Results tagged “Cub Scouts” from Proud Dad / Happy Husband

Boy, Will is really starting to show some skill in the artwork department. And those who know me would understand that he certainly didn’t get that gene from me.

The big thing is Will actually had a piece of art from first grade on display at a local bank. The display ended last weekend, but right there in the entrance to the branch was Will’s art work. It was in the style of Eric Carle, and I must say that he did a great job with it. (If the name doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps you recall reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? or The Very Hungry Caterpillar.) I can see why it was chosen.

So he’s got one up on his Mom and Dad in this respect — we didn’t do anything public display-worthy.

Then there is this recent project at school, where he made a topographic map of the United States, using salt dough. Being the expert at maps that he is, he actually did a good job with getting the mountain ranges in, with different heights, and even 3 rivers (Rio Grande, Mississippi, and James). He even painted Canada and Mexico in different colors.

Which brings me to an interesting exchange from the recent camping trip (pictures still pending) with Will. He was impressing the kids and adults with his geography knowledge around a campfire, when he had this conversation with one of the adults:

Will: Canada is on top of the United States.
Adult (making a joke): So, if Canada is on top of the United States, what does that it make it?
Will: What?
Adult: The hat.
Will (without missing a beat): So, what does that make Mexico? The pants?

If you didn’t realize how much of a geography wiz Will is, take a look at this map of the United States — that he drew from memory. Proportions may not be quite there yet, but the detail is stunning.

As I said, he’s got an interesting set of artistic skills.

In more ways than one. The weather broke just in time for everyone to go out. It had rained from Friday night until about 3pm on Saturday, then the sun started to break through the clouds. We got a nice view of the almost-full moon as we were out in the neighborhood, but by 10pm, it was raining again. (And it still hasn’t stopped as I write this entry.)

If you saw the previous entry, you already know what the kids are going out as. But each of their outfits got improvements to go out tonight — red pants and shirts for the Elmos, facial make up and some added costume jewelry for the vampire.

Unfortunately for the twins, their outfit wound up being too warm for the 70 degree weather we had for walking around. Even I was hot and sweaty from walking around in the humid air. But they were troopers and stayed with the outfit the whole way, only removing the heads (like a hood) over the last 30 minutes or so.

They all got good reactions, but there must be something about seeing two Elmos walking around that makes women — from preteen through adult — just say “Awwww.” It happened probably at least 10 times as we were just walking around.

I know Will and I were done with walking on the day. On Saturday morning, we went around a couple of nearby neighborhoods dropping off paper grocery bags for collecting food as part of our council’s Scouting for Food effort. Next Saturday, we’ll go back to these neighborhoods and pick up any bags that have been filled. Will actually had fun going around and leaving the bags on the front doors and stoops, even if it was lightly raining at times during our 2+ hours of bag distribution.

I should have thought of this sooner. Will has joined a Cub Scout pack this year, and our one fundraiser every year is a popcorn sale. Perhaps you’ve seen your local pack do this as well. Well, we’re looking to sell more popcorn to support the troop. Most of the money (70%) goes to Will’s pack.

Even better, you can now order online and have it delivered direct to you. You don’t have to be local to Richmond, VA to get it. Just go online at Trail’s End and enter scout ID # 4403561 when it asks you which Scout you are supporting/ordering from.

If you are local and want to order from Will directly (and get him to deliver it to you), look at pages 5 and 6 of this Acrobat file. (Yes, the image is sideways.) I will say that the Chocolatey Triple Delight popcorn (a nice sized tin for $16) is very delicious.

As I said, I should have thought of this sooner. Our sales have to be finished within a week (next Friday, November 6). Please consider supporting a new Cub Scout and his pack. Thank you.