Happy Friday Eve...

First, I just wanted to say that I lost a follower. Imagine my disappointment when I logged on yesterday morning, and instead of seeing any new followers, I noticed that I had 1 less. Was it something I said...or didn't say?! Please come back. I am still sort of stumbling through the mechanics of the blog stuff. So if I didn't do something or I said something that may have offended you, please let me know!

OK. Now on to the daily blog (or, here lately, the every-other-daily-blog). Yesterday was my first time actually leading the Tiger Den at the Cub Scout meeting. It went well, If I may say so myself, where my job was concerned. However, there were a few things that really made it less enjoyable. Like, we wound up having 11 kids when we had only planned on 7. This is a great thing and the growth is unbelievable, but some of these kids had siblings. And there siblings were there too. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for having the family involvement. But before you bring the whole family, babies, toddlers etc., into a den meeting, make sure that you are willing to take them out if they get too loud or start crying. It is already incredibly difficult to keep 11 six year olds focused. And most of all, don't assume that they are instant boy scouts, girls included, just because you brought them in. I had purchased snacks and a craft for my scouts for last night. I was not planning on a surprise visit from 8 siblings. So I was short on stuff. And the parents seemed rather upset that I didn't have enough for everyone. One mother even tried to convince me to list her 2 year old daughter on the class roster. RRRRRRR.......it was difficult but we managed to get through it. I also think my scouts may have learned a little something.
Another issue I have is that when I attended the very first pack meeting at the beginning of the year, I asked the Cub Master who the Tiger Den leader was. After checking around, he looked at me and said, "I guess you are!". So after I picked myself up off the floor...err um...thanked him graciously...I spoke with him about the way it all worked. I agreed to be the leader and he gave me some information to move forward with it. The next meeting, our first den meeting, Cub Master is in our class and has already introduced me as leader to the parents, in walks this dad (in his cub scout uniform shirt) along with one of the other leaders. That leader introduces him to the den and myself as, "your den leader". Apparently, he had convinced this dad that day to be a leader. All of a sudden, it was like I didn't exist. I figured maybe it was because this guy had on a cub scout shirt and I didn't. But after the class, the other leaders started to file in bringing info and other helpful items for first time leaders. And they were only speaking to him and giving him everything. I just stood there like I blended in with the wall. Again, I realized that this may be just a misunderstanding. The Cub Master is the only one standing up for me and reminding these other men that I am the leader. They basically shrugged it off.
So when I went to the required leader training the other night, i was shocked to find that this guy wasn't there. He didn't even show up. Now maybe I will be taken more seriously as the leader. Cub Master came and after seeing that myself and Stevie were the only new leaders to actually attend, he seemed disturbed. I knew this would help me make my place in this "male" world.
NOPE! When we arrived last night I found out that the other leaders had been speaking to this guy all week and even going as far as to provide with him necessary tools for leading a den. Nobody contacted me or gave me anything. They gave this guy the attendance sheet and roster from the previous week. I had nothing. I was angry. I know that this may sound like a power play, but really it is the fact that the Cub Master designated me and I agreed to sacrifice my free time for these kids. I prepared, I studied and I purchased essentials. Only to have no recognition what so ever! Well, guess who led the entire meeting last night, all the way down to making plans for the craft and games? ME! He came in with an empty file box and a rolled up roster poster (given to him by another leader). So, if you ask me, I have earned the title and it should be mine.
I really think this is mostly a "man" thing. After all, it is the "boy scouts". But I am very involved in my Zach's life and I can do just as good a job as any man, when it comes to leading these boys. I won't be pushed aside by a man that isn't really even putting any effort forth. Tell me if I am wrong...I know you will! LOL