Fall is Scout Recruitment Time!!!

As the new school year is underway, it's also time for your local Cub Scout Units to actively recruit for new members.

Through the month of September, parents of boys ages 6 to 11, or first through fifth grades, will have the opportunity to sign up for Cub Scouts. Most area schools have affiliated units that will be hosting Round Ups and/or Recruitment Nights in your area.

As Cub Scouts, boys get the chance to pursue awards in a host of both academic and physical subjects, including, but not limited to, Astronomy, Family Heritage and Sports. Activities such as hiking, swimming and camping are among the most popular opportunities that the boys enjoy. They also learn the value of hard work and discipline, while at the same time build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Cub