From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — In the heart of every child there is a longing for community, service and adventure. It persists even in our age of instant digital gratification and incessant smart phone notifications. Nourishing that spark becomes the challenge and the charge of the older generations. Fortunately, there is an organization whose existence is dedicated to achieving that very goal. That organization is the Boy Scouts of America.
The Scouts have been around since 1910 and have had a presence in Trussville since 1951. They have taught millions of kids how to navigate their communities as well as the world. The scouts teach respect, service, how to be responsible for oneself, and how to be responsible for others. The Scouts achieve all of this in a unique and impactful method. The scouts have fun with learning resulting as a by-product of their many activities.
Scouting has many group divisions to meet the preferences, and needs, of diverse individuals but the big two are the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts.
The Cub Scouts are open to children from kindergarten to fifth grade. According to their literature, “The methods of Cub Scouting are: living the ideals, belonging to a den, advancement, family involvement, activities, serving the community, and the uniform.”
Activities vary but may include, and are not limited to; den meetings, pack meetings, outdoor adventures, banquets, service projects, space derby, and the pine wood derby.
The Boy Scouts are open to ages 11 to 17. It is advertised by the organization as being, “The traditional Scouting experience for youth in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.”
This program utilizes a series of challenges, which the scout can face at their own pace, that will foster growth, develop skills and, as the literature advises, “lead to personal responsibility and high self-esteem.”
Those interested can learn more about the Scouting program by visiting their national website (scouting.org), or the website for the local Pack 216 (Pack216.org). For those that are little bit more adventurous Pack 216 can be visited in person at 427 Cherokee Drive in Trussville; or they can visit Greater Alabama Council Boy Scouts of America at 516 Liberty Parkway, Birmingham Al 35183.