Scout

Tonight Dexter and Joaquin had a Scoutmasters conference (sort of) with their Scoutmaster. He talked with Joaquin first and then Dexter. Dexter is the one who asked at first. The Scoutmaster was very kind and patient with Joaquin and invited me to speak in two weeks at the parent meeting about Joaquin and kids like him. He even had a print out from Autism and Scouting! This means a lot to me as Joaquins mom and Joaquin as a person.

The boys were instructed to start making advancements for their Tenderfoot rank. The Charter Rep spoke with me for a bit. In May they will get their rank at Court of Honor.

It was a good evening spent with Troop 310. 

Greeting a Patrol

On Saturday afternoon the Webelos from Pack 310 crossed over to Troop 310. Joaquin wanted to go and meet these new Scouts. He was told ahead of time that they would be in the same patrol.

The ceremony was very powerful, thanks to some lovely words from Mr. Ellis. He is the charter rep for our troop.

After the ceremony there was a light reception outdoors. Joaquin asked to stay for that. We stayed, sat with a mom and her son who crossed over. She was really nice and her son reminded me of my eight year old. She told me about her son and I told her about Joaquin.

At one point Joaquin wanted to leave and then disappeared. He was off playing some game with his troop and came back red faced. He was smiling, "Mom, I introduced myself to another Boy Scout." He was elated that the boy introduced himself back. It was big for him and he went back off to explore. It took all that I had not to cry. My shy boy was off making a friend or two.

When we were leaving I  snapped the picture above. He was actually happy, just ready to get some more water and have a rest. On the way home he asked, "Mom, why are these people all so nice to us?" His voice was shaky, you know how a sweet 10 year old boy sounds when he is about to cry. I just answered, "Sometimes you come across people who are mean or just don't understand you, sometimes you come across people with so much love that is spreads to everyone." He just smiled.

Being Prepared

Teaching the square knot.

Joaquin has an MRI today, so he stayed home from Boy Scouts last night. He wanted Jimmy to teach him the square knot and to help him learn the requirements for Boy Scout rank.

I have never had my kids memorize things, except our address and Jimmys phone number. Then there are the things that they have learned and just held on to in their head. For Joaquin, I am not sure how long it will take, only because he is so shy. I am hoping when he goes and shows  he knows these things, that the person in charge doesn't take his shyness (Autism) as anything disrespectful. I know there are people who "just don't get it", or "understand it" and then there are those who think "it's a bunch of crap." I am trying to be positive as I haven't been to a meeting. I will be there next Monday though. 

Joaquins 1st Squareknot

Look at the smile on his face that he has accomplished something he wanted.  I will add, he wanted to be a Boy scout, it's nothing anyone else has suggested. I can only imagine how far he will go....he's already come so far.

Scouting with Autism Resources

Autism and Scouting Blog

Boys With Autism Can Thrive in Scouting—With Help

Autism and Scouting Radio

Understanding Autism at ScoutmaterCG