Published: February 01, 2008 10:09 pm            

Scouting a lifelong interest for Rockwood resident

ROCKWOOD — Scouting is in Rockwood resident James Zieglemeier’s blood.

Growing up in Wisconsin, his parents were active leaders in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, helping him rise through the lofty ranks to become an Eagle Scout.

Now as scoutmaster, Zieglemeier is sharing the thrill of scouting with 17 Cub Scouts from Rockwood Pack 538.

“I’m all about the outdoors – hiking, camping and all the stuff that’s involved with scouting,” Zieglemeier, 43, said. “I have so many memories of scouting. I enjoy seeing the boys having a good time.”

Zieglemeier took over as scoutmaster nearly three years ago after the previous scoutmaster’s son moved on to Boy Scouts.

Zieglemeier moved to Rockwood after he married his wife, Jill, a Rockwood area native he met in Wisconsin. The couple have two children, Alicia, age 15, and Nicholas, age 9.

“When our son was born, that was one of the first things I thought of: ‘Boy, I want to get back into scouts,’ ’’ he said.

Admittedly, interest in scouting has waned among today’s youth.

“There is so much to do, but kids are bored,” he said. “They’re always bored. Some kids make their own entertainment by doing video games. But we have a full calendar of events we’re doing.”

On Sunday, the scouts will be in the stands watching the Johnstown Chiefs. Snow tubing at Seven Springs Mountain Resort is planned, and next week they also will tour the Rockwood Fire Company.

Cub Scouts enjoy activities such as swimming, skating, flag football, archery, camping and biking.

Shy boys who are unfamiliar with the outdoors become enthusiastic about scouting with guidance from parents and scout leaders.

“We just try to ease them into it,” he said. “The big thing is doing things as a group.

“That’s what helps these shy boys who aren’t sure of themselves.”

Boys in first through fifth grades can join a Cub Scout pack.

Nicholas is a bit more reserved then his dad, but said scouting is fun.

“I like camping and camp fires,” he said. “We did archery and BB shooting.”

Father and son are preparing for next month’s Pinewood Derby, an annual wooden car race competition first held in Manhattan Beach, Calif., in 1953.

The scouting experience has changed through the years, with Cub Scouts today taking camping trips.

“Camping is the allure of scouting,” Zieglemeier said.

“Because scouting was on the decline, they wanted to build it back up. So they decided to let cubbies start camping.”

Zieglemeier hopes to help his son one day become an Eagle Scout and maybe advance into leadership training to nurture other scouts.

His work with Cub Scouts has not gone unnoticed by officials of the Penn’s Wood Council, Boy Scouts of America.

“He’s a wonderful person, very conscientious in everything he does with the scouts,” said Michele Brenneman, senior district executive for the Forbes Trail and Fort Bedford districts.

“He works very hard to deliver a quality scouting experience for the kids in Rockwood,” she said.

        

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