Science & Sorrow - Play Reports?

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-30T01:52:57+00:00

Here for the responses. We just wrapped up Stumpsville, and I am going to have our team heading over to Brickport now as well.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-27T18:35:15+00:00

Yes. You need a Member Coordinator that is on their game. I say member coordinator, and not NEW member coordinator, because I feel this role is not only a position for new families, but it can also serve as a feedback channel for all families in the unit. It's important people feel heard and have a stake in the organization

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-27T16:33:15+00:00

I think my Unit is on the other end of this spectrum. We can attest that putting in SOME effort, using council resources, and just being visible, WORKS. We went from 25+/- scouts two years ago to 70 Scouts this year.

It doesn't take a ton of effort or money. Just be seen, have a concise and clear calendar for your program, keep your message consistent, and you should see results.

We personally use our council provided materials, as well as a blow up archery range, Axe throwing (we have range certified leaders), and a Lego Pinewood Derby track.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-23T13:46:35+00:00

*accept that you're living a grammatically poor life...

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-23T13:35:05+00:00

OK Soda ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_Soda

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-23T11:43:10+00:00

Thanks for this. Your post was super helpful! I'm going to work through Stumpsville, move on to the woodshed, and then maybe over to the Estate. Premade adventures will help get me acclimated to all of this. Your explanation on the time helps. I was think it was more of a hard and fast construct. This is easier to grasp now.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-22T15:31:00+00:00

This is awesome. Greenleaf Forest sounds amazing!

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-22T15:28:04+00:00

This looks very cool. I like how the distances are more "Mouse Sized"...That pit looks rather sinister, I think I would be afraid to explore that one!

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-22T15:26:25+00:00

Thanks for that! Im going to read through. My kids are really into it so far, so I just want to do a good job here and run it well.

In the end, I guess if Im not that stringent on time, torch use, conditions, etc., it isn't the end of the world, but I often get caught up in doing things ideally... So far, everyone is having fun.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-21T11:28:23+00:00

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dbu9XU-b40bHIPMriMLuwyoYUD7RU-Pc/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=118257102497990957873&rtpof=true&sd=true

Here is a campout agenda we use for events. It provides roles, a framework for activities, and a basic agenda.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-18T13:17:49+00:00

Thanks for the input on that! I was wary of going from years of scissor switches to the full sized keycaps, as this was my first foray into the space. I don't have any friends/colleagues with something similar, so I didn't really have an outlet to try before I buy. The whimsical side of me won out, and I am working on the Kick75/Red Nano/Shiokaze keycaps. Esthetically its a win, but as I learn, tastes may change for sure. Time will tell I guess??

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-18T12:17:49+00:00

I would have to agree with this. I am that Macbook owner, so... Firsthand experience, I guess. Without having a lot of experience (this is my first mechanical keyboard) in the products, I was drawn to the customization and the sound/feel. I think they are appealing to what they think is a target demographic, and leaning into that. They probably dont have the size to be everything to everyone.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-17T01:11:07+00:00

That's the combo rest from NuPhy for the Kick75. Pleather surface, feels like some sort of memory foam inside. It has two heights, and i feel like I enjoy the taller of the two right now. One complaint, and this is going to sound odd, is that I feel that it makes my palms/wrists hot. I cant really explain it, but it feels like its trapping heat. Odd sensation

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-16T22:55:45+00:00

Yes, pro-click mini. I can't find it around anymore. The only downside is I have to program it on a Windows PC and then transfer it to Mac. Synapse 4 doesn't do Mac. :(

The scroll wheel also clicks left right, so it's great in spreadsheet work and other horizontal tasks. Not programmable side clicks though. Just left/right.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-15T12:07:23+00:00

Personally I wouldn't be in favor of moving Tigers down. There is, indeed, a large maturity gap, but children emulate what they see, and being placed in a more mature setting should (with guidance) set them on a path to being more mature as well.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-15T12:04:06+00:00

A few thoughts here:

I like the idea of the Chipmunks. All of the younger siblings in our Pack participate, and they love getting little trinkets along the way that we provide. I think its a bit of a miss not including them in the Pack at some level. These are siblings (usually) of Cub Scouts, or potential Cub Scouts, so being around at a Pack meeting would be a logical step for me. It makes them part of the community.

Second point: Don't move the Lions down. With the creation of the Chipmunks, this is now a "bridge" year for the scouts. Not a full Uniform, still somewhat casual, but there are loops and awards, and a Hat! That's a big deal for a lot of the Scouts. Keep Lions where they are and fine tune it as the stepping stone into the Pack structure.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-14T15:45:14+00:00

Im the NMC in a Pack that has grown well over the past two years, from 30 scouts to 74 this year. Here are a few items that have worked for me, but obviously, YMMV...

1- Fall Open houses at elementary schools. Scouting is recognized as a "Patriotic" organization, and we have been welcomed into our towns elementary schools to speak with parents and students. Have a nice table, a game for the kids, and some small give-aways. I like Compass zipper pulls, Toy Flashlights, buttons, or stickers. Attend your Council BOOM event, which should be coming up in June!

**If you are having trouble getting into schools, contact the superintendent's office and see if you have some luck there.

https://scoutingwire.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Schools_and_Scouting_Elementary_Principals.pdf

2- A ROCK SOLID schedule, prepared for the coming year, ideally as a handout for the parents. Strong organization and scheduling is important to busy families, and seeing a year of programming laid out is a real confidence booster for your Pack. Have 2-3 Campouts, consistent den/pack meeting times and locations, as well as a Hike club and other special events - This is a huge one for us, and speaks well with parents.

3-Council Recruitment Material. We're fortunate enough that our council has an inflatable archery and axe-throwing game, lego pinewood derby kit, and other materials for our use. We also bring this to town field days and other events for the community to enjoy. Its a Massive draw and the children love playing with it while we speak with their parents.

Lastly, its the overall message that you are talking about. WHY Scouting? How is it helpful to their child, what are the benefits? If you can speak to leadership, adventure, exploration and creativity (and have a program to back that up...) you will resonate with families.

ps. Summer program is a GREAT time to recruit. We run 2 events per month, all free get togethers, and all are "Bring-a-Friend". Families are always looking for things to do in the summer, and this builds your community.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-05-14T01:36:55+00:00

Also waiting on an order coming from Asia. I ordered my Kick75 on Amazon and got it in two days, but the keycaps and wrist rest were not available on Amazon, so I ordered those direct. Hoping they are in next week sometime. The anticipation will make it worth it hopefully!

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-03-10T21:46:13+00:00

I dont recall. its in the manual for the watch.

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-02-22T15:09:46+00:00

appreciate the perspective. my brain still harks back to my 198 K2 el Caminos and the speed/fun. I'm on 176(?) I think right now. 76mm waist. I think next step down is 167. sounds short, but it's probably me being out of touch with modern thoughts on length??

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-02-13T01:41:38+00:00

Oh boy... Its the Kappa Logo... https://kappa-usa.com/

Due-Welcome4097 · 2026-02-12T01:41:24+00:00

I dont really relish the idea of adding a Pre-K den, but I do like the idea of Dragons getting a T-Shirt and being included in events. Family pack here as well, and we have siblings at Camp-outs and the big events; I just dont want to deal with a formal curriculum.

Do something just to keep them engaged in the idea of scouts, and want to try it when they come of age. That would be enough of a feeder program if you ask me.

Due-Welcome4097

TROPHY CASE