Vince's 1st Pack Meeting

This past Wednesday, Vince and I went to his first pack meeting. There, we had a cookout along with all the fancy fixin's.

As part of his Wolf Badge requirements, Vince had to cook a hot dog. He was a little unenthusiastic at first. But once the frank started sizzling, he began to take notice. Granted, he wouldn't touch the hot dog with a ten-foot pole when it was done. But he did insist that I eat the weenie and he eat the bun. (In other words, he fed it to me. ;-) Ah, food and Autism. Always an adventure.


After noshing down some vittles, the pack divided into dens and began their activities. Vince worked to the best of his understanding. Some things, like running in place, didn't make too much sense to him. (Can you believe that Cubs are supposed to do that for 5 minutes?!?) But when it came to playing catch or leap-frog, he really got into it.

Finally, the day ended with an award ceremony. Because of Vince's hard work during the day camp, he was awarded his Bobcat Badge. It's his first step in the awards ascension for Cubs.

Vince was also awarded his Archery and Geology belt loops for camp, too. It's strangely fitting, because Vince got a huge kick out of both slinging arrows and messin' with rocks.

Having an Autistic Cub Scout is a very surreal parental experience. On one hand, he's performing the deeds necessary to advance. But at the same time, I know that there are some activities that he just doesn't understand.

What should I do? Exactly what I am doing now.
If I continue to help him, continue to participate with him, something, some small part of his Cub Scouting is bound to stick with him and enrich his life.

Whatever good memories he makes are bound to last his lifetime. That makes all of the hardships worthwhile.

Our next step is trying to get him a uniform! Yeah, I'm excited too.