Austin bridged up to Boy Scouts in March and has already won over the hearts of his leaders - which doesn't really surprise me because he is just such a lovable young man.
In Boy Scouts, each age group is broken up into Patrols. Each Patrol has a Patrol Leader. The Patrol Leader is elected by his peers and it is the PL's job to make sure all the other boys in the patrol have the information they need in order to advance in rank. They also help hammer out all the details regarding meals and such for camp outs and other outings. The PLs meet with the Troop Leaders before each regular scout meeting and if a scout misses a meeting for any reason, it is the PL's responsibility to relay any pertinent information to them before the next meeting.
Sounds like alot to put on a young boy, huh? Well, OUR Austin stepped up to the plate and ran for Patrol Leader.....
I was a bit concerned when Austin brought home the slip for ME to sign stating that if he's elected he'll do all the things I mentioned above. Austin has never been in a leadership role before and I would have liked for him to learn the ropes of Boy Scouting before he jumped into something like this.
I was secretly hoping Austin would not be elected.
I know, I know - I should have more faith. I mean, after all, this post proved what a great kid he is.
But this seemed like a pretty big deal and I didn't want Austin to have to be the one to set the bar for the others. As it turned out, Austin was the ONLY one in his patrol to run for PL. That being the case, Austin was "elected" to be the new (and 1st) Leader for the Soaring Eagles Patrol! He will serve in this position through September.
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Since March, Austin has been on two camp outs and a 7-mile hike. I tagged along for the hike @ Vicksburg Military Park and it was pure h ... um, well ... let's just say that I seriously need to get into shape.
The first camp out was at WES in Vicksburg and all boys that attended received their Engineering Merit Badge. The second camp out was just for Austin's patrol - the "young" scouts. The goal was for the whole patrol to attend and earn the rank of Tenderfoot by the end of the camp out. Only one wuss boy was absent. His parents, who baby him beyond belief, didn't want him to camp out in the rain. Boo-Hoo! Suck it up! Hope he gets to join them next time.
Anyway, from the way Austin talked, they ALL had a blast! And the food was pretty good.
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On a similar note (and a bit more bragging on Austin).
I think I have joined the Troop 88 Committee.
I was on the Pack Committee when Austin was in Cub Scouts and said I was going to step back for a year or two once he bridged up. Well, apparently, I have "sucker" stamped across my forehead! I've not signed on the dotted line yet, but told the leaders and other committee members that I would at least come to some of the meetings and help out where/when I can.
The first meeting I attended was last week. It was nice to put a face with all the emails and to get a feel for what all is going on with the scouts.
I had already been told what a great job Austin was doing as PL and I already knew how enthusiastic he was/is about scouting in general. He comes home from every meeting telling us about something that's coming up and that he HAS to be there - when technically, he doesn't HAVE to be there, but rather, NEEDS to be there to keep up on his service hours and/or advancements. I love that it's just not an option for him. I hope this entusiasm continues.
Sometimes, when people say things, they don't really mean it - they just say it to make you feel good. That's kinda how I felt when the Troop Leader first told me that Austin was transitioning well and showing great scout spirit.
I no longer think that he was just saying that - I know he meant it. The other eight leaders and parents in that committee meeting could not say enough about what a great job Austin was doing. And I don't think they were just saying it either. There was plenty of opportunity for them to brag on other boys - and they didn't.
Those guys really know how to make a Mama feel proud!
I was told that Austin has great scout spirit and that he really knows how to motivate his peers to get them involved and participate in the activities and to join the rest of the troop on outings.
The Troop Leader said that he KNOWS Austin will be one of his Senior Patrol Leaders one day!
Seriously?
He's only been a Boy Scout for TWO MONTHS! That says alot about the kind or "first impression" he's made.
Austin really knows how to make a Mama proud!
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Austin. Enthusiastic. Leader. Great kid. Our son!
Oh! BTW - 4 As and 2 Bs on his final Report Card. Not too shabby!
You make us proud Austin! Keep up the good work!
We love you - Mom and Dad
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