Recent community service project included Scouts and family members.
It is not uncommon to see Cub Scouts scurrying about Mullica Hill cleaning up the streets. While family members often help the boys in community service projects, it is uncommon to hear young girls declare themselves Cub Scouts as well.
That is all about to change as Pack 244, chartered by Trinity Methodist Church in Mullica Hill, is gearing up to allow girls into the pack.
On Oct. 11, 2017, the Boy Scouts of America directors announced the inclusion of girls into Cub Scouts.
Mark Skrobanek, the Troop 244 Cubmaster, said, “This makes [Scouting] more family oriented.”
In a press release announcing the change to the Scouting rule, Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive, said, “This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting — trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example — are important for both young men and women.”
Ali Thom, the pack’s committee chair, said, “The family dynamic is changing,” adding that parents are torn trying to take their children to multiple activities, sometimes daily.
Skrobanek pointed out this move may prove to be “cost-effective” for families.
“We already invite a Scout’s whole family to join in the monthly meetings,” Thom said.
Thom feels that by adding girls into Scouting, more members of the family will learn the core values the Scouting community has for so long geared toward males.
Recently, Thom and the remainder of the committee asked the upward of 80 families involved with the pack to share their thoughts about bringing girls into the mix.
Encouraged by the approximate 70–30 percent approval, Thom is anticipating many girls to join the pack for the upcoming Scouting season that takes place from September to June.
At 6:45 p.m. on June 15, the pack is holding a “Round-up” event in the pavilion area at Ella Harris Park in Mullica Hill. The purpose is for existing Scouts and their families to enjoy a social outing, play kickball and meet families who are interested in joining Cub Scouts and possibly registering.
Thom says Scouts are encouraged to bring friends who are considering joining the pack.
“We want to bring the family back together,” she said.
The most recent community service project involved nearly 50 Scouts and members of their families cleaning up a two-mile stretch of roadway, including parts of both Russell Mill and Back Creek Roads in Mullica Hill. The Scouts worked in partnership with the Gloucester County Clean Communities Authority.
The effort collected more than 30 bags filled with waste and 15 bags of recyclable material.
Another recent project includes the Scouts collecting and sending eight large boxes of goods to soldiers at a U.S. Naval base in Africa.
“Scouting is about giving back to the community,” Skrobanek said, adding that he feels it is good for community members to see Scouts out and about making a difference in the community.
Both Thom and Skrobanek feel the lessons learned through this community service project and more transcend gender.
“We are going to to teach the kids that everyone is equal and we are going to work together regardless of gender. … If they work hard they can see the fruits of their labor,” Thom said.
Cub Scout Pack 244 accepts children in grades kindergarten through fifth from multiple South Jersey communities.
For more information on this pack and the “Round-up” event on June 15, email Cubscoutpack7244@gmail.com.
