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.

Vince's New Adventure

For the longest time, Lisa and I have bumped our brains trying to figure out how to give Vince new ways to interact with his peers. Now that he's finally old enough, we thought we'd give Cub Scouting a try. This weekend, Vince and I attended his first Cub Scout function, day camp.

It took a little to prepare for the day. Lis and I filled out forms, met pack representatives and gathered medical records so that the weekend would go off without a hitch.

Our first day was on Friday, 6-22-07.
Vince met his den buddies and pack leader before we departed for camp. I was really nervous because I wasn't sure how Vince would react to his new environs and companions. On that day, I learned that some activities were suitable for him while others weren't. He really enjoyed the obstacle courses and other physical events. But once things slowed down to concentrative subjects like cryptography, flag-raising and mapwork, I found myself having to maintain his attention with water breaks, juice treats and his Leapster.

We left a little early, when he started to get cranky. As we departed, I heard the uncoordinated sound of a hundred little voices saying goodbye to Vince. I turned him around and helped him wave to everyone, all the while fighting back tears.
In my opinion, the first day was a complete success. Vince had enjoyed himself. His denmates had accepted and interacted with him. And Vincent was eager enough to go the second day(6-23-07)!

That's when I made sure I brought the camera...

Vince really enjoyed the opening ceremonies and the skits put on by the camp staff. Here, he and his denmate, Sam, enjoy the staff's shenanigans.






Our first event that day was called "The Tower of Mr. E." Inside, the older scouts showed the cubs some spooky novelty lights and fake alien skulls in hopes of getting them in the mood for the camps spy theme.
Vince? He enjoyed the static electricity lights inside the tower. But the real treat for him was on top of the tower, where he got to descend on a rope ladder.


Here's our group proctor, "Zero," helping Vince get over the rail and onto the ladder.







It was a little tough at first...








...But once he got the hang of it, it was easy money.








Everybody cheered for him once he got on the ground.
Vince loved it!







How could I not be proud?








In between activities, we took water breaks and horsed around. Vince moved at the last minute!







Vince's favorite activity for the day were the push-carts. The boys would take turns riding and pushing their peers along a dirt track.
Vince got a kick out of riding and pushing!
Here, the Den Buddies push Sam through the Gauntlet.





And then it was Vince's turn!
From the Right, that's Sam, Bear and Drew. The kid on the Left was from another pack.






After everyone had gone, the kids gave their staff proctors a turn. It looks like "Jello" was holding on for dear life.







Lunchtime was every cub's favorite activity!
Eat up, guys.







At the end of both day, Vince looked the same. He was covered in dirt from head to toe with a big smile. This weekend really taught me how to successfully mitigate Cub Scout camps with Vince. Come next year, I know we'll be ready for even more fun.

Now our next scouting experience is coming this Friday with our first meeting.
Wish us luck!

Tom, where have you been?

I'm sorry it's been so long.
The last two weeks have been crazy.

Vince and I have been traveling and enjoying new experiences.
In the brief time since my last entry we've gone to Grand Junction Colorado, hiked the Colorado National Monument and given Vince the social opportunity of a lifetime.

Sure, I could describe it all.
But I prefer to let the pictures speak for themselves.

On to the show!