What do camping under the stars, racing a handmade Pinewood Derby car, exploring the outdoors, helping others and even sleeping next to a shark have in common? For local Cub Scouts, they are all part of the fun.
In the Marple-Newtown area, Cub Packs 315 and 122 are giving children in grades K through 5 opportunities to learn, explore, make friends and create memories through Scouting. While the two Packs have different meeting styles and traditions, both offer families an active program filled with hands-on experiences, outdoor adventures and opportunities to grow.
Pack 315, chartered by St. Anastasia Parish, combines regular den activities with larger Pack-wide events throughout the year. Scouts work together in smaller dens to develop age-based skills while also coming together for special activities that make Scouting exciting for the entire Pack.
Pack 315’s calendar includes something for just about every young adventurer. Scouts enjoy a fall campout at Ridley Creek with campfires and s’mores, hikes, a spring campout, a winter pool party and the annual Pinewood Derby. They have also experienced overnight adventures aboard the Battleship New Jersey and next to the shark tank at Adventure Aquarium, along with Archery & BB Range Day, a Blue & Gold Banquet and other
special activities.
Pack 122, chartered by Grace Lutheran Church, takes a different approach. The Pack meets every other week as one group, giving Scouts of different ages plenty of opportunities to spend time together and build friendships across grade levels.
Pack 122 also offers a mix of traditional Scouting activities and unique adventures. Favorites include the Pinewood Derby, a weekend camping trip at Musser Scout Reservation, group bike rides, campfire nights and service projects. Families also come together for a spaghetti dinner that helps raise funds for the Pack. Ask the Scouts themselves what makes the program special and their answers say it all. One Scout points to “Camping and Pinewood Derby,” while another enjoys “making new friends and learning how to whittle.” Others mention campfires, building things and spending time outdoors with friends. One Scout summed it up simply: “Being a Scout means I always have somewhere to go and have fun with a new activity waiting for me.”
Scouting is also about giving back. Scouts participate in service projects and community cleanups, learning that being part of a group means helping others as well as having fun. For many Scouts, the friendships are just as important as the activities. As one young Scout explained, “Friends are the best part.”
Families interested in learning more are invited to check out an upcoming Pack event:
Pack 315 will host an Information and Ice Cream Treat
on Sept. 10th at St. Anastasia School, as well as a free
pancake breakfast on Sept. 13th at St. Anastasia Parish.
Pack 122 will hold an information session on Aug. 28th
from 6-8pm and kick off its year with a campfire on
Sept. 12th at Grace Lutheran Church.
For Pack 122, contact CubPack122BroomallPA@gmail.com or visit Scouts122.com and their Facebook group. To contact Pack 315 please email CubPack315NS@gmail.com, or visit their website CubPack315NS.com or on Facebook at Cub Pack 315 Newtown Square.
Whether a child loves the outdoors, enjoys building and creating, wants to make new friends or simply wants to try something different, local Cub Scouting offers plenty of ways to get involved. For families looking for an activity that combines fun, friendship, adventure, skill-building and service, now is a great time to Scout around and see what these Packs have to offer.