For Local BlogNew Scout Begins Planting Seeds of Knowledge for Life
By Kakie Fitzsimmons
Last winter I was at a business conference where we broke off into small groups for a discussion about personal growth and what has shaped us in our lives. There were at least three men at my table, all over the age of 40, and every one of them talked about being a boy scout. I don’t have any brothers, so what they said amazed me and helped me understand why we needed to jump on board this year for my seven year old to join cub scouts.
This past weekend we went out and bought the uniform for my little guy. It took a couple of days to get all of the patches on in the right place and when I was done I hung up the shirt in his room. Two nights ago I came home later in the evening because of a business function I was attending and found a small American flag taped up on my closet door. I asked him about it and he smiled proudly and told me he put on his uniform and put the flag up there so he could say the pledge of allegiance.
Tonight was his first den meeting and I did something I never would have thought. I signed up to co-lead as a den mom and frankly, I am kind of excited about it. They say that scouting prepares young boys for life. How to make ethical decisions, to be a good citizen, leadership development, honesty with himself and others, doing his best – even when it is hard, being confident and so much more.On the way home he told me he learned the reason the light always shines on the flag is to remind us that the light of god is always shining on us. I never knew that, so once again, he continues to teach me.
One of the things I like about being a single mom is that I get to blow over stereo types in so many different areas – like the fact that I taught my little man how to throw his first football, to dribble his first basketball, etc. This is just another thing to add to my list.
At Farmer’s Hat Productions , we strive for planting values like these in children too. Our tagline, “Growing kids through diverse learning experience,” reflects that. We all gain knowledge by doing or living through different adventures. That is why we created Bur Bur and Friends . We want to teach kids about sports and outdoor exploration and to inspire families to get involved in active lifestyles.
The Scouting Law: A scout is trustworthy loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
The Scouting Pledge:
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my Country
To obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight
Please share some of your own experiences below!!!
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October 2nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
He looks very happy to be in his uniform and it is great that he took it upon himself to put an American flag up.
Most Eagle Scouts started as Cub Scouts and they devote next ten years to getting to that goal.
That is something I find most adults are unwilling to do, that is, setting a long term goal and sticking with it!
Cub Scout Promise
I, (say your name), promise
to DO MY BEST
To do my DUTY to GOD
And my Country
To HELP other people, and
To OBEY the LAW of the Pack
Law of the Pack
The Cub Scout follows Akela.
The Cub Scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.
The Cub Scout gives goodwill.
Cub Scout Motto : DO YOUR BEST
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Thank you for sharing your son’s step towards responsible civic duty and Joe’s fitting tribute. With all the things we hear today about how jaded parents and children can become it is reassuring to me to hear that you helped your son get into Cub Scouts, and then you went the extra mile to become a Den Mom. Wow!
As Joe said, this can be a great path, not only into manhood, but also into a great breadth and depth of knowledge about the world and how things work. The merit badge program, the camaraderie, and general support of great adults can really help kids get ahead.
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
My son was in cub scouts and boy scouts. He really enjoyed the outdoor stuff. I went to camp with him once, in a tent and an outhouse. At the time a really felt like I was suffering with out my electricity, plumbing and television. Now, I look back on that camp trip as a one of the best times I had with Colton. I can honestly say I don’t like to camp but the time we spent together was really fun. I know the values he learn in scouts he will help him through life.
Have fun camping! You’ll have a great time.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Congrats to your son on becoming a Cub Scout! Scouting helps develop character but its also FUN! I’m sure you will find being a leader rewarding as well.
Hopefully I can write a story about him becoming an Eagle Scout in the future! Good Luck on the journey!
October 8th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Thanks for sharing your experience. I haven’t signed up to be a co-den mother, but I am finding myself compelled to assist the den leaders (a married couple) in any way that I can;This is their first year leading a den. I also volunteered to take over the Pack Treasurer duties next year when the current one leaves. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, but I’m sure it will be a learning experience. Hopefully my fourteen years of banking experience will come in handy.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Welcome to the wonderful world of Scouting. It sounds like the two of you are really enjoying things so far. And thanks for writing about the experience.
October 8th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Welcome to Scouting!
I hope you and your son enjoy the fun and adventure! The time spent together will be as the commercial says “PRICELESS!”
Continue to grow and discover and most of all… Have Fun!
Have a Great Scouting Day!
October 8th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
My 8-year-old is a girl scout Brownie, her second year, and she loves it. My 7-year-old son just started cub scouts, he’s a Wolf. He’s pretty shy, but seems to be coming out of his shell with the group. I think any kids experience with scouting has a lot to do with the leader, and how much creativity and effort they put into it.. My kids have fun, but I know of other troops who get to do a lot more, and participate more in the community, whether it’s walking in parades, going to senior centers, doing community projects, whatever. But we try to make the most of it. It’s fun for them, they get to make new friends, and they have a positive way to spend some of their time. And my kids are all about working on getting their badges.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Welcome to Scouting! You will love it. I’m in my 2nd year as a Webelo Den Leader, with two more to go.
Your boy will learn things in scouting that he won’t learn anywhere else.
Congrats, and welcome!!!
Linda
October 13th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Kakie,
Thanks for adding another Wolf scout to the Pack! He’s fortunate to have an Akela like you. There’s lots of great program ideas, training, and support from other scouters available to new leaders like yourself.
October 16th, 2008 at 4:55 am
2 cub scout meetings so far and my son is loving it!
I was a girl scout from grade 2 all the way through college. I worked for the girl scouts when I was in college so I had to register even when I was in college.