How Santa Became Cubmaster

One year, right after Christmas, Mrs. Santa was worried. Things were odd. Toys for next year needed planning, the reindeer walked around unshod. She wrung her hands in frustration, something was bothering the jolly old elf.

Depression, tendonitis, carpal tunnel? He wasn't his jolly old self. Finally one day it came out. His worry, the kids of this age. All they wanted for Christmas was shooting toys, electronics of battles and war to wage. Then came a knock at their door. Most unusual up here at the pole! It was a boy in tan and green clothes, "Selling tickets with his den."

"A ticket for what?" Santa asked, "And come in out of the cold."

For Scout-O-Rama," the boy replied, "you haven't seen ads or been told?"

"A gathering to show skills and events. It's fun.

We're showing off our Derby Cars, hope that they all run."

Building, sportsmanship, learning skills?

Santa thought, there is hope at last!

"And what organization are you in?" Santa was curious to ask.

"The Boy Scouts of America. We meet once a week." He explained.

Then he wanted to be on his way. "Are you buying a ticket or two?" he exclaimed.

"Of course," Santa said and got out his wallet. "Before you go, where do you meet?" "At the Air Force Base down there. And our Cubmaster is really neat!" Then the boy's face fell and he said with a little catch in his voice,

"Our Cubmaster's leaving, won't be with us long, and it sure wasn't his choice." Santa remembered hearing about Baden-Powell in the past,

But he didn't understand what scouting was, so he asked,

"Where the meeting was held." Then he showed up, incognito.

He was impressed with what was taught! There wasn't a thing he would veto.

Sure enough, the Cubmaster was moving, transferred and leaving the pack,

And none of the other parents had the time or experience to keep the boys on track. The plans were all made for the meeting the next week.

Santa said he'd be happy to come and lead.

"But only this once, he thought he would try it.

The next week was Cub Winter Day Camp. Santa knew he could do that!.

So he took the boys out. They built a wonderful sled. Are you surprised at that? Then the Chairman knocked at the door. "Wouldn't he please take over the pack? So Santa thought he'd try it. Though in training, he felt a lack.

The next meeting, the faces of the boys were a pleasure to behold. Santa has always been good with kids; even though he's a little bit old. And his pack doesn't even realize that when he comes to a meeting.

He has reindeer for horsepower. He's still very good at secrets.

So that's how Santa became Cubmaster. Now he hardly has time to make toys.

But he's awful happy, and knows there's hope for the world, because of the Scouting boys.

By Val Chatwin