By Amber Barker
Cub Scout Pack 45 Ruston is in recruitment mode, looking for scouts as well as parent volunteers to join the organization. Pack 45 is the only Pack in Lincoln Parish.
Rusty Edwards, a current den leader and parent volunteer, said participation – including teaching core values that cover everything from community involvement to courage and responsibility – is exciting and beneficial for the entire family.
“We are a family pack. Cub Scouts transitioned years ago to accepting both girls and boys,” he said. “We enjoy doing it because a whole family can get involved.”
Scouts can start as early as kindergarten. Cub Scouts range from kindergarten to 5th grade and joining can occur at any time. The other level Pack 45 is recruiting for is Troop 45 for grades 6 to high school senior. Dens are organized by grade level to help scouts learn at an appropriate pace. For example, the younger level may do something as simple as helping with a community event, Edwards added.
An interest meeting to register or simply gather details about Pack 45 Ruston will be Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6pm at the Lincoln Parish Library in the community room. Edwards said it will be an interactive experience.
“It won’t be set up for people to just sit and listen, we want the kids to see what they’ll actually be doing as a cub,” Edwards said, noting there will be stations that include fire building/safety, flag folding, and first aid.
“Parents will have an opportunity to see the benefits too, and we’ll be able to discuss questions and answers, as well as help register on site. We want to excite people about Cub Scouts and let them know we are alive and well in Lincoln Parish.”
Edwards, who was part of Pack 45 as a kid, got involved as a parent leader to participate with his children.
“I wanted to invest in my children’s future. I get to go camping with my son, and it’s an opportunity to do activities face to face. It’s family-oriented,” Edwards said. “My passion is to see my success with my own family and child and see his success doing these things.”
While school is in session, Pack 45 meets from 6-7pm on Mondays at Trinity United Methodist in Ruston, with the first one of the year to be held Sept. 12. For more information about Cub Scout Pack 45 Ruston, contact Rusty Edwards at (318) 243-4781 and/or www.scouting.org for more information on Boy Scouts of America.
