Community Service and Recruiting

Saturday morning Waylon and I volunteered a BSA booth for the 4th Annual First Peoples Day. We talked to adults and kids, we handed out flyers and such. Waylon got to play near by with a bunny and some other 1800's type things. He had fun playing with the Raingutter Regatta setup another pack brought. 

About 1:30 Jimmy, Dexter, Joaquin and the other three kids came. They had lunch and then the Dex and Joaquin walked around handing our flyers and pamphlets. They came back and talked to people, then they went around to pick up trash and put the recyclables where they belong. Jimmy was in his uniform for the first time ever. He looked really good. He helped at the table and we took turns going around with the kids and the kids friend.

Hezzie did exceptionally well not running off. This was a concern since he has been known to do that. Silly kids with Autism like to do that. He is so in love with the idea of being a Cub Scout and eventually an Eagle Scout that he stayed close and soaked up what was in our area. 

One thing that made a long day wonderful, we worked the booth with our good friends and fellow Scouters Tom and Betty. Another friend of mine, Louise was also there with her son. That was great to have time with good people.

I love that the boys had fun volunteering. That is something near and dear to my heart. 

On Sunday, Jimmy and the boys went to Corporate Communion withe the Knights of Columbus. An amazing weekend all around.

Happy Scouting!

Love,

Momma

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

Uniforms and Stuff

 Trying to get everyones uniforms in order. I was able to get Waylon his hat at the scout shop. I really need to get him socks. I can not believe I forgot.

Waylon really loves being a Tiger. He is enjoying it and has made friends with a Bear. The kid is really nice to him.

Joaquin went to a troop meeting and really enjoyed it. We will be registering him on Monday. Jimmy did not recall the exact color of their hats and neckerchiefs. I guess another scout shop trip is in our future.

Dexter wants to join the troop Joaquin is joining. He is giving him some times, so Joaquin can make his own friends. He loves and respects his brother and all of his quirks. This melts me into mommy goo. He will be joining a Venturing Crew soon as well.

I may be helping with a Girl Scout troop come summer. Maggie is excited. Here I thought all this time my kids spend with me, they would want to just be left alone. I was fooled. I don't mind helping.
Jimmy will find his spot to help with Joaquins troop, to assist him and help him be the best he can be. I will probably help out in some capacity as he wants us both involved.