THOUGHTFUL ITEMS FOR SCOUTERS
Thanks to Scouter Jim from Bountiful, Utah, who prepares this section of Baloo for us each month. You can reach him at bobwhitejonz@juno.com or through the link to write Baloo on www.usscouts.org. CD
August Theme Prayer
Cub Scout Roundtable Planning Guide
Like the cowboys of yesteryear were entrusted with the tending of the cattle, we are entrusted with the tending and care of our Cub Scouts. May the values and ideals of the Scouting movement be branded in their hearts today so that they might grow up to be men of character tomorrow. AMEN
One note on the prayers from the CS RT Planning Guide. They are usually adult oriented prayers. They are intended for the RT audience. The prayer in the CS Program Helps is intended for your Pack Meeting. But if you like one of these, don’t hesitate to modify it so it works for the youth and adults at your pack meeting. CD
Cowboy Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, we pause at this time,
mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.
We ask, Lord, that you will be with us in the arena of life.
We as cowboys do not ask for special favors.
We don't ask to draw around the chute fighting horse, the steer that won't lay, or to never break the barrier.
We don't even ask for all daylight runs.
We do ask Lord, that you will help us live our lives here on earth as cowboys, in such a manner, that when we make that last inevitable ride, to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green, and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear, and deep, that you'll take us by the hand and say – “Well done cowboy, welcome home.”
Wild Bulls
Scouter Jim, Great Salt Lake Council
As a youth our family lived on a large ranch in one of the outreaches of southeastern Utah. My father was the ranch foreman. One fall he was on Mount Peale helping round up the herd to move them to the winter range on the desert. As my father was searching for strays, a large, white faced, Hereford, with long horns, came out of the trees toward him. It was a one-thousand pound unbranded wild bull. This maverick had spent years on the mountain and learned to survive bears and cougars without the protection of the cowboys. This unsupervised life had made him strong and mean. The only recourse my father could use to stop him from charging him and killing both he and his horse was to pull his rifle and shoot him through the skull.
How many boys grow up to be dangerous men because they didn’t have the firm hand of a leader to guide them and protect them from the dangerous world around them? As Scout leaders, we are just cow wranglers rounding up strays, and trying to protect our young charges from the dangers of a harsh and cruel world.
He's Just A Boy
Great Salt Lake Council
Get to understand the lad-- He's not eager to be bad.
If the right he always knew-- He would be as old as you.
Were he now exceedingly wise--
He'd be just about your size.
When he does things that annoy--
Don't forget he's just a boy.
Could he know and understand--
He would not need a guiding hand.
But he's not you and hasn't learned—
How life's corners must be turned.
Doesn't know from day to day—
There is more to life than play.
More to face than selfish joy-- Don't forget he's just a boy.
Being just a boy, he'll do-- Much you will not want him to.
He'll be careless of his ways-- Have his disobedient days.
Things of value he'll destroy-- But reflect, he's just a boy.
Just a boy who needs a friend-- patient, kindly to the end.
Needs a friend who will show--
Him the things he wants to know.
Take him with you when you walk--
Listen when he wants to talk.
His companionship enjoy,-- Don't forget, he's just a boy.
Lullabies for Jittery Cows - Cowboy Ballads
Scouter Jim, Great Salt Lake Council
Many cowboy ballads originated as a means of quieting stampede-prone cattle at night. Composed impromptu by cowhands riding around the herds, the often atonal songs took their rhythm from a horse's gait. Some had mournful tunes, but no words, and were termed "Texas lullabies." Others had standard verses that, like those excerpted below, became favorites.
The Old Chisholm Trail
I'm up in the mornin' afore daylight
And afore I sleep the moon shines bright.
No chaps and no slicker, and it's pouring down rain,
And I swear, by God, that I'll never night-herd again.
Oh, it's bacon and beans most every day
I'd as soon be a-eatin' prairie hay.
I went to the boss to draw my roll,
He had it figured out I was nine dollars in the hole.
I'll sell my horse and I'll sell my saddle;
You can go to hell with your longhhorn cattle.
Santa Clara County Council
Quotations contain the wisdom of the ages, and are a great source of inspiration for Cubmaster’s minutes, material for an advancement ceremony or an insightful addition to a Pack Meeting program cover.
“Well come along boys and listen to my tale, I’ll tell you of my troubles on the old Chisholm Trail.” – Unknown, from the song “The Old Chisholm Trail”
“Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.” - Unknown cowboy
“Well come along boys and listen to my tale, I’ll tell you of my troubles on the old Chisholm Trail.” – Unknown, from the song “The Old Chisholm Trail”
“Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.” - Unknown cowboy
“Don't worry about bitin' off more'n you can chew; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think.” - Unknown cowboy
“The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back into your pocket.” - Unknown cowboy
“Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction.” - Unknown cowboy
“Don't squat with your spurs on.” - Unknown cowboy
“When you lose, don't lose the lesson.” - Unknown cowboy
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.” - Unknown cowboy
“If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there with ya.” - Unknown cowboy
