Children and their families are invited to consider Cub Scouts, which is co-ed for ages 5-10, at Open Houses and Join Nights scheduled for various school sites in West Hartford during September.

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For generations, Cub Scout programs have been molding children into capable, responsible, caring, and high-achieving youth – and as a national organization, Scouting America is more inclusive and impactful than ever.

Enrolling young children in Cub Scouts offers numerous benefits for kids, families, and communities. Cub Scouts is co-ed, so siblings and families can participate together. Scouts is a worldwide program that teaches leadership, character development, goal-setting, citizenship, and fitness through a year-round, outdoor program where kids learn all of these traits while having fun through engaging activities.

The very core of Cub Scouts helps children build strong character, develop leadership skills by doing activities, and gain physical and mental strength by experiencing fun outdoor adventures in a supportive and caring family and peer environment. Even a 5-year-old learns: “Do a good turn daily” and “Be Prepared!” That could mean saying hello to a new kid in school or sitting next to them at lunch so they don’t have to be alone.

Research from a three-year Tufts University study highlights that children in Cub Scouts grow to be significantly more trustworthy, kind, helpful, and hopeful than their peers through adherence to the values instilled in the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Law: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Oath: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scouts are encouraged to live by the Scout Oath and Law, which promote values such as kindness, loyalty, and bravery. Cubs from kindergarten through fifth grade practice decision-making, cooperation, collaboration and social skills in Scouting by working together in small peer groups called dens. Within their grade-level dens, they learn to appreciate different perspectives and work towards common goals.

Dens safely explore nature by camping, hiking and trying new hands-on activities together like archery, fishing, plant identification or visits to their local firehouse or police department. Dens also learn basic first aid and complete community and conservation projects. Younger dens meet once a month depending on age level and parents’ schedules. Older dens may meet two to three times a month. Younger dens may only meet once. Dens provide a platform for children to meet peers from diverse backgrounds. The camaraderie and teamwork in Scouting help children (and parents) develop long-term friendships.

Then once every month, all the dens meet together as a large Pack with all the K-fifth graders participating together for an activity. Structured group games and regular Pack meetings help children bond with schoolmates and neighbors, building self-esteem and allowing for older role models.

Den and Pack outings are designed for family bonding and involvement, giving parents a structured, fun way to share experiences like camping trips, firehouse or museum visits, and milestones with their children.

Parents help guide meetings and events, allowing them to actively shape their child’s moral values and connect with other local families. Cubs get “homework” in the form of having a family discussion on stranger safety, screen time use and careful internet access. They must do family chores, fitness and show good service to their community to advance to their next rank, through these steps they learn life skills like goal setting.

Cub Scouts is a fun way to spend time with your child and the whole family. The fun also has a purpose: to help reinforce the positive values you want your child to develop—character, leadership, personal fitness, and citizenship. These values are presented in a fun and engaging method while experiencing the outdoors, learning about personal safety, and discovering your family traditions.

Cub Scout-aged children benefit developmentally from belonging to a small group of similar aged peers. Through this sense of belonging, children build confidence and learn to get along with others. They advance each year with their peer groups and soon start to take turns leading their peers, developing strong self-esteem and life-long skills.

At only $160 per year ($13/month), Scouting is a cost effective, year-round program. Husky kids qualify for a discounted program at $60/year. Active military families can join kids for $75/year. Scouting provides amazing, campground facilities all within 45-60 minutes away that Scouts get access to, including summer camps with high ropes courses, canoeing, sailing and much more. If your child plays sports and needs to miss some meetings, this is okay. If you need a full scholarship, these may also be available, based on need.

There’s an extra special reason to join now!  As part of Connecticut Rivers Council’s Get Hooked on Scouting campaign, new Cub Scouts who register during Aug 31-October 31 will receive a free fishing pole while supplies last. Ready to register now? Click the following link to get started: beascout.org.

West Hartford Join nights:

Pack 46

• Pack 4 meets at Whiting Lane Elementary (Whiting Lane, Braeburn, Smith, St. Thomas students)*
• Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• POC: Deb Mason [email protected]
• Join night: Sept 16, 6-7:30 p.m. at Whiting Lane Elementary cafeteria

Pack 145

• Pack 145 meets at Bugbee Elementary (Bugbee, Morley, Braeburn, St. Thomas students)*
• Second Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m.
• POC: Thomas Lasalvia [email protected]
• Join night: Sept 9, 6-7:30 p.m. at Bugbee School upper playground

Pack 148

• Pack 148 meets at Aiken Elementary (Aiken, Norfeldt, Solomon Schechter, CREC students)*
• Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• POC: Juan Ortiz-Cotto [email protected]
• Join night: Sept 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Aiken Elementary cafeteria

Pack 161

• Pack 161 meets at  Duffy Elementary (Duffy, Webster Hill, Braeburn, Smith, Morley, Charter Oak students)*
• Tuesdays 6-7 p.m.
• POC: Katherine Martinelli [email protected]
• Open House: Sept 8, 6:15-7 p.m. meet at Duffy Elementary
• Join night: Sept 15, 6-7 p.m., meet at Westmoor Park amphitheater

*Note students from any school can join any Pack. If you can’t make a join night, you can still sign up at beascout.org.

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