Boy Scouts, Detroit Tigers Pitch Cub Scout Drive

The Great Lakes Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Detroit Tigers have teamed up to launch "Have a Ball in Scouting," a recruitment drive that aims to register 6,000 new Cub Scouts this fall in Metro Detroit.

As part of the campaign, each new Cub Scout will receive a special Detroit Tigers/Cub Scout T-shirt, a free children's meal at Olga’s Kitchen and the chance to receive two Tigers tickets.

District Director Jay Soucy said registration meetings in Macomb Township are scheduled through October and that fliers will be distributed throughout local school districts to inform students when and where meetings will be held.

"We’re just wrapping 70 recruiting nights in September," Soucy said. "The October dates are still to come."

There are nine Cub Scout packs in Macomb Township and approximately 3,500 cubs total in the Chippewa district, which includes all of Macomb County and Rochester, MI.

"Cub scouting is a great opportunity where the parent and the son can connect on a weekly basis to build a strong relationship and try brand new experiences that they couldn’t have done without scouting," Soucy said.

While each pack hosts its own fund-raisers and plans pack-specific activities throughout the year, Soucy said there are some programs all cubs participate in during the year, including Scouting for Food.

On Nov. 5, cubs will distribute some 300,000 bags throughout local neighborhoods in which residents can place nonperishable food items for collection on Nov. 12.

"We'll collect two full semi trucks that day and give donations to Gleaners and local food pantries," Soucy said.

Individual packs may also travel to Muskegon to spend the night in a submarine, camp overnight at Comerica Park, or visit Cranbrook for a scout day.

Each pack is broken down into dens by age group, and the boys do skills-related activities and create handicrafts during their meetings.

"Cub Scouting is a year-round, family-oriented program of the Boy Scouts of America designed for boys who are in first through fifth grades (or are 7, 8, 9 and 10 years of age)," according to a Boy Scouts press release.

The release added that the organizations work with parents and leaders to achieve Cub Scouting's 10 purposes, which include:

• Character development
• Spiritual growth
• Good citizenship
• Sportsmanship and fitness
• Family understanding
• Respectful relationships
• Personal achievement
• Friendly service
• Fun and adventure
• Preparation for Boy Scouts

Boys who register for Cub Scouts this fall will be able to participate in the following programs, according to the press release:

• Cub Scouts Science Investigators: This program takes place Oct. 8 at Cranbrook Institute of Science. Scouts will get to simulate archaeological digs, build roller coasters, study light and sound, ride a hovercraft, learn about 18th-century fur trade, investigate volcanoes and more.
• Trailblazer Adventure Day: This program takes place Oct. 15 at Camp Agawam in Lake Orion. Scouts will get to fish, shoot BB guns, learn archery, learn to fly fish, tour Fort Pontiac and more.
• Haunted Forest: Wagon rides, a haunted trail, jack-o'-lanterns and candy will be included this program Oct. 15 at D-bar-A Scout Ranch.

Cub Scout registration for a full year costs $15, although some packs also may charge dues.

Call Soucy at 248-630-7338 ext. 118 or email him at jay.soucy@scouting.org for more information. To find a pack near you, visit beascout.org.