Cub Scouts kick off a great year

The Cub Scouts are off to a great year, with enrollment numbers the highest that they have been in recent years. Pack 78 reports that they have registered 29 new scouts, and 7 new volunteer leaders. The new leaders are: Jay Jochums, Barb Hahn, Jen Tooley, Angel Kellow, Kelly Lindsay, Duane Knepp, and Sonja Ruestman. As the size of the Pack has dramatically increased, many thanks go to St. Pauls UCC for their support in providing a meeting place.

The Cub Scouts began their new season with a Bake Sale on September 27, held simultaneously in three towns. New and returning Scouts alike participated, as well as many parents. The Pack would like to thank the community for supporting the Scouts at their Fall Bake Sale.

The first Field Trip was to Tanner's Orchard, with 36 Scouts, and 30 parents in attendance. The Scouts had a wonderful time exploring the pumpkin patch, while searching for that 'perfect' pumpkin for the pumpkin carving display to be held at their Halloween Party.

On October 18, 38 Scouts, and 28 parents joined more than 650 other Scouts district wide at the 2nd Annual Fall Day Camp, held at Comlara Park. There were many different 'hands on' stations for the boys to visit, including rope making, knot tying, leaf rubbings, ambulance tour, jousting, nature trails, frisbee golf, kick ball, tug of war, bottle rocket launch, leather craft, cooking over a fire, and tire racing. The Scouts also received specialized instruction for the BB gun, and Archery stations. They learned that safety is a priority, and practiced shooting safely. At the Fishing Station, the Scouts learned many different things, including information about hooks, and various fish in Illinois. They were each given a bag of books and pamplets with more information to take home. Then Scouts fished at Day Camp! A great time was had by all!

The first Pack Award Meet was held on October 20, at St. Pauls UCC. The 29 new Scouts were led by Asst. Cub Master Angel Kellow in a New Scout Induction Ceremony, that included candle lighting, and after which Cub Master Sally Kulak, and Committee Chairwoman Brenda Weber presented awards to the Cub Scouts. Returning Cub Scouts were given awards which they had earned over past month and the summer, with new Scouts receiving awards they had earned the previous month. The crowd was then told of an incident that happened at overnight camp during the summer. Cub Scouts from Pack 78 found a purse, and returned it. Cub Master Sally Kulak commented, "In this day and age, many do not do the right things, however, the community should be proud of these Scouts who did do the right thing. These boys showed that they are honest and trustworthy as they returned a lost purse, and that is commendable." The boys were then named, and those present came forward to receive a patch. The Scouts were: Michael Fiorini, Devin Williams, Tyreece McIntosh, Decker Montgomery, Jacob Messamore, Dakota Park, and Allen Veldbloom. Hosts of the Award Meet were Webelos Den #1, Leader Tate Allen; who not only provided refreshments, but also gave a skit of Tall Tale Heroes. The Heroes portrayed showed courage, good character, strength, good citizenship, and a willingness to give goodwill, all of which are the aims of Scouting!

The Scouts finished up their busy first month with a halloween Party held Oct. 27 at the American Legion in Rutland. Many adults, and siblings joined the scouts in the costume fun! The celebration included games, pumpkin carving display, food, and a hayrack ride. The evening was an enjoyable one, and each Scout in attendance left with prizes.

Many more exciting events are planned for the Cub Scouts, and it is not too late to join!! The Cub Scouts will be collecting Aluminum Cans for recycling on Saturday, November 8th in the parking lot by Dollar General. For more information, about the can drive, or to join Cub Scouts, please contact Brenda Weber (309) 432-3807, or Sally Kulak (815) 863-5514.