Cubmaster

For the last couple of years, I have worn the Cubmaster patch.  When our Cub Scout Pack went from a council-led Scoutreach pack to a traditional pack, I claimed the title.  No one stopped me.  I didn't understand then what the job was about.
At first, I thought it was about helping the boys earn as many belt loops, pins, and badges as possible.  When I was a kid, I wanted all the awards, and I assumed that my Cubs did, too.  I planned all kinds of fun adventures and was lucky to have a couple of parents help make things happen.  After the first year, we had a three person committee.  That fall, we recruited enough families to double our pack size.  The next year, we grew again, by half.  The word was spreading that we had lots of outdoor fun together.  More parents stepped up, and our committee grew.  My own boys were growing out of Cub Scouts, and folks started asking me how long I would be the Cubmaster.
But you see, I am having so much fun, I don't want to stop!
I like working with the younger boys, because their parents are highly involved, which makes things easier.  The boys are hyper, impulsive, and tough to manage.  But they're also curious, and honest, and tender.  I can see the pride in their eyes when they say the Pledge of Allegiance in front of a school assembly.  When a police officer visits, they are awestruck - and they can barely lift the body armor that the cop passes around.  On hikes, these city kids are seeing nature with new eyes.  It's an honor and a privilege to guide them.
In this blog, I want to share the funny and sweet moments from our meetings.  There are tips and hacks to share.  I hope that more folks feel brave enough to wear the Cubmaster patch, and build strong packs.