Thoughts from a mom that's been there...
Crossover to Boy Scouts quickly approaches for your son. I hope your family is seriously considering making the complete transition to Boy Scouts. Participation in the in the co-outings with the Boy Scouts that Bob Clark is planning is important.
Transition - A successful transition to Boy Scouts depends alot on the parent. Boys need to be pumped up by the family to take the next step. As of February Blue and Gold their life with the Pack will be over. The cost to try Boy Scouts is $1, the cost to transfer from Pack 502 to Troop 77 . $60 Boy Scout dues won't be due until December, 2012 (6th grade).
Smorgasboard - Boy Scouts offers a lot more choices to boys than a Pack den. Boys will be able to sign up for monthly overnights as desired and work on their achievements at their own pace. Very few boys do it all... most build a Boy Scout career around their personal interests and time availability/other activities. Many boys have significant commitments to band, sports, etc. and make it work.
Boy Accounts - Boy Scouts are encouraged to be thrifty and participate in fundraising opportunities provided by the Troop (Christmas wreaths/poinsettias; Easter flowers; SCRIP credit cards). Each boy has an account where a portion of the profits is held for their own use on Boy Scout expenses. This opportunity can be very beneficial to the family budget.
Boy Scout Handbook - makes a great Christmas gift or crossover gift for your son. Sold at the Council store. Keep in mind that in Boy Scouting they use the same book for 6 ish years and they carry it to every meeting and campout. They sell two versions. A cheaper, lighter weight that starts to fall apart after a couple years and a higher quality spiral bound that I would highly recommend. They also sell a nice cover that has room for paper, pencil, merit badge book, etc. One of the responsibilities of Boy Scouts is the BOY is responsible for getting an adult to sign his book when they can prove they've mastered the skill/done the requirement... the books get used alot.
Summer Camp - one way to help guarantee your son a successful Boy Scout career is make sure he is available to participate in Summer Camp most years. They cover alot of bases at camp and it is a blast. Troop 77 plans on attending camp June 24-June 30 this year at Camp Rotary in Clare. Mark your calendar now !
Leadership - Boy Scouts is boy led... a great training session is offered through the Council that helps new Boy Scout adult volunteers get their head around this concept. There are many, many roles for adults to play... they're just a little different from the Cub Scout roles you may be used to.
If there is anything I can do to help make a smooth transition to Boy Scouts for your son please let me know.
Cindy Reisig
669-8542
