My Son's Birthday, Scouting, and POPCORN!

My son Neil was born on September 28, 2005, so today is his seventh birthday! Just recently, Neil began his journey in Scouting with Cub Pack 85 of the Laurel Highlands Council.

Neil wants YOU to support Scouting!

I expect at our upcoming Pack meeting, Neil will receive his Tiger Cub Immediate Recognition Badge, as he's successfully learned the Cub Scout Promise, sign, and salute. I have great hopes for the benefits Neil will get from Scouting. Scouting was a huge part of my life growing up, and I'm hoping it will be for him too.


Neil is a wonderful boy, although he isn't always the best at acting his age or behaving appropriately - a not unusual circumstance for seven year-olds, as I've gathered. Certainly among his "improvement areas" is self-discipline, and Scouting will certainly help with that.

When he first put on his Cub Scout uniform and learned about all the badges he could earn, his immediate reaction was that he wanted to earn them all. I think its starting to set in on him that, even as a Cub Scout, it's going to be a lot of work and require a lot of dedication.

I hope he sticks with it. When I'm ever asked what a regret of mine is, my ready answer is not completing the requirements for Eagle Scout. If Neil makes it all the way, I'll be so proud.

So, since it's his birthday, he's new in Scouting, and I'm also getting involved as an adult volunteer with the Pack, could you please consider helping us all out by looking into purchasing some Trail's End Popcorn?

Yes, I hate making the fundraising sales pitch, but there it is. If you use the above link and purchase, it will automatically credit to Neil. The Trail's End products are excellent - I'm a particular fan of the Chocolatey Triple Delight - and most importantly, seventy percent (70%!) of the purchase price makes its way back to the Boy Scouts of America, our Council, and the Pack!

As anybody who's ever read my blog knows, I'm a big supporter of our military and all the brave men and women who have served both in peace and in war. You can also purchase popcorn care packs (there's a $35 and $55 pack option) to be sent to our men and women in uniform today, either domestically or overseas. I really encourage you to do this, especially if you've given in the past to similar efforts (as I have).

Come on now, who doesn't like popcorn? ;-)