Boyscout or cubscout experience

[Scarpozzi]

Yeah, ours was at & sponsored by a local church building & we had Christian kids, a Jewish kid, and a couple of atheist kids. Wasn't a big deal, but like you said that probably depended more on the leaders than the kids.

We had a few jewish kids too... I remember in the scouts, we were trading "Your mama jokes".... I told a kid, "You're mama's so fat she had to be baptised in a swimming pool" The kid instantly got offended....I thought his mom really was fat....then he told me he was jewish. I had no comeback for that.

 

[darkewaffle]

I'm younger than most here iirc and got my eagle in like... 2003-4? Something like that.

Cub Scouts at this point I can't really say I got much out of. Pinewood derby racing was fun and I did learn a bit doing that but I feel like I don't remember much of anything from it. It is valuable when going into boy scouts however because you'll develop relationships with your peers in the troop and the adults around it.

Boy scouts I retained a lot of and think it's overall a good experience. Camping trips and scout camp are good for developing independent traits and learning to be on your own, away from the parents, etc. I can't say the merit badges were all that worthwhile, what I've retained came more from the tangible experiences - camping, sea base in key west, hiking, scout camp, chicken BBQs, flower/candy sales and the like.

The real problem I had with it was how they cling to old pomp and circumstance and are just generally kind of outmoded. I didn't mind people knowing I was a scout, but that doesn't mean I didn't feel ridiculous wearing my "class A" uniform with those ridiculous socks and short shorts and fugly hat. Also a lot of the ceremonies and such are really, really longwinded.

I don't regret it and still find value in having been part of it but I think it wouldn't take much to modernize the program and make it more palatable these days as well.

 

[Ryland]

I went through scouting (cubs, webelos and boy scouts) and am now an Asst Scoutmaster for my sons troop (who also went through cubs, webelos and is now a boyscout). Neither of us honestly like dealing with the religious bullshit of a bunch of the parents. Im going to be happy when/if he decides he is done. I was much happier with scouting when I was a scout (25+ years ago) than as a parent.

 

[Kaido]

This is how it went for my son, he joined in 1st grade. Local cub scouts is a mess, I was a den leader, but you I got no support at all. My biggest issue was begging parents to help. It was very discouraging that parents and grandparents would just drop their emotionally unstable kids off and expect me to babysit them. The boys that wanted to be there suffered because you couldn't do anything fun because of the lack of help and having to constantly work with the boys that didn't want to be there and would cause problems.

He was in scouts until Webelos started, but my son did enjoy it.

Man, that stinks. Seems like leadership & support is what makes or break it. No budget with no help sounds like a recipe for disaster. Bummer man :thumbsdown:

 

[JEDI]

"Boyscout or cubscout"

just like girlscouts or brownies.. How young do u like them?

 

[skimple]

There is only as much "religious bullshit" as the leaders (and parents) choose to allow. If you don't feel that your Pack's (Troops's) values match yours, look for other Packs (Troops) that do. Or, better yet, become a leader and influence what is happening.

A big part of scouting is teaching boys that they are part of something larger than themselves. Whether that is part of a church community, part of the local community, or simply part of the larger scouting organization, is mostly irrelevant. The point is to get them thinking about something other than just their own needs and wants.

 

[TXHokie]

There is only as much "religious bullshit" as the leaders (and parents) choose to allow. If you don't feel that your Pack's (Troops's) values match yours, look for other Packs (Troops) that do. Or, better yet, become a leader and influence what is happening.

A big part of scouting is teaching boys that they are part of something larger than themselves. Whether that is part of a church community, part of the local community, or simply part of the larger scouting organization, is mostly irrelevant. The point is to get them thinking about something other than just their own needs and wants.

This is pretty much why I had them join scouts, to have them start thinking about more than just "me". They already have sports and music but that's all "look at me" activities. Good to see a few Eagle Scouts here. ATOT did not disappoint with dispensing innuendos so thanks for that too.

Being a newbie to scouting past two months with my 2 kids, I've gone all-in volunteering to assist with meetings, set up popcorn fundraising stations and manned them for hours on several weekends, went camping once (no alcohol) and volunteered to cook/clean, help with skits, took my kids door-to-door selling popcorn and raised a good chunk of money for the troop. One of the boy's leader is having issue so I may end up taking up more responsibilities and thus the post to see what I'm in for long term. I don't mind the work but wanted to get a feel for more diverse experiences from current/former scouts/parents and also balancing with the kids adapting to scouting and not see it as "more homework".

 

[JulesMaximus]

I just had my boys joined cubscout. Wanted to see if anyone in ATOT was previously involved with scout and what you thought of it - good or bad. Definitely would like to hear if it helped you later in life. Looks like quite a bit of work for parent as well.

My son was a cub scout for a year and a half. I never liked the religious bent personally and thought it was a little hokey from that perspective but otherwise it was a good wholesome experience.

Some of the parents were a little creepy and I would have reservations leaving my son with some of them overnight. Fortunately, the camping trips we did I was able to go so we never left him in someone else's care overnight.

My son is in his 4th year playing basketball in the local city league which I think is far more beneficial in preparing him for life. It teaches him valuable teamwork skills and how to handle winning and losing. Plus, he loves it and his Mom and I really enjoy watching him play.

 

[cabri]

There is only as much "religious bullshit" as the leaders (and parents) choose to allow. If you don't feel that your Pack's (Troops's) values match yours, look for other Packs (Troops) that do. Or, better yet, become a leader and influence what is happening.

A big part of scouting is teaching boys that they are part of something larger than themselves. Whether that is part of a church community, part of the local community, or simply part of the larger scouting organization, is mostly irrelevant. The point is to get them thinking about something other than just their own needs and wants.

We had one troop within our town.

Religion never came into play.
There were three churches denominations in town; the congregations of all supported the primary troop.

We had a priest that was a heavy participant in activities; when to many camp outs, a couple of jamborees and also to Philimont.

Church deacons and pastors were also involved. The town supported the troop, from volunteers to facilities. Multiple civic organizations had a hand.

 

[slag]

I was in scouts and all 3 of my boys are now in scouts (1 in cubs and two in boy scouts). My oldest is going on a high adventure trip to Florida in the spring where they sail an 80 foot boat for 10 days. I've been the popcorn kernel (leader), pinewood derby leader, and my wife is the blue and gold banquet organizer as well as secretary/treasurer. We are slowly stepping away to let new people take over, but it can definitely be a busy part time job if you let it.

Its great if your kid likes it. If they are ambivalent, they won't get much out of it. You have to like the outdoors and camping which I don't.