Cubmaster's Corner

Generations of Scouts

Scouting is a well respected tradition for teaching our boys to grow into responsible, respectable, well-rounded young men. From father to son, scouting is a tradition that has enriched the lives of generations of American men, boys, and those they love. My wife has often asked me where I learned all the "little things" I seem to know. I must admit, I couldn't remember why I knew things that impressed her so much, but looking through my son's scout handbooks I'm convinced that it had to be from my days in cub scouts as a young boy.

In a grand tradition, I can proudly say... My grandfather was a scout. My father was a scout. I was a scout. And now, both my sons are scouts! Scouting has evolved through the years, but I can tell you from personal experience that it only gets better with time.

Getting Started

When the brochure came home during first grade for scouts, I was terrified that my son would want to join... where would I ever find the time to get him to a meeting? Little did I know that his "on the fence" interest would turn into a roaring fire engulfing our lives with a richness that I had let slip away from our family. Life was busy, and work was demanding. I was letting the most important thing in my life slip away, all in the name of trying to provide for my family.

Will Anyone be a Leader?

One sentence... that's all it took to turn my priorities around... "What better way to ensure quality time with your son than to be his den leader?" It was undeniable. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't protest. My heart saddened for a moment as I pondered how I could possibly make the commitment with everything else going on in my life. I suddenly realized that I was failing to achieve my most prized goal - being a part of my son's life in a way that we will both remember fondly... to be a father that showed his son how incredibly important a son is to a father. Oh what irony... trying to be the bread-winner, and somehow falling short of "provider". I used to give my son toys and "things", but what he needed was a hug and attention. Like so many parents, I'd feed him treats... but he needed nourishing involvement by his father. I was consumed with providing him "stuff", but what he deserved was having his life stuffed with fulfilling experiences and quality time with friends and family.

Once it all sank in, I knew that I couldn't let anyone else take the honor of being his den leader... My son would know how important he is to me because I would fiercely do my best to provide the best scout program I know how to my son and anyone that would join us. In the process, I managed to benefit from scouting all over again, but in a very different way. In my passion for scouting I made good friendships... not the kind where you just know someone's name, but the kind where you share a part of your lives. Scouting became not just an activity, but an integral part of our lives. In the end, I found a great group of parents and a den of boys that make me proud.

The Big Payout as a Parent

I tend to get carried away, and I'm thankful that those around me can just grin and overlook my over-enthusiasm. But I can't help it. You can't imagine the power of experiences like when my son looked up at me as we prepared for bed at the cave camping trip in his first year. He said, "Daddy, I'm glad I told momma that I wanted to join scouts. At first told her I didn't want to, but then I said I think I did. If I didn't join scouts, we wouldn't be here." His words and expression were as warm as any blanket and made my heart melt and my spirit soar. I knew that I had shared the experience of a lasting impression, and he will always know that I was there with him.

Pack 374 isn't just a bunch of scouts, it's a scout family. Come be an active part of our family. You may find your life rewarded in ways that money can't compare.

Brian Stevens
Cubmaster