Scouting is a great opportunity for families and Scouts to come together and learn about community, safety and outdoor fun," said Melanie Cassidy, Wolf den leader for Cub Scout Pack 39.

The pack will hold two upcoming events to encourage boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade to consider joining Cub Scouts.

A Roundup event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy.

"The Roundup will provide the parents information about Cub Scouts and give them the opportunity to ask questions," explained Stephanie Steele, Bear den leader. "While the parents are learning about Cub Scouts, we will have some activities for the kids to do with some of the Cub Scouts in our Bear and Webelos den. These activities will include making paper airplanes, racing cars on a short derby track, games and more."

The pack will also hold a Cub Scout Carnival from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the church.

"The carnival will include stations and activities for the kids - current Scouts and new Scouts - to participate in," Steele said. "These will include air rockets, planes, s'mores at a fire, a rain gutter regatta, relay races and water games."

Pack leaders emphasized that youths receive a fun and expansive experience in Cub Scouts.

"Scouts is an opportunity to become well rounded and try many hobbies," shared Robbin Campbell, Tiger den leader. "Our activities include STEM, citizenship, first aid, outdoor skills and more. It satisfies the Scouts' curiosity about their world and sets them up for a life of learning and pursuing new adventures."

Pack 39 meets every Thursday starting in September and wraps up the official Scout year at the end of March, although opportunities for fun extend beyond that timeframe, Steele said.

"We do have many activities for the Scouts to attend during the summer such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking and more," she remarked. "So far this summer, we have completed five of the GO Lancaster! hikes together as a pack and held a bike rodeo. During the hikes, the Scouts practice reading and following directions, get exercise and learn some hiking essentials. During the bike rodeo, we reviewed proper hand signals when riding a bike, discussed appropriate attire for a bike ride and discussed how to check to make sure your helmet is on correctly."

And Cub Scouts is about much more than just having fun, she said.

"Scouting gives children many opportunities to try new things and learn about the world around them," she stated. "One of the biggest benefits of Scouting is teaching children to volunteer and give back to their community. When the Scouts collect food for the food bank or create thank-you cards for veterans, they feel a sense of accomplishment. They learn the importance of helping others and contributing positively to the world around them."

Pack 39 just started up again two years ago after pausing for the pandemic.

"We started as a small pack, but we are happy to report that our numbers are growing, and we love to see so many children excited to help their community and try new adventures," Steele said.

Pack 39 is supported by the Mount Joy Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus. For more information, search for "Mt Joy Pack 39" on Facebook.