My Boys in Brown

No, I am not talking UPS drivers. I am referring to my Webelos and they actually wear tan uniforms. Webelos are the oldest group of Cub Scouts, 4th and 5th graders. Webelos stands for We'll Be Loyal Scouts. I have only 4 boys in my den this year, which is a relief after the 9 I had last year. I can relax with the boys and have more fun when I'm not so busy trying to keep an eye on so many. The dynamics are also a lot better with some of last years "instigators" missing. Sadly, the term "den mother" has been retired in favor of "den leader". I guess it's OK for a guy, but I miss the more personal and intimate title. They'll have lots of leaders throughout life but you can never have too many good mothers.

I will happily mop up my boys after a "bog walk" and shush them during our library tour. I will take my turn telling a scary story on our overnight camp out. I will make sure that they can properly apply a bandage and a splint and hope that the need for using their skills never arises. We will memorize, together, the Boy Scout oath and promise, because the Webelos path is the path into Boy Scouting. I will quiz them on their faith, because faith in God is part of Scouting. We will endure throughout the season of fundraising, knowing that it comes but once a year. They will carve pinewood cars and cook large pots of chili and decorate cakes. Come April, I will watch as three of them cross the ceremonial bridge to become Boy Scouts, but they'll still be welcomed at the Annual Pack Family Campout in June.

I plan on taking a sabatical after that. I don't know for how long, but it will be at least a year. We have two more boys who will eventually be Webelos and I want to be refreshed and ready.
To work with kids is to work with tomorrow's leaders. Maybe I'll have the honor of being the mom of an Eagle Scout...or maybe, like Mrs. Ford, an Eagle Scout and a president.