Articles

Andersen Boy Scouts program offers positive activities

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Wayne Lange
  • Andersen Pack 20
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Parents of young boys face a lot of choices in after-school activities; however, as we all know, boys want to have fun, while parents want them to learn positive values and skills that will last a lifetime. 

Since 1910, the Boy Scouts have taught and groomed millions of America's boys through character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, fun and adventure and preparation for boy scouts. 

The Boy Scouts of America program starts with Cub Scouts - a year-round family program designed for boys in first through fifth grades, ages 7 through 10 years. Cub Scouting members join a pack. The pack is further divided into dens each with six to eight boys. 

The dens are the Tiger Cubs, first graders; Wolf Cubs, second graders; Bear Cubs, third graders; and Webelos, fourth and fifth graders. 

Andersen Pack 20 dens meet every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel II Annex.
Den meetings are usually based on a theme for the month, they include playing games, making handicrafts, taking hikes, other outdoor fun and working on activity badges, pins and belt loops. 

The primary focus of den leaders is to ensure that fun is first and foremost while conducting activities that encourages positive character development through teaching the Cub Scouting 12 core values: citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility. 

Each den follows an advancement plan outlined in a handbook for each level of Cub Scouts. The plan identifies requirements to achieve the rank and the subsequent awarding of the badge. There are many other achievements that can be earned above and beyond rank, through family and den leader involvement. 

Once a month, all of the dens and families gather for a pack meeting convened by the Cub Master and pack committee. The meeting is opened and closed with a flag ceremony that the older boys, usually the Webelos perform. The boys of the pack receive recognition in front of family and friends for all of the achievements and awards they have accomplished and earned since the last pack meeting. 

This is also an opportunity for the pack council to review upcoming activities and answer any questions that may arise. 

Each pack meeting is usually associated to a major event such as Pinewood Derby Car Race, Rain Gutter Regatta Boat Race, Space Derby Rocket Race, Father and Son Cake Bake, Potluck, Day Camp or an overnight Family Camping trip. 

The hand crafted activities teach the value of planning and patience, and give boys confidence in their abilities. 

Outdoor adventures such as camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing convey an appreciation for nature's majesty and teach the importance of preserving our environment. 

During the summer, when school has convened, the dens no-longer have meetings, but the pack will have outings to bring the pack together once a month.
As a parent you can be assured that Cub Scouting involves a variety of family activities, encourages good behavior, teaches lifelong values and strengthens the bonds of family.
Apart from the fun and excitement of Cub Scouting activities, the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, the Tiger Cub Motto, and the Cub Scout sign, handshake, motto and salute all teach good citizenship and contribute to a boy's sense of belonging. 

Every position in the pack is a volunteer position; simply put, volunteerism is the only way possible for the program to exist. Our future leaders need volunteers that are committed and act as though they have a vested interest in their success, development and morale. 

There are many positions available for the remainder of this year and next years program as we have so many leaders departing Permanent Change of Station this summer. 

For more information about Andersen's Cub Scout Pack 20, send an e-mail to the pack at address: andersencspack20@yahoo.com. For other information about the pack please visit our website: http://www.geocities.com/andersencspack20.

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