Good job on your recruiting! You're making a lot of progress already.
Our sick friend's wife is Key 3, btw, and also one of the Vice Chairs. Got an email from her yesterday and it sounds like he is doing much better now.
Key 3 is a lot of work, I know. Hope you have a great DE to work with. That seems to make a huge difference. I try to take ours to lunch every few months as a thank you. I know he works at least 60 hour weeks routinely. And I have to collect mbc paperwork from him anyway....
Public Speaking is one that I hoped both of my boys would consider. I think it's a terrific badge. I keep lining it up for a fair and then it ends up turning into Communications, because mbcs for one are also usually for the other. And Scouts wanting Communications are endless! I keep wondering where they all come from...
My boys just came home (exhausted) from winter camp, one with Forestry and the other with Mammal Study.
Scout week is 4 - 12 February.
The DC is my former boss at work and the DE is an eager young fellow (newlywed too). He's going to be alright I think. Has a lot to learn yet but he's coming along nicely and willing to learn and help.
The line for the Communications MB is understandable as it's a required one for Eagle.
Keep an eye on their progress and age towards Eagle and contemplate challenging them to go for the Hornaday Conservation Award once Eagle is done. That's a MAJOR Award for after Eagle and tough to earn.
From the sound of how they came home they'll sleep well tonight and be in bed early.