The following article was submitted by Vivian Reynolds, Registered Scouting Leader, Scouts BSA:
Scouting signups are happening soon in Smith County!
Regardless of where he may live, any Smith County area boy (kindergarten through fifth grade) may enroll in a Cub Scout pack at one of two locations:
- Carthage Elementary School at 5:30 PM August 13 (Tuesday night) for Pack 367
- Gordonsville Elementary School at 6:00 PM August 21 (Wednesday night) for Pack 861
Meeting places for pack activities are at their respective chartered locations: The Carthage United Methodist Church or the Gordonsville United Methodist Church. Pack 367 (Cubmaster, Steven Lish) meets on the first three Sundays from 4:00 PM-5:00 PM. Pack 861 (Cubmaster, Bernie Williamson) meets on the first three Tuesdays from 6:00 PM-7:00 PM.
Packs are organized by grade levels into dens designated by different animals that go on adventures every month. Lion (kindergarten), Tiger (1), Wolf (2), Bear (3), Webelos I (4), Webelos II (5); but the very first thing required of any new Scout is to become a Bobcat by learning the basics: Scout Oath and Law.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law (12 points): A Scout is:
TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.
LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.
FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.
COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.
KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.
OBEDIENT. Follow rules of your family, school, and pack/troop. Obey the laws of your community and country.
CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.
THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.
BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.
CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.
REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.
Scouting is SAFE!
Mandatory safeguards are in place to protect youths and adult leaders. First, every Scout handbook contains a booklet for the parent to discuss with the youth so he may recognize abuse. The Scout is instructed to use the buddy system and knows he is never to be alone with any adult, including Scout leaders that are not family members. In addition, registered leaders undergo background checks by the Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America, are required to take youth protection training every two years, adhere to a Scouter Code of Conduct, and understand that there must be two-deep leadership for all meetings and activities to protect themselves as well as the Scout. Family participation is always encouraged and even required for younger youth. A good option for parents who still have doubts is to register to be leaders to make sure the program is being followed or at least participate in the pack committee of adults who plan the activities.
Scouting is AFFORDABLE!
Any Scout who wants to pay all or part of his way has the opportunity to do that if he will sell popcorn in the fall and camp cards in the spring. The popcorn sales period is now underway and at his first meeting, the new Scout will learn more about this. The yearly registration is $35 and approximately $3 per month will be needed to purchase awards the Scout will earn.
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