For more than four decades, Boy Scout Pack 263 had been providing opportunities for fun and leadership to youths in Mount Joy when the pandemic paused the pack. By the time activities started resuming in the community, the pack had dissolved.

Determined to see the organization come back, Bob Adams took action. Adams, who has been in Boy Scouts for more than 45 years, understood the value of Scouting.

"I figured we had to get something going," he said. "Scouts is an opportunity for kids to grow and learn. It's a chance for them to develop leadership skills and learn to be productive citizens."

Adams formed Family Cub Scout Pack 39 in September of 2023. Open to boys and girls in kindergarten through grade five, the pack meets on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy.

Adams explained that "family packs" are just that - for families. It's a chance for families to have fun together and bond over Scouting activities such as the pack's recent Pinewood Derby.

The derby was held at The Gathering Place in Mount Joy and featured the Scouts racing miniature cars down a track built and donated by the Knights of Columbus. The Rotary Club of Mount Joy sponsors both the pack and Scouts BSA Troop 39.

"The community has been very supportive of us, and we really appreciate it," Adams said.

Both kids and adults enjoyed the derby, which featured trophies for the winners. "The kids were just so excited," Adams recalled. "We had a lot of parent involvement, too. It really brought everybody together."

Adams encourages anyone who is interested to consider joining Scouts. Not only has he been a Boy Scout for decades, but both of his sons are Eagle Scouts.

"Scouts provides lots of opportunities for camaraderie and fun and friendship," he said.

It also creates lifelong bonds.

"It's amazing to watch these kids grow from kindergarten through high school, and then they go off to college, and you run into them in the community and find out they are a doctor now or they are contributing to society in some other ways," Adams shared. "It's so nice to be involved in somebody's life that way. It's wonderful to see the kids grow and develop."

For more information on joining Family Cub Scout Pack 39, search for "Scouting in Mount Joy, PA" on Facebook or email Adams at robertadams28@gmail.com.