http://edcforums.com/threads/the-man-box.108212/

Seeing the state of affairs in many many families , I wish every dad reads this and thinks about spending some quality time with their kids.

Sniff
A tiny manly tear is about to roll.

The post you linked is not a trigger for me as it seems to be for you. Nevertheless, I appreciate the timing of your post as the anniversary of my father’s death is approaching.

When Dad was alive, he did spend time with me. As an English professor, he exposed me to Shakespeare. He is the one who named me after the traditional French song, “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle.”

Jeanette Isabelle

Token girly "Ahhhhhh!" What a wonderful idea.

Our son turns 10 in a couple of months, and my hubby is trying to figure out something similar - a coming of age ritual. It might be a thing or an experience or a new birthday tradition. He's still working on it so I think I'm going to send him this link. Thanks!

This one I leave in my husband's capable hands, without interfering. Much. LOL!

I particularly like the idea of starting new traditions (i.e. this is the first year my son and didn't do a one on one Mother's Day hike or camp, but we're going to make up for it next weekend.) Something like an annual father and son trip. For example, my son is going to get to go paintballing for the first time this year, joining his dad, uncle an older cousin in their annual tradition. His first paintball gun and safety equipment is already bought, wrapped and waiting for the big day. (I suspect a similar story will play out my daughter is old enough to join my annual girls fishing weekend.)

I also like the idea of handing down something that can be handed down. As an example, my dad gave me my first SAK when I turned 18 and went on my first solo camping trip. (Turns out a spare car key would have been better, since I locked myself out of the car while setting up camp in the dark, but that's an entirely different topic. LOL!) Long story short, I still EDC that knife and will probably hand it down to my son one day. Might make a good 10th birthday present...

When my son is going for his whittling chip in the scouts, I'm going to get him a scout knife and have something engraved on the blade...maybe "do your best" or "be prepared".

Wonderful idea, barbakane!

My husband and I gave our son a Scouts Canada folding knife when he moved up to Cubs. It was a practical memento, and a great lead in to knife responsibility and use.

Even better, volunteer as an adult leader for your scouts' unit. I have been with mine since they were tigers, and now one is a star Boy Scout and the other working on first class. I am their Scout Master, and we have a great time together. Quality time is priceless.

^This! I've never had a more rewarding experience that as a Scouter. Scouting with my son is awesome!

Interesting he's putting together an ammo box. My son already has one. It has a cap gun, BBC's for his Bob gun, slingshots and safety glasses. When we go to the farm we take it. He's only 7 so it stays up in the top of his closet where he can't reach it.

I don't have any sons but my girls have treasure boxes for the things I've given them, including multitools, amateur radio gear, flashlights, etc. I like this.

Was gonna start another thread, but I'll be the Webelos I den leader going into the next year. Our current den leader got held up in front of his house, in a gated community, in front of his family. So he's moving back north. I've been involved since my son started scouts, and I know webelos will be a great challenge, for all.