The more I connect with Third Delta families (not assigned to a unit because of geographic remoteness) who are excited about progress in our Handbooks, the more I want to encourage unit members to become excited about the material in the Handbooks.  My experience is that unit members, including in my own unit, tend to let unit activity and regional camps be the sum total of their ALERT Cadet experience, neglecting the one-on-one time between father and son at home that is promoted by working on the Handbooks together.  

By the way, are you aware that while we want dad to compete his own Handbooks, which is a tremendous encouragement to the sons, dad does not have to do his own set of projects?  In other words, projects like building a toolbox or planning a camping menu can be done together and both take credit for it.  This fosters the connection between father and son, which is what we are all about.