Ryan and I traveled to meet the new Asst Scoutmaster (the one I'd spoken with on the phone, I mistakenly assumed he was the head scoutmaster) and the Scoutmaster yesterday evening. It was only about 3 miles longer to his house than to the troop in town, so it wasn't bad. Unfortunately no other boys showed up, 2 had a sick grandfather, one was out of town for summer vacation, etc. That's ok, we got to have a nice talk, just the 4 of us. Bruce wasn't able to go, as I kinda sprung it on him last minute and he was sleeping for work.
The Asst. Scoutmaster, Mr. D, is a gem. He really took a shine to Ryan and asked him a LOT of questions. He asked Ryan if he'd like to walk his dog while the adults talked, and Ryan had a blast. Mr. D asked me if I minded Ryan going alone on campouts so they could work one-on-one with him and his behavior, and I was stunned. They actually WANT my son to learn independence, and have the patience to deal with it. He said either Bruce or I were both welcome to go on the campouts, of course, but they do have a few "Wilderness Survival" campouts that parents aren't invited to.
They have 6 active boys, 2 more coming in soon, and Ryan will make 9. I made the decision and filled out the transfer paperwork for myself and him right there. Jacob, my 9 y/o, has decided to stay with the pack/troop he's in now, at least for the time being. If they begin to treat him badly, he'll transfer. Mr. D wants both Bruce and I to go through Adult Leader training, which includes Youth Safety and Protection, and Woodbadge. Woodbadge is hard to catch because it's only once a year unless you go to another council's Woodbadge and usually have to drive a long distance.
I was very happy and comfortable last night, and Ryan seemed to be too. The Scoutmaster himself is a little quiet, but he was busy eating chips and salsa while we talked LOL but he's seriously a nice guy as well.
I told Mr. D I was pretty heavy on merit badges, and he said he'd do whatever he could to help Ryan gain as many as possible, especially the ones required for Eagle. Those are the ones we're going to work on first.
Just a good night all the way around :) You can join Unsolved Mysteries and post your own mysteries or
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Good luck 
