Boy have times changed..This blog posting is not quite about scouting, ok, its not about scouting at all, but it is about one of my children. C1, my 13yr old, first class Boy Scout.
It was in the news today about how the social media is affecting our children negatively. My first thought was 'hogwash'. But, tonight, I realized, it is effecting my son and I wonder how many other kids it affects. (I never know if its effect or affect)!
My son has been very moody lately. he spends 90% of his time on FB or txting. (its still cold here in the midwest, to cold and muddy to be outside playing yet) I realized tonight how much he is being effected by the thoughts and opinions that are bombarding him every waking second of his day.
I have to admit, I txt and FB all day long too. But its innocuous stuff. Comments about my kids or dogs, or the vacuum. I'm Txting a gf about a funny sign, or does she want to meet for lunch. We as adults, txt or fb about unimportant stuff.
Kids are not txting or fbing about stupid unimportant stuff. Or at least my son isn't . Its always about drama...and in his world, its major drama. whose fighting with who, who likes him or who doesn't, who said what about who. Yes, we had this drama as kids, but when we got off the bus or walked in the front door, it was gone. It was left behind. Yes, there were occasional phone calls, but for the most part, it was left behind.
Not anymore. Now my son is being bombarded with this stuff every moment he is awake. This is what is causing the warnings on the news.
Imagine it like this...Someone in your family is very sick or dying or going through a divorce or whatever. They are close to you..it is very painful. And you are talking about it every single moment of your waking day, for days on end. It will destroy you! I'm sure many of you have been there, know the feeling, know the pain.
Imagine your kids doing this, its what they are doing. In their world, their drama is just as painful, and they are living it every waking moment of the day. It is destroying them emotionally.
C2, my daughter, 11yo, went to neighbors house to be with her gf's. She came home after a few minutes. I asked why, she said cause they were only sitting around texting. WTF! All of the girls were in the same room, not talking to eachother, but txting others.
So much for the art of conversation! Now my daughter wants a cell phone so she can participate with her gf's while sitting in a room not talking to each other but texting others????
I really really think that this is a huge red flag! IM, Texting, FB. We have to be very very careful here. Our children are losing touch with society as a whole. They are losing the ability to carry on a conversation, they are not learning what should be said, or what should not. They are just saying it. I have always worked hard on teaching my kids what to say, what not to say, etc etc. I stand next to them when they are on the phone (when they are younger) and coach them on what to say etc etc. With Txting, IM, FB, I dont have the ability to help them, to coach them.
Some people may call this spying...NOPE! Its teaching! Ok, maybe a little spying, but how else is he/she going to learn what is right and what is wrong. If you think that your parents never read your notes, or looked in your diary as a kid, YOU ARE WRONG!
Just because our kids are not in our hair anymore, they still need us, now more than ever!
Hubby and I discussed this with our son, and have decided to limit his phone and fb time. We told him it is not because he is in trouble, but because he needs to turn his brain off. Take some time away from the drama...relax...
I think he understands...I hope he does...I'm sure he will when he becomes a parent........
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Selling Stuff for all Branches of Scouts
One of the things that can be the most difficult and time consuming is selling stuff. Out here our Cub Scout sells greenery as does our boy scout. Boy, that can be difficult. My BS also sells popcorn(who wants some) and mulch. Not to mention Girl scout Cookies!!!
First, competing sales for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. How do we do it? I look at it this way. My CS has a limit that they suggest, and he gets a percentage back in the form of a gift card. My oldest gets a percentage into his scout account to use towards camps. I think this is a no brainer :) My youngest does not need a gift card to spend on junk at the store. My oldest does have to learn that in order to attend an expensive camp, he has to earn money to pay for it. I dont care if you as a family make six figures or are hardly getting by.
A scout is Thrifty. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future.
