Last Wednesday, my oldest son Justin participated in a bridging ceremony at the beach.  Like most scout activities, it was a combination of tradition, education and fun.  One of our boys shared a poster about how to use Leave No Trace principles in order to preserve the environment.  We played tug of war, had sack races, and made s’mores.  I marveled at how my den had grown from little Wolf scouts to these tall Webelos II’s.

Three years ago our family was new to San Diego.  Justin was just settling in to second grade, and we were looking for some activities that he  participate in in order to make some friends.  I sent Justin and Ken to an Cub Scout information night with strict instructions  to find out about scouting without committing to anything.  Justin proudly reported upon his return, that Dad was a den leader!  At first I was a little bit perturbed, but the more I learned about Cub Scouts the more I learned to love it.

Here are some things that make Cub Scouting special:
• Parents are the primary volunteers at all scout activities.  This includes at Day Camp, the pack leadership, and your den leader.
• Scouting is relatively inexpensive.  Once you have the uniform, you pay a small yearly membership fee.  Many of the pack activities are free since they are funded by popcorn sales.
• Most parents participate.  It’s a little intimidating at first, but parents are invited to attend all den meetings and are required to attend pack meetings.  As a den leader, I get a lot of help from the other parents.  I wouldn’t have made it through three years of scouting without them.
• Siblings are welcome.  Siblings tag along to den and pack meetings.  They are also welcome at many of the camp outs.
• Scouting is very educational.  A Cub Scout handbook is filled with great information and suggestions for family activities.  The boys learn about their civic duty, protecting the environment, exploring the natural world, staying healthy and fit, etc.  Scouts also receive Boys Life Magazine that is fun to read and full of great information.
• Scouting is a great source of family adventure.  We  attended family camp at  the local Boy Scout Camp in the San Diego Mountains.  We  also cleaned up the beach and made up food baskets for families in need.  We have attended Scout events at the zoo and field trips to the Gemological Institute of America.  The Pinewood Derby even has a sibling race for the little ones!
• Scouting is a great source of affordable summer fun.  This summer Justin will be attending a very inexpensive day camp.  I’m volunteering so the little guys can come to.  We will also have water gun battles at the local park, go on a grunion run, and attend a baseball game with the other members of our pack.  Most summer activities are free or cheap.

Boy Scouting is filled with even more adventure.  The boys go hiking, river rafting and rock climbing.  In Santa Cruz the pack even takes a yearly international trip!

Here are a few pictures from one of our latest Cub Scout adventures to Family Camp at Camp Mataguay:

Ken and Justin Out on the Canoe

Destiny and Jared Enjoy Campfire Songs