Letter: Growing Cub Scout troop seeks local

To the Editor:

I wanted to share my experiences with you as a volunteer Den Leader for Somerset’s Cub Scout Pack 144.

My son started last fall as he is in first grade at Somerset Elementary. Not having been a Cub Scout as a child, this was my first exposure to how the organization operates.

Currently comprised of the Executive Committee of Cubmaster Chuck Ennis, Assistant Cubmaster Caryn Johnson and Executive Chairman Peter Johns, I want to commend these people, the Den Leaders, and countless other parents, family and friends for the time and energy they dedicate to the young boys in the Somerset area.

The success of Somerset’s Pack 144 resulted in them doubling their membership in the fall of 2007.

I was surprised at the amount of time and variety of experiences dedicated to the Cubs promoting the goals of supporting the community while developing future citizens and leaders of the area, state and country.

Who hasn’t seen Cub Scouts cleaning local ditches in the spring or helping with the holiday season ringing bells to support The Salvation Army?

Combined with monthly Pack meetings and Den meetings, the boys also take advantage of programs coordinated by the Northern Star Council which oversees local Packs in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

Finally, there are the summer camp sessions the boys participate in, exposing them to the traditional camp activities such as archery, fishing, orienteering and others.

The surprising thing is these activities have historically been self-funded by Pack activities. Many of us are familiar with the fall wreath and popcorn sales when the Cubs come knocking in October. This drive is the primary funding tool supporting the program.

Due to the unprecedented growth I mentioned above, Pack 144 has finally exceeded our ability to currently support our programs, and we are looking for local support to help us out.

A one time, tax deductible donation will help us continue providing these boys with quality programs and opportunities. Please contact Caryn Johnson at cray_lee@hotmail.com, or Greg Scheder at Greg.Scheder@ThomsonReuters.com, or Peter Johns at tuurajohns@yahoo.com to help us out or mail donations to Somerset Cub Scouts, Pack 144, P.O. Box 220, ATTN: Anchor Bank, Somerset, WI 54025-9935.

We can provide the time and energy as volunteers, but, we need your help to continue our activities. Activities helping us develop responsible, active and enthusiastic members of our community.

Greg Scheder

Den 14, Pack 144,

Somerset

Tags: opinion, cub, scouts, financial, backing