Trust me, I know what a pain it is to be marching up and down the street knocking on doors asking if they want to buy things. And yes, I used to do it with one in a stroller, and one in a wagon while I followed my now BS from house to house. I would much rather be knitting. But, it is a HUGE lesson to be taught. My BS wants to go to camp..he must earn his way. And, its a great way to meet your neighbors!
Now, in our CS pack, we do require a min sold, only because last year we had to many who didn't and would up in the red. We suggested that if a scout did not sell the min amount the parents would be 'ASKED' to donate $100. I could not believe how many parents chose not to be inconvenienced by selling and just wrote a check. It was shameful. They personally didn't even buy something from their son.
Everything we do with our children is a wonderful chance to teach them something, whether they like it or not! Dont pass this opportunity up!
Now when it comes to GS cookies, that is not even a stretch. Who doesn't want GS cookies!? For some reason though, its always freezing or a blizzard when we have to start selling. One year we had to drive from house to house because the snow drifts were to high to walk through! I would love to petition to move the sales from Feb to July!
Because GS's dont have the same type reward system, outside of cookie dough, its entirely up to you if you want to share sales or just let them fend for themselves. I dont have that problem so I dont know. One of my GF's has that problem and they share sales. *shrug*
You know the worst part of selling....DELIVERING!!! When my oldest was a CS, it would take me three trips to pick up all of the greenary! AT least now we have a trailer!
Be prepared, if you have never sold before to have to eat the cost of something because someone has gone out of town for the month. Personally, we are always off on our counts. I never know why. Probably because someone pays at the time of ordering and I pocket the cash and forget what its for :)
Remember, this is a great learning experience, and teaches the kids how to talk to all different types of people, count up orders and add money for the younger kids. It teaches the older kids how to earn something they want! Yes, we have to suffer, traipsing through the cold, wet icky weather. Dragging our kids away from the computer/tv/video game. yes, its tempting to give in and not do it. But, you were doomed the day you signed him/her up for scouts :)
Happy selling!
First, competing sales for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. How do we do it? I look at it this way. My CS has a limit that they suggest, and he gets a percentage back in the form of a gift card. My oldest gets a percentage into his scout account to use towards camps. I think this is a no brainer :) My youngest does not need a gift card to spend on junk at the store. My oldest does have to learn that in order to attend an expensive camp, he has to earn money to pay for it. I dont care if you as a family make six figures or are hardly getting by.
A scout is Thrifty. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future.
Trust me, I know what a pain it is to be marching up and down the street knocking on doors asking if they want to buy things. And yes, I used to do it with one in a stroller, and one in a wagon while I followed my now BS from house to house. I would much rather be knitting. But, it is a HUGE lesson to be taught. My BS wants to go to camp..he must earn his way. And, its a great way to meet your neighbors!
Now, in our CS pack, we do require a min sold, only because last year we had to many who didn't and would up in the red. We suggested that if a scout did not sell the min amount the parents would be 'ASKED' to donate $100. I could not believe how many parents chose not to be inconvenienced by selling and just wrote a check. It was shameful. They personally didn't even buy something from their son.
Everything we do with our children is a wonderful chance to teach them something, whether they like it or not! Dont pass this opportunity up!
Now when it comes to GS cookies, that is not even a stretch. Who doesn't want GS cookies!? For some reason though, its always freezing or a blizzard when we have to start selling. One year we had to drive from house to house because the snow drifts were to high to walk through! I would love to petition to move the sales from Feb to July!
Because GS's dont have the same type reward system, outside of cookie dough, its entirely up to you if you want to share sales or just let them fend for themselves. I dont have that problem so I dont know. One of my GF's has that problem and they share sales. *shrug*
You know the worst part of selling....DELIVERING!!! When my oldest was a CS, it would take me three trips to pick up all of the greenary! AT least now we have a trailer!
