the same place again next year.

Bye Dime.

2004-12-10T21:52:00.000-06:00

Stupid, stupid, stupid. No one deserves to go out like that.

Here's the story.

You'll be missed.

Our Pack's Winter Campout

2004-12-09T23:46:00.000-06:00

Our Pack has a campout coming this weekend. We've got 75-100 people coming. I've been so busy working on the Pack's website, my Mom's website, I have barely had time to even think about this campout, let alone the impact it will have on our Pack.

For the last couple of years, we have had a Winter campout. It usually gets down around freezing (for us in Texas, that's COLD!), but we always have a good turnout. Since it is colder and the days are shorter, I've noticed a marked difference between this campout and our Fall and Spring campouts. Winter campout is usually a more somber feeling; not a much activity. The "Council Fire" is a more subdued event; more quiet.

Not this year. I've got a flag retirement ceremony planned, some religious items and a firestarting ceremony that should wake up the December night. Unfortunately, right now they are just concepts.

I've got less than 24 hours to come up with a full-hour program; I really didn't mean to wait until the last minute, but this week has been so distracting.

So instead of writing in this weblog, I should go work on my campout ceremony. Maybe things will look better tomorrow night.

Weblog Design

2004-12-08T21:42:00.000-06:00

I've spent the better part of this morning trying to get our Pack's website back online. Some sort of error at my ISP. I haven't gotten a damn thing done on the campout for this weekend, not even packing or buying food. It's going to be a long couple of days.

While I was waiting for technical support, I realized how terrible this blog looks. I'll get it cleaned up...sometime.

Why am I here?

2004-12-07T21:38:00.000-06:00

Why am I here?

Blame Dave Slusher.

I've been listening to a lot of Podcasts in the last month, and I love them. Check my links and you'll see my favorites. Getting those Podcasts has changed my entire commute. Instead of the usual MP3 banter I listen to (Motley Crue, Neil Diamond, stuff like that).

My wife has a skill for writing-something I've always wished I had, but never have. Writing will never be my strong-suit. That's when it hit me. I could do my own Podcast. I've always wanted to be a D.J.- this would be perfect. I like music; I like talking... what could be better?

Enter Dave. In a couple of recent Podcasts, he mentioned another Podcaster with a southern accent and how great it was. Over the next couple of Podcasts, he mentioned how he wanted to hear Podcasts done by people who are "real", not just D.J., "Morning Zoo", generic stuff. He wanted to connect to other bloggers. It definitely resonated in me.

So I threw out the D.J. idea and began to think about the things that make up who I am: my family, parents, brothers; and what I enjoy doing: Cub Scouting, technology, gadgets, web design.

There are a lot of Weblogs and Podcasts dealing with design, gadgets, stuff like that, but none about Scouting.

So here is my weblog about my adventures in Cub Scouting.