I only got two lines written yesterday before I had to run. I was running all day. So much for the "day of rest". So much for posting anything yesterday.
I have a lot of things rolling through my mind this morning, but nothing seems to be sticking to the page. Some days I feel a lot of inspiration to write, other days something has really been bugging me for I can write, other days I just hope something comes to mind. Apparently there are days when there is a void.
I will tell you all how much I dislike Scouting at the moment. The Boy is only 11 and I am just not loving this program. I am sure that there are a lot of great things for him, but so far, I am not seeing the wisdom in doing this as a Young Men's activity system.
The Boy had a Board of Review last night. Still no rank advancement. Poor kid. He has a dumb mom who knows nothing of scouting. I thought my job was to sign him up for merit badge classes, make up what he missed at Scouts when he has a conflicting event the same night, and sew on patches. Apparently not.
What I would really like to see is an orientation meeting for parents. You know, like a Scouting for Dummies kind of thing. They might explain that there are requirements for moving your boy up in rank that overlap and you could work on things simultaneously thus moving him along faster.
They could explain that merit badges are only part of the deal. You as a parent also have to guess what is going on each week, grill your child as if you were a 1930s FBI agent on the trail of a mob boss to get information home about what they did and what the leader said they were planning on doing.
They could explain that if your boy doesn't get into this program at a very early point, the love is gone and you may never get him back into it.
But they don't tell you any of this.
I even when looking for a Scouting for Dummies handbook. Nothing. So much for looking for information that might save my kid's interest in a program that his dad thinks is lame too. Genius Golfer had a terrible scouting experience so he has opted out of working through this with The Boy. Again, it would have been nice to know that option was available.
There are days I would like to opt out and let The Boy do other things he is interested in. But I try to support what the local group is doing, with the hopes that The Boy will enjoy what is going on and that he and the other boys will be buddies as they get older.
Yeah, it isn't happening yet. In the meantime, I thought I could write the Scouting for Dummies book, but I don't even know enough to do that. So much for that thought.
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6 comments:
Shauna, I'm in the same boat as you! I was just complaining about how Matthais earned his arrow of light 6 months ago and has not recieved it. And...Since he's turned 11 (5months ago) he's had maybe 6 scout activities. He's no where near a scout advancement and I have no clue how to get him there. Everytime I complain I am told there is going to be a parent meeting.....UGH...so frustrating!
I am a firm believer that a good boy scout leader is what makes all the difference.
I was an 11 year old scout leader and learned tons! It's important to plan and track what each of the boys is doing. If you don't, the information is lost or the boys are showing up for nothing. If the leader is not doing their job, that is where the frustration comes from.
My husband is a big scouter. If you want some direction, he'll talk with you. I can help were I can, but I don't have the zeal for it that he does.
The program is totally worth it - if it's done right. The opportunities my boys have had have been amazing and worth all the effort to keep up with it.
I have to agree about the scout leader! He can literally make or break a scout and the program. My DS13 will most likely get his Eagle this year because of the leaders! It also helps that his dad is asst. scoutmaster.
11 yr scouts seem to be stuck between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. They can actually start doing activities with the Boy Scouts like camps. Camping Merit Badges take a couple years so it pays to start early. Also Family Life and Fitness. Fitness can be passed off in 7th grade PE.
Google BYU PowWow. They are doing them in the Spring and Fall. See if your ward goes and if not, take your scout. It's worth it! BYU does the hard badges like Community, Nation and World badges (can't remember the full title). See if he can go this spring or needs to wait until fall.
Let's write a Dummies book together!
Well, I admire your efforts. Hang in there. (This is from the mother whose 3 sons were a "blowout" - - no Dad interest, no sons interest.)
:) I got Z through the cub scouting, arrow of light and all that, the boy scouting program is his dad's job. (although, I have helped). I know how you feel. I am glad Keith has a clue about the program because I don't. Our leaders have been great at helping the boys progress.l
Well, as the mother of two eagles and the grandmother of two eagles, I just have this to say - it DOES depend a great deal on the scoutmaster (Thank heaven for Bob Hoggan.) My husband is not a big fan of the church's involvement in scouting, so it was up to me. My advice - I know a great scoutmaster in San Diego whose name is Craig. I am SURE he would love to help you!
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