Be prepared, if you have never sold before to have to eat the cost of something because someone has gone out of town for the month. Personally, we are always off on our counts. I never know why. Probably because someone pays at the time of ordering and I pocket the cash and forget what its for :)
Remember, this is a great learning experience, and teaches the kids how to talk to all different types of people, count up orders and add money for the younger kids. It teaches the older kids how to earn something they want! Yes, we have to suffer, traipsing through the cold, wet icky weather. Dragging our kids away from the computer/tv/video game. yes, its tempting to give in and not do it. But, you were doomed the day you signed him/her up for scouts :)
Happy selling!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Your new boy scouts first campout..what to expect...
Well, now that I am back from the dead, or the flu that my cub scout gave me, I can head back to my advice on your new Boy Scout.
Previously, I talked about gear...I re read this today and boy, was there foreshadowing I was getting sick or what...talk about a scattered post!
So...now...Your sons first camp out and his first week long camp!
DO NOT VOLUNTEER TO GO! This is that point where I talked about letting go! Now is the time! He will do just fine without you! If he gets homesick, they will handle it! Yes, not the same way a mom would, but they will not tie him to a tree and tell him to deal with it. Remember, they are parents also!
Step one! BE EXCITED FOR YOUR SON TO LEAVE! Dont even think about saying I'll miss you! Say it in your head a hundred times, but dont say it out loud! He is going to be nervous in the first place, your job is to kick him out the door! If he says, I dont want to go, tell him you will be fine, you will have fun and help him pack. The leaders know that all new boys will be nervous!
He has his big pack(I hope). Sit your self down on the couch, and tel him what he should pack. Dont forget, its always colder at night and its February/March so it will be either hot or cold! If you have never packed a big pack, here is how it should go.
In first
Underwear, socks, jeans, shirts on the bottom. Why, they will never get taken out and worn anyway..at least if they are on the bottom, they stay clean. If you live anyway where its cold at night, have him wear his long underwear! If he complains, dont fight about it, just have him pack it. He will learn and I've never heard of a boy freezing to death while his long underwear was in his pack on his back!
Next, sweatshirt then jammies. he is packing the big part of this pack in the order he will use the items. When he gets to camp, providing he leaves Friday night, he will need his jammies first. Yes, I still call them jammies! On the very top, his scout book and camp pillow, hat and gloves(if its cold)
Now your pack comes with a ton of different pockets. The first couple of campouts is like setting up a new kitchen in a new house/apt. You put things away in places but a week later decide it would work better somewhere else. Pick a spot for the toothbrush and toothpaste and floss to go in on the pack (first put in ziploc bag). Then next camp out put them in the same spot. Dont worry, they wont get used anyway. Do the same with the rest of his gear. (minus the ziploc part)
The first aid kit does not have to be a big box you buy from the store. It can be a zip loc containing a couple of bandaids etc.
Frisbee, for a dinner place and silverware and a cup should go in one section, headlamp, rain gear in another etc etc.
Dont forget a deck of cards!
Remember to make him do it. If you put anything in there he wont know what or where it is. Its like if your kids empty the dishwasher and put your favorite bowl in a different spot. You have no idea where it is!
Its ok, the pack will be to heavy, and will be huge on him. You will over pack, he will complain. Its ok. he will survive. You can then attack the sleeping bag to the bottom of the pack and slip the bed roll in there somewhere.
Viola! Packed. Dont forget to have him put his pack on and take a picture! I'll bet he pretends to fall over backwards onto the couch!!
Now, my sons troop, his old one and his current one, leave on Friday Nights. Give you son money for food for the drive up! This was not told to us.... I dont recommend an arch card as there is no guarantee that they stop at McDonalds. Give him a $10 and dont expect change.
If this is a week long camp out, he will need money for the camp store and for events. I recommend putting money into different envelopes for different things. Camp store money goes into an envelope labeled as such! or, ask a leader for help doling it out. Depending on the cost of merit badges he wants to earn, we average sending an extra $50 to week long camp outs. Weekenders, if there is a store there, $20.00 Dont expect change!
