Fall Soccer And Cub Scouts

Fall Soccer And Cub Scouts

I’ve been really busy leading activities that T is interested in this fall. As a soccer coach and Cub Scout den leader I’ll admit my skills as a communicator and teacher are being pushed. I’m working to get better leading groups and organizing activities. I think I’m finding some success so far even if its outside of my comfort zone.

Sports coaching isn’t something I think I’ll continue in the future. Kids are really hard to corral and parents are hands off yet at the same time highly critical. You can see why people are reluctant to coach and referee. Parents really want development (while not being involved in practices at all) and they want the kids to win games (stupid because we don’t even keep score at this point). They want these things all for $75 a dollar a season and from coaches who are doing this for free (actually I paid to do it). I only stepped up at the last minute before we started missing games. 14 kids on the team and only one other parent stepped up to help. Incredible. If you want your kids to be competitive head over to the traveling team and pay their initiation fee and then you can cross your arms on the sideline when your kid whiffs kicking the ball and trips over himself.

I guess what really gets me is one parent even told me they played soccer for 12 years, so all through grade school and soccer, but weren’t willing to coach because “they were too busy”. Wow, from what? Like, I’m literally coaching this practice and going home to work a few more hours. Busy? You have no idea what busy is, unbelievable. What also gets me is that someone stepped up for them, but they’re unwilling to pay it back. But, that’s people now a days. They believe the world revolves around them.

Cub Scouts are totally different. Parents are very supportive and want to get involved. They are really great people and I’ll put more energy towards it. I still believe the Scouts program is one of the best in teaching values and developing character. The Scout Law, Scout Oath, and Scout Motto is just an excellent framework. This is family oriented programming and I want to be a bigger part of it. I’m not sure how I’ll continue leading a group this big, 45 kids and parents. But they are all willing to help and I appreciate all that they do.

Next year I will be a pack leader. I admit I am reluctant to do so. I am more of a “behind the scenes” type person. Do you need a calendar hammered out? Do you need finances and budgets worked over? Communications need to be revamped? Those are all things I could do. I had one year of scouts growing up. I don’t know much about the tradition of it. I do know I want to be involved and without me who knows what would happen. It’s also a major time commitment. They tell you its an hour or two a month, that is a crock. There is a ton of planning that needs to go into it. I’d say its about ten hours a month easily if you want to do it right. Not only do you have the administration of it all, but you also have your den. My den is 15 kids and growing. I am so thankful for them but I wish I could just keep working with them because they are great kids.

Cub Scout Bird Feeder Building
Cub Scout Bird Feeder Building
Last Soccer Game With Independence Soccer Club
Last Soccer Game With Independence Soccer Club
Last Soccer Game With Independence Soccer Club
Last Soccer Game With Independence Soccer Club