Back in the late summer of 2000 there was a flyer on the mail boxes in our area regarding registration for 'Cub Scouts' which now is co-ed. My daughter, Kayla suggested an interest as did her friend Austin. Austin's Mom and I decided to go and see what it was all about. The program sounded like a great opportunity for them so we signed them up! We had it all figured out...we'd drop the kids off on Tuesday nights then go out for a coffee or maybe shopping (afterall there was a great craft store just around the corner from the Church!) Well, that plan lasted, ummm, uuh, actually that plan never took place! The first meeting or two, we stayed to observe (it was afterall, new to both the kids and to us) Needless to say, we were seen as 'Parents that were there all the time anyway' and were approached to help out if we were interested. There wasn't a female Cub Leader at that time, and having a daughter involved as well as 2 other girls in the group, a female Leader would be a great idea! (In Cubs the Leaders names are choosen from the story 'Jungle Book') There was John (Akela), Dave (Bagheera), Ming (Pat), Baloo (Mike) and Kaa (Sean), a great fun group of guys (and ooh did I mention persistent!!LOL!!)
We agreed to attend the first camp as parent volunteers - afterall, they needed female adults with the female Cubs! What Fun we had!! The 'men' did the shopping and all the cooking!! The Cubs all cleaned their own plates and cutlery, it was ALMOST like being on vacation (with everyone else's children, but hey, they were a great bunch of kids!) We were 'approached' again at camp. Around the camp fire and throughout the weekend they (the Leaders) told us all about their many years and experiences and you could just tell they were truly dedicated and enjoyed their years in the 'Scouting' movement. Well, guess what, a couple of weeks or was it days, later...
Meet the new 'US', Raksha (Kayla's Mom) and Chil (Austin's Mom)
Kayla's Brother Erik is now a 'Beaver' too and Rainbow (Erik's Mom) has agreed to help out in Beavers too!!
John and Dave, I'm still trying to rub off that 'sucker' written on my forehead!!! LOL!!!
All joking aside. John and Dave, I'm extremely grateful for your persistance, I have sooooooo enjoyed my time since I have joined the 'Scouting' movement and have had some great fun , experiences and have learned so much in my short time. It has soooo opened my world. I have met some truly wonderful people that have truly become my 'other' family.
When those kids earn a new badge or learn something new and have that 'look' on their face of pride or excitement or when the 'unruly' one sits totally engrossed and answers questions, or when the 'real quiet' one puts their hand up to give a thought or answer a question, I can't tell you the joy you feel being a part of that.
I am now a full fledged 'trained' Beaver Leader (and have the woggle to prove it lol)and am about to take Troop training (Scout Level) and assist in Scouts. I have taken the year off in Cubs but sure do miss the Cubs and sure do miss working with Mike (now Akela and an excellent Leader!) but I'll Be Back!!LOL!!
"Scouter Dave"We now have our 'Group Website" !!! Just click our Group's necker below
