Henry is turning eight in just a couple of months. In the LDS culture this is a very big deal. Children are baptized when they turn eight and if you are a boy, you finally join the Cub Scouts. This makes me very, very nervous. I can't peg exactly why this makes me nervous, but it might be the time commitment or the fact that David and I are supposed to help Henry pass of different skills. As Robyn, Sabby, Rachel, and Jessie can attest, my lashing skills are a bit rusty. Girls camp was so many, many years ago. I guess it just feels like one more thing for Henry (or David and I) to do.
ANYWAY.
I think my feelings are starting to change on this matter. I might even be getting a little bit excited. I already know that Henry is excited. So excited, in fact, that he sliced open his finger on his pocket knife on Monday and he keeps telling me that it didn't hurt. You see, David brought home a movie for us to watch this weekend. It was Disney, it was classic (old), and it was filmed in the (now ruined) wilds of Iverson Ranch near Chatsworth, CA. I feel connected to the San Fernando Valley since it is the land of my mother's inheritance.
After watching Follow Me Boys! I hope that someday Henry has a leader like Fred MacMurray and has fellow scouters like Hoodoo, Frankie, and Whitey. Well, maybe not like Whitey at the beginning of the movie, but more like him at the end. If nothing else, I hope he gets to have a fun marching song. Although I doubt that scouters march very much anymore. Do you see how much I have to learn about this scouting stuff?
12 comments:
Oh my goodness, Cub Scouts is sooooo fun! Henry will luv it. Yes, cubs is "another" thing you and David will have to keep track of, but it's easy.
I have one piece of advice - when you get his Wolf book (spiral bound if you can spring for it) take one hour and read it. Get familiar with it. You will have great success and minimal stress if you know what it is he has to do, cause most of it he already does or you can incorporate easily into your everyday life and pass it off. It is so simple.
The best part is what you learn with Henry will only benefit Calvin. Now join with me and let's make a good ole Wolf howl, aaaaahhhhwwwoooooooo!!!!!
Cub Scouting is FUN!! I used to help my mom when she was a den leader with David - or maybe Bobby or Bill - I don't remember. And it was fun. There was a little boy who was mentally deficient but my mom was sure we could adapt things for him - it was a touching experience for me to see how little it took to bring this boy joy. It was a lesson I was glad to learn early in life.
And I worked with Harry and Damon as a den leader. And then with Tina - I didn't even have a Cub Scout then and Harry F. was our Den Chief - that was fun. And I didn't even know I was impacting anyone, but one of the boys recently thanked me for my influence on him.
And I worked with a friend who was less active when Noah was a Cub Scout - and that was a very positive experience.
I really don't understand women with boys who somehow try to avoid working in Cub Scouts - they lose out on some great times.
It is a great opportunity to have a special time with your son - later in Boy Scouts you can teach Merit Badge classes, serve on the Scout committee and interact with your boy at a time when there might not be a whole lot of activities that you have in common.
I have no regrets about my years in Scouting - I actually loved my uniforms and special tee shirts too!!
Tell Henry we are excited for him to be 8 also!!
Phoebe you'll be a pro in no time.
I am the counselor in primary over cub scouts, so I am learning more than I ever wanted to know on the subject. Amy had great advice- read the book and most everything you pass off is stuff you already do with your family. The boys love it and it is one more thing to do, but after a while it is no big deal. If you are scared about him turning 8, I would be more scared about him making good choices related to Baptism than cub scouts.
We have great scouting leaders in our ward, and I think that makes a big difference, but I am sure you will tackle this with ease, just like you do everything else. Congrats on Henry making it to 8...almost. BTW, you were way ahead of the name game, because it seems there are hundreds (ok, maybe 5) of Henry's running around these parts. But your Henry is the oldest I know!
Boy's usually love Cub Scouts. Amy gives great advice about getting to know the book/requirements. Just deciding to have a good attitude about it can make a big difference in how fun it is for you and the family. It does involve the family, Pack meeting is for the whole family and my little kids love it, they are always asking if it is family scouts yet.
Also, just like so many things with your children, it will be over before you know it and you will wish he was 8 and so excited about cub scouts again.
And if you are lucky, you will get to be involved once more with your grandkids!
I forgot to say how I love 'Follow Me Boys'.
Lem is a great scout leader.
I always tear up a little when all the boys show up at the end.
I think I'm with you. Scouts is still very scary for me. At least I have a little longer than you to get ready. I can't believe he is almost 8!!! Yikes!
I've never seen the film - I will have to "check it out!"
Are you kidding? You and David can handle anything! You will love scouts. Just read the book, half the stuff you guys already do and a lot is done in school etc. It is just a matter of tracking it in the easy to follow book. I LOVE scouting. I am certain they are scheming to call you or David as scouts leaders. You will melt when you see any of your boys in the scout uniform--there is NOTHING cuter!
I LOVE "Follow Me Boys"!! It's a childhood favorite! Good luck with Cubs, you will do great!
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