It has been some time since I last posted but scouting goes on without a break.
At Friday's regular Pack meeting, I was presented this certificate by my assistant Cubmaster.
It was rather a surprise, and I have to admit that no Scouter, I know of, serves scouting alone.
I am much more likely to just show up and take part in events that others have planned with great care.
These days there are very few face-to-face meetings but to show up on line at a "go to" meeting while eating dinner.
I remember years ago when pack and den leaders met for roundtables, each bringing a contribution of the theme of the day to share.
Sometimes we all played games, demonstrating and discussing how they could be used with younger or older youth at a pack or den meetings.
Sometimes it was a craft that could meet advancement requirements for different age groups.
Sometimes each member brought a song ... often with motions .
Sometimes skits and other activities that might involve the entire unit.
We had fun. We laughed a lot. We always took home more than we brought. And, we built a scouting community that worked as a team.
But now .....
We have moved to the virtual meetings. They are scheduled at the convenience of the person in charge. Often they are only attended by the highest unit member. We go through an agenda, basically reading the scanned documents. Dry, and to the point without greetings, laughter, support or comradeship. Sure, we do thank those who have taken the effort to show up or prepare for the meeting but that's about it.
Yesterday evening, the postman delivered this lovely wooden plaque and a card apologising for lack of a more "appropriate venue".
Of course I thank the Council and District for this honor but I wonder if this is the new trend ... away from fellow scouters and those they serve.