Cub Scout recruiters to visit Wayne elementary schools
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on August 28, 2011 1:50 AM
Boy Scout leaders will be holding meetings at all Wayne County elementary schools over the next few weeks, hoping to recruit boys into the ranks of the Cub Scouts.
The annual campaign usually elicits excitement from the boys who listen to the pep talks, Scout leaders say, but it's the parents who often need convincing.
"We're all about teaching kids leadership, citizenship, self-reliance, self-confidence, those kind of things," said Tim Harper, Scout executive for the Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts. "Any parent in the world, why would they not want their kid in this program?"
"Cub Scouting nowadays is much more than just projects with Popsicle sticks and glue," Harper said. "We're hoping we can convince the parents of the value of the program."
Scouting begins with Tiger Cubs, who are typically in the first grade. The next ranks are Wolf and Bear, usually held by boys in the second and third grades, with Webelos the last level before boys are old enough to enter the ranks of the Boy Scouts at age 11.
The initial manual, the Tiger Cub handbook, outlines the purposes of Cub Scouting: to develop character, citizenship, spiritual growth, sportsmanship and fitness, respect for others, personal achievement, and of course, fun and adventure. Cub Scouting's core values are citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, a positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility.
As Scouts advance through the ranks, they learn more skills, including camping, cooking, first aid, American Indian lore, how to care for pets, even computer skills. It might sound like work, but it's designed to be fun, Harper said, and Scout leaders are trained to keep it fun. Boys learn best when they are having a good time, Scouting officials recognize, and the programs within the organization are aimed at keeping the good times rolling.
Much of what Scouting teaches is practical knowledge that will serve a boy for the rest of his life, such as first aid, knot-tying, how to react in an emergency, even how to manage money.
Ty Edmondson is leader of Pack 9, which meets at Adamsville Baptist Church. The father of four boys and a girl, Edmondson is a strong supporter of Scouting. His two oldest sons, Cooper, 11, and Cairns, 9, have been active in the Cubs, with Cooper preparing to make the transition to Boy Scouting.
Edmondson emphasized that Cub Scouting has something for every boy.
"No matter what their skill is, Scouting gives every boy an opportunity to see success," Edmondson said.
It also gives boys a chance to interact with their parents in ways they might not find during a normal day, he said.
"Scouting is a good opportunity for parents to spend time with their children," he said. "It's sometimes tough to find that time.
"Parent participation is the key," Edmondson said, echoing Harper's comments about getting mothers and fathers interested. "The parents are ones who make it work."
Edmondson also noted that with more than 20 Cub packs in Wayne County, a parent who might find it difficult to get his or her son to a meeting on a particular night can find a pack whose schedule fits their family's schedule. And boys can join at any age, he pointed out.
"We have a good time, that's the main thing," Edmundson said.
The meetings at the schools will be held at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call Charlie Aman at the Scout Office at 734-1714.