Published: January 17, 2009 11:44 pm      

Pack mentality: Leaders say Cub Scouts learn ‘lifetime values'

Cub Scouting provides young boys with opportunities to do something good for themselves, their families and their communities, says Eric M. Lindrose, Cubmaster of Pack 25, sponsored by Geistown Volunteer Fire Company.

Cubs are boys in first through the fifth grades.

They are broken into Tiger, first grade; Wolf, second grade; Bear, third grade; and Webelos, fourth and fifth grades, said Carol Moyer, committee chairwoman for Pack 51, sponsored by Dunlo American Legion Post 573.

Webelos is short for We’ll Be Loyal Scouts, she said.

When a boy reaches age 11, he becomes eligible to become a Boy Scout, she noted.

The Cub program is year-round and offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games and other activities guide boys through core values and provides them a sense of personal achievement.

Cub Scouting’s core values are citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health/fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility.

Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting, and parents or other adults are encouraged to play an active role in the program.

Pack 25 has 42 boys, Lindrose said. It meets at Geistown fire hall. Pack 51 has almost 50 members and meets at Bethel United Methodist Church, Salix.

Both packs hold special activities almost every month in addition to regular meetings, their leaders said.

The program year generally follows the school year and both packs also hold events throughout the summer.

The Pinewood Derby is perhaps Cub Scouting’s signature activity.

Winners at the pack levels will compete in district competition in the spring.

In a Pinewood Derby, the Cubs, with the help of their fathers or other adults, build small cars to compete on wooden or aluminum tracks.

Another significant activity for Cubs is the Blue and Gold banquet. Awards are presented and the Cubs are saluted for their hard work throughout the year, Lindrose said.

Cub Scouting helps young boys become more self-reliant and dependable, Moyer said.

“It gives them lifetime values, fun and educational activities,” she said. “They gain confidence, and it helps them become better adults.”