WESTFIELD – Libraries across Western Massachusetts will be among the sites for “Rocketing into Scouting” recruitment drives on Sept. 12 for boys – and now girls – interested in joining the Western Massachusetts Council of Boy Scouts of America.
In the Greater Westfield area, special events are planned from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Westfield Athenaeum, the Chester Library, and the Southwick Public Library, hosted by unit leaders as well as district and council-level volunteers.
Every new youth member who completes an application and pays registration through December will receive a voucher redeemable for a free rocket kit at the Sept. 29 District Rocket Day or the council Rocket Launch on Oct. 20.
Cubmaster Melanie McNamara, who oversees Westfield Pack 820, based at Highland Elementary School, said she encourages parents to sign up their children for scouting because it can open up a world of activities and adventures they might not experience on their own while learning real life skills and values.
“There are many different packs and you can easily find one that fits with your family values and busy schedules,” said McNamara.
McNamara said her “pretty active pack” conducts weekly meetings where various skills are learned while having fun, and participates in outings that complement each “adventure” to reinforce the skills learned.
Members of Westfield Cub Scout Pack 820 celebrate earlier this summer during a “crossing over to their new ranks” ceremony.
Additionally, McNamara noted that the pack plans multiple camping trips and activities.
“There is something for everyone,” said McNamara. “In addition to the curriculum and outings, we also do conservation projects and service projects.”
Since the spring, all girls from Kindergarten through Grade 5 are now welcome to join Cub Scouts. A Cub Scout is part of a pack. The pack is divided into smaller groups called dens. Each den has about six to eight scouts. The dens are “Lions” for Kindergarten; “Tigers” for Grade 1; “Wolves” for Grade 2; “Bears” for Grade 3; “Webelos” for Grade 4, and “Arrow of Light” for Grade 5.
“Girls can benefit from all of the same skills and activities the boys can,” said McNamara, adding, “With families busy lifestyles, it just makes sense to all be able to participate.”
In Westfield, McNamara’s dens meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Highland, while Cubmaster Greg Stoltzfus oversees Pack 108 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with pack meetings the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. and den meetings that vary on different days, and Cubmaster Karen Guido leads Pack 109 at St. Mary’s Church with pack meetings the last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and den meetings that are conducted on Tuesdays.
For McNamara, now in her seventh year volunteering with the organization, she has seen how her own children have benefited from being a part of the organization.
“I became the den leader for my oldest boy’s group after the first year as I wanted my son and the other boys to learn experientially and I felt like I could help them along the path to earn various badges and ranks and have a fun experience,” said McNamara, noting she became a cubmaster two years later.
“As cubmaster I oversee all of the dens and make sure they are working on their various badges and moving through the ranks with motivated leadership who are creating fun learning opportunities for all of our cub scouts,” she added.
McNamara noted that her daughter has also completed every badge and rank level, although not officially, “because she has participated in everything right along side us.”
For families unable to attend Wednesday’s event at the Westfield Athenaeum, McNamara also plans to host a fun family kickball social on Sept. 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at the Highland Elementary School. Also, Pack 108 is planning a family event on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Pack 109 is still finalizing details for a family event at the end of this month.
“In addition to the district-wide event, each pack plans their own events usually in the fall and again in the spring, said McNamara.
For more information on area packs and meeting times, visit www.wmascouting.org. Girls and boys from area communities are also welcome to join the Westfield packs.
