Forgotten Friend to kick off first meeting

Erin Blank, committee chair for Cub Scout Pack 83, has good memories of her children taking part in Scouting. "My kids learned friendship, leadership, and empathy," Blank stated. "They both had a good place to be able to get the clumsiness of childhood worked out over the years." In addition to the lessons and growth her children experienced, Blank and other parents found joy in the experience. "We really enjoyed the fun of watching these kids do crazy stuff and achieve and be recognized for their efforts," she said.

The advent of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 interfered with the normal activities of the group. "During COVID, the pack shut down because the leaders were concerned about safe policies," Blank reported. Cub Pack 83, which is open to boys and girls in the greater Conestoga Valley (CV) area, did not reinstate activities once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. "This summer, Boys Troop 83 and Girls Troop 82, which are older Scouts, realized there weren't enough Cubs coming up through the packs to bolster our ranks," said Blank.

The remedy is to open Cub Scout Pack 83 again, beginning with a special kickoff event on Monday, Oct. 2, starting at 6 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola. "We are bringing back Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary to our meeting place (for the evening)," said Blank. Forgotten Friend will present a program by Jesse Rothacker featuring live snakes, lizards, and turtles. Blank invited local boys and girls who are interested in joining the pack and their families to come and enjoy the interactive and educational animal show.

Blank noted that leaders from Scouts BSA Troops 82 and 83 will provide den chiefs and adult den leaders who are ready to help parents who are new to the Cub Scout experience. "Our goal is to help mentor parents this year so that next year, they can take the pack in more exciting directions," explained Blank. "We have the support for them." She added that while the pack meets in CV, children from adjoining areas are also welcome. "We have (participants) from outside CV," she said. "If it's a good fit, we will take them."

According to Blank, the youngsters who participated prior to COVID-19 restrictions took part in a number of activities. "They slept on the USS New Jersey just outside Philly, and they also slept on the USS Constitution in Baltimore," she recalled. Blank reported that the pack members also hiked in Gettysburg and canoed in local waters.

Blank encouraged families to come to the kickoff event and bring younger children along. "We expect whole families to be present, so parents and younger siblings are welcome," she said. "Our Cub Scout pack believes in family participation, and leaders are used to (smaller children) running around."

Readers who would like more information may text SCOUT to 717-799-0233 or visit http://www.BSA82.org.