J's BSA Report for September 2014

J joined one of the local Boy Scout troops this year. Since he is in first grade, he starts as a Tiger Cub in the Cub Scouts (Boy Scouts come later). The first meeting was just a social where J wasn't too social but was still interested enough to sign up. He read about Neil Armstrong's early years in the scouts and wants to follow in his footsteps.

The next week we went to our first den meeting. All the new tiger cubs are in a group called a den. The den is part of a larger group called a pack. The pack J belongs to has other dens with Wolf Cubs (for second graders), Bear Cubs (for third graders), and Webelos (for fourth and fifth graders). J learned the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack as well as the Cub Scout sign, handshake, salute, and motto. He received his neckerchief and slide that night.

J on the first night

We had a list of items (a shirt, a hat, a handbook, and some patches) to pick up at a Boy Scout store. Mommy diligently worked on attaching the patches while I studied the Tiger Cub Handbook. The book was a big help practicing the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, the Cub Scout sign, handshake, salute, and motto. With those well ingrained in J's brain, I went online to register his completion of the first badge on the BSA website.

The next week the pack had a meeting with all the dens. The whole group played some games, sang some songs, and handed out badges and other awards. Some of the older boys had a lot of awards since this was the first meeting since the summer break. J received his Bobcat badge for making the first requirements.

J in uniform with Bobcat badge

The next weekend we went for a hike. The whole family was invited and we explored the Patuxent Branch Trail with J's den. It was a fine hike near our old house. We tried to find a geocache along the way but were unsuccessful. We had fun anyway. A small stream ran along the path and we stopped to throw in sticks and stones. Running and climbing were also fun activities.

Racing down a path

Climbing a big rock

Next month we have a leaf rubbing activity and our first camp out, so look forward to an exciting report!