Last month James joined Cub Scouts and we’ve had a full month of fun activities.  He was very interested in this and we decided now was the time to pursue it.  We’re firm believers of helping the kids try new things that they’re interested in (within reason) rather than forcing them to participate in a particular activity.  For years I thought I’d teach both kids to play the piano around the age of 6, but quickly discovered that working with each child’s natural interests was far more productive than trying to mold them into the activities we think they should do.  Hopefully they’ll each have an interest in piano at some point, though!

Back to Cub Scouts…September was a very full month; most will not be this busy. The first order of business was buying James’ uniform and sewing on his patches.  This was a tedious project the first time, but now we know what we’re doing and each new patch should be much quicker.  This year marks 100 years for the Boy Scouts so there is a special Centennial patch that the boys can get, then earn all kinds of small ones that attach.  So cool.  James is checking the ones he’s earning off the list.

Shortly after joining it was time for the annual popcorn selling.  I must say James was the cutest little boy scout going door to door selling popcorn.  We worked on what he would say and our lovely neighbors were so gracious in letting him practice each time.  Over the years we’ve made a point of getting to know our neighbors and that really paid off with popcorn sales!  James sold to 12 different houses in our neighborhood alone.  James was quite responsible about the whole thing, and was very polite and courteous.  By the end of the few weeks of sales, he was getting pretty good at his spiel, but was getting weary of selling.  So, he’s finished with popcorn for now, selling around $650!  We’re so proud of you, James!  Much of this money the boys earn will go right back to their pack to help pay for patches and projects, etc.

The next event was a Bike Rodeo James’ pack ran for our neighborhood school.  Kenny and the kids attended this event last year so it was fun to help out this year and enjoy it again.

Last week James earned his Bobcat rank for learning the Scout handshake, oath, law, and motto.  It was a neat little ceremony for all the boys, followed by a hike in Palmer Park. Our whole family has attended many of these pack events, and we all enjoyed the quick hike before the sun went down.

The latest event was the Shoot-O-Ree!  Last Saturday we drove more than an hour into the mountains to 11 Mile Canyon – a beautiful part of Colorado.  We wanted to go see the Aspens changing colors anyway, so this was a great time to do it.  We made it a family affair and all enjoyed the day away from the city.  James enjoyed shooting rubber-band guns, BB guns, paint ball guns, bow and arrow, and even tried knife throwing.  So fun!  He had a great time!  And in the process earned some new patches for his uniform.  Anna and I spent much of the day observing but also took a rest in the van, read some books, and hiked around the area.  It really was a fun day and James was so appreciative of the chance to participate.

We’re excited to see what the rest of the year brings for Scouts!