If you son is on ANY medication, put only what is needed for the weekend or week, in the prescription bottle, or OTC bottle, put it in a ziploc. Put a note inside with his name, the dose the time needed to take. With a sharpee put his name on the outside of the bag and troop number. Your troop will have a drug guy. You can give this to him in the parking lot.
DO NOT LINGER IN THE PARKING LOT! DO NOT EXPECT A HUG GOODBYE! DO NOT CRY!!!! its ok to wait until he gets in a car to leave. but spend the time talking to the other parents. If you hover over him and coo and aww at him, he will think its not ok to be going. Its like the first time you took him to preschool. You handed him over and walked out the door. SAME THING HERE!
He is old enough to know what is right and what is wrong. There are plenty of adults there to help guide him. He may feel lonely but he will never be alone.
When he gets home....oh that is a funny one...you will never actually know what time he will arrive. The paperwork may say noon, but it could be 10 am or 3pm. So dont make plans. Make sure your son has your cell number and go about your daily routine. My sons troop passes around a cell phone in the car for the boys to call home with an estimate.
When he gets home....he will be tired, cranky, dirty and just plain gross! You will be all excited wanting to know every single detail of every second of his time away. he will shrug and say it was fun and say nothing else. THIS IS GOOD! It means he had fun! You may or may not hear funny stories about what 'belch' did. (they give each other disturbing nicknames, dont ask what his is) Dont pry. Nothing went wrong. Everything was fun and fine! If there was a problem, you would have heard about it already. Trust me, there is at least one mom of a scout whose hubby is there as a SM or ASM who they have talked to. If there was a problem, it would have been relayed back to you.
Last but not least! MAKE HIM UNPACK HIS GEAR IMMEDIATELY, NO MATTER HOW TIRED ETC HE IS. It is his responsibility! Unpack it, just go ahead and wash all of it because it all smells like smoke anyway, make him wash his gear(not clothes if you dont want). If possible hang his pack and sleeping bag outside to air out. DONT LET IT STAY ROLLED UP AND PACKED UP It will mildew!
Once his gear is aired and dried, have him repack the stuff that will always go with him, then let him shower for 20 minutes and crash to video games! :)
Congrats! You have survived your sons first camp out!
Previously, I talked about gear...I re read this today and boy, was there foreshadowing I was getting sick or what...talk about a scattered post!
So...now...Your sons first camp out and his first week long camp!
DO NOT VOLUNTEER TO GO! This is that point where I talked about letting go! Now is the time! He will do just fine without you! If he gets homesick, they will handle it! Yes, not the same way a mom would, but they will not tie him to a tree and tell him to deal with it. Remember, they are parents also!
Step one! BE EXCITED FOR YOUR SON TO LEAVE! Dont even think about saying I'll miss you! Say it in your head a hundred times, but dont say it out loud! He is going to be nervous in the first place, your job is to kick him out the door! If he says, I dont want to go, tell him you will be fine, you will have fun and help him pack. The leaders know that all new boys will be nervous!
He has his big pack(I hope). Sit your self down on the couch, and tel him what he should pack. Dont forget, its always colder at night and its February/March so it will be either hot or cold! If you have never packed a big pack, here is how it should go.
In first
Underwear, socks, jeans, shirts on the bottom. Why, they will never get taken out and worn anyway..at least if they are on the bottom, they stay clean. If you live anyway where its cold at night, have him wear his long underwear! If he complains, dont fight about it, just have him pack it. He will learn and I've never heard of a boy freezing to death while his long underwear was in his pack on his back!
Next, sweatshirt then jammies. he is packing the big part of this pack in the order he will use the items. When he gets to camp, providing he leaves Friday night, he will need his jammies first. Yes, I still call them jammies! On the very top, his scout book and camp pillow, hat and gloves(if its cold)
Now your pack comes with a ton of different pockets. The first couple of campouts is like setting up a new kitchen in a new house/apt. You put things away in places but a week later decide it would work better somewhere else. Pick a spot for the toothbrush and toothpaste and floss to go in on the pack (first put in ziploc bag). Then next camp out put them in the same spot. Dont worry, they wont get used anyway. Do the same with the rest of his gear. (minus the ziploc part)
The first aid kit does not have to be a big box you buy from the store. It can be a zip loc containing a couple of bandaids etc.
Frisbee, for a dinner place and silverware and a cup should go in one section, headlamp, rain gear in another etc etc.
Dont forget a deck of cards!
Remember to make him do it. If you put anything in there he wont know what or where it is. Its like if your kids empty the dishwasher and put your favorite bowl in a different spot. You have no idea where it is!
Its ok, the pack will be to heavy, and will be huge on him. You will over pack, he will complain. Its ok. he will survive. You can then attack the sleeping bag to the bottom of the pack and slip the bed roll in there somewhere.
Viola! Packed. Dont forget to have him put his pack on and take a picture! I'll bet he pretends to fall over backwards onto the couch!!
Now, my sons troop, his old one and his current one, leave on Friday Nights. Give you son money for food for the drive up! This was not told to us.... I dont recommend an arch card as there is no guarantee that they stop at McDonalds. Give him a $10 and dont expect change.
If this is a week long camp out, he will need money for the camp store and for events. I recommend putting money into different envelopes for different things. Camp store money goes into an envelope labeled as such! or, ask a leader for help doling it out. Depending on the cost of merit badges he wants to earn, we average sending an extra $50 to week long camp outs. Weekenders, if there is a store there, $20.00 Dont expect change!
If you son is on ANY medication, put only what is needed for the weekend or week, in the prescription bottle, or OTC bottle, put it in a ziploc. Put a note inside with his name, the dose the time needed to take. With a sharpee put his name on the outside of the bag and troop number. Your troop will have a drug guy. You can give this to him in the parking lot.
DO NOT LINGER IN THE PARKING LOT! DO NOT EXPECT A HUG GOODBYE! DO NOT CRY!!!! its ok to wait until he gets in a car to leave. but spend the time talking to the other parents. If you hover over him and coo and aww at him, he will think its not ok to be going. Its like the first time you took him to preschool. You handed him over and walked out the door. SAME THING HERE!
He is old enough to know what is right and what is wrong. There are plenty of adults there to help guide him. He may feel lonely but he will never be alone.
When he gets home....oh that is a funny one...you will never actually know what time he will arrive. The paperwork may say noon, but it could be 10 am or 3pm. So dont make plans. Make sure your son has your cell number and go about your daily routine. My sons troop passes around a cell phone in the car for the boys to call home with an estimate.
When he gets home....he will be tired, cranky, dirty and just plain gross! You will be all excited wanting to know every single detail of every second of his time away. he will shrug and say it was fun and say nothing else. THIS IS GOOD! It means he had fun! You may or may not hear funny stories about what 'belch' did. (they give each other disturbing nicknames, dont ask what his is) Dont pry. Nothing went wrong. Everything was fun and fine! If there was a problem, you would have heard about it already. Trust me, there is at least one mom of a scout whose hubby is there as a SM or ASM who they have talked to. If there was a problem, it would have been relayed back to you.
Last but not least! MAKE HIM UNPACK HIS GEAR IMMEDIATELY, NO MATTER HOW TIRED ETC HE IS. It is his responsibility! Unpack it, just go ahead and wash all of it because it all smells like smoke anyway, make him wash his gear(not clothes if you dont want). If possible hang his pack and sleeping bag outside to air out. DONT LET IT STAY ROLLED UP AND PACKED UP It will mildew!
Once his gear is aired and dried, have him repack the stuff that will always go with him, then let him shower for 20 minutes and crash to video games! :)
Congrats! You have survived your sons first camp out!
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