Tiger Cub (Scout)

We signed Toe up for cub scouts this year. He has attended as many meetings as his health would allow, has earned his bobcat badge, and is close to earning his tiger badge.

 I have been conflicted for years about whether to put Toe in scouts. Both J and his brother were scouts when they were young, as was my brother. Scouting gave my brother friends and acceptance. My mom's father was a proud eagle scout and den leader even though he had no sons. He and his brother (pictured here) had been raised outdoors on scouting events by their uncle... Needless to say, we have a huge family history. My sense of conflict came from some of the political decisions the organization has made...

The decision was finally solidified when we found out that Toe's best friend had signed up. I had a talk with his mother and decided that we would give scouting a try. So far, we are really happy with the experience. Our den has seven cub scouts and at this age, each scout comes to meetings with an adult. The parents take turns leading activities which are all set out through scouting curriculum but there is room for adjusting things as we see fit.

Our new cub scout gets his new duds with his great-great uncle, an eagle and former den leader

The day we went to Portland to get Toe's uniform, I called my great-uncle and told him about our new scout. I asked if he wanted to join us at the scouting store to bear witness to Toe's induction into scouting. It was short notice but Unc rearranged his afternoon and arrived with bells on. He also emailed me an amazing story about how he and my grandfather received their eagle badges on the same day even though they had nine years' age difference. It was an incredibly wonderful story about a thirteen and a nineteen year old (my grandfather had been at war and so was able to get his at a later age) working together and becoming close in the process. Grandpop died when I was sixteen but I know he would have been so proud to have Toe as a scout. To have Unc there was amazing and really emotional for me. Such a special moment!!

In a weird twist of fate, I have become the den leader. Because parents attend every meeting and take turns with activities, my role is mostly oversight, paperwork, leading as necessary. Toe's health makes our Assistant Den leader's role critical as well...  The process has been a sharp learning curve for me - IS a sharp learning curve; but I am having fun. I actually may be enjoying this more than Toe. I have made new friends (there are some GREAT parents in our den), we are doing some things we normally do and some things that are new to us...

Just received his bobcat badge. The church is the parent organization for our pack.