As I sit here completing this issue of Baloo’s Bugle, I think it is the hardest one for me to finish.  Okay, some of you probably think most of them are hard for me to complete since they get up online late.  This is the most horrific time most have lived through, and like most, I have been profoundly affected.  I was working at a pretty good clip on this issue until September 11^th.  Being no different than others I have been deeply affected.  But we must take care not to overwhelm our Cubs with our sadness, anger, resentment to our enemy, or the fear from what has happened or what might come.   If I had a den of Cubs, I would maybe be doing better after these past 18 days. 

So, this issue is shorter, but hopefully contains enough info to help you plan your November program.

An approach with your Cubs is to seek out the positive by asking them, “What positive things have happened since the tragedies happened here in the United States.”  This is a question I heard during a meeting at work, and it put me off quite a bit, but as others talked about it in they found positive changes.  As a country we have become stronger.  People, young and old have a renewed sense of patriotism.  Adults seem to have more patience with those mundane tasks that we/they live through everyday.  Boys and girls from elementary schools from around the U.S. are sending wishes and little gifts to the children who were deeply affected by this tragedy.  Our American Flag is being recognized with keener awareness of what an important symbol it is to our freedom.

This theme “Hometown Heroes” has taken on a deeper meaning since September 11^th.  Recently I saw Lance Armstrong on a TV interview.  He said something to the effect of how many people considered him a hero since he battled and won his fight with cancer.  He feels that definition of him as a hero pales to those giving and working to help all those affected in New York by the terrorist acts against the U.S.

Countless Americans have become Hometown Heroes finding an inner strength to help our fellow Americans, and recognize their own value and importance to their hometowns.  Be sure to point out to your Cubs how ordinary citizens of our towns have been become Hometown Heroes through their noble actions during this time.

God Bless America and our citizens.

Now is a good time to involve your Cubs in any effort to help their community. 

Where do you go to find answers about the Cub Scout Program online.  Don De Young’s site, Virtual Cub  Leader Handbook, http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/home.html

Yes, there are monthly theme ideas in Baloo’a Bugle, but there is so much more than that to Cub Scouting and a Great program than the themes.

The strength in his site is the amount of information available.   Don provides valuable information to Leaders covering everything from the history of Cub Scouting to uniforms, plus program ideas.

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Every year Boys’ Life has a FABULOUS reading program for Scouts. This contest/program, “Say Yes to Reading” was detailed in the June issue page 13, of Boys’ Life.

Write a one-page report titled "The Best Book I Read This Year" and enter it in the Boys' Life 2001 "Say Yes to Reading" contest.

The book can be fiction or non-fiction. But the report has to be in your own words - 500 word tops. Enter in one of these three age categories:

• 8 years old and younger

• 9 and 10 years old

• 11 years and older

Send your report with your name, address, age and grade in school along with a business-sized, self-addressed stamped envelop to:

Boys' Life Reading Contest - S304

P.O. Box 152079

Irving, TX 75015-2079

Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2001.

ANNOUNCEMENT

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Let me help you place an ad for you home business, or your company.  We have 121 papers that I can place your ad in.  I will pay 10% of my commission to your council’s endowment fund in your name.  No, I am not looking for a tax deduction, just for some help in my “other” job.  Call me at 1-866-533-4285 and I can help you with National Advertising (121 papers) in the Thrifty Nickel.

   

   

   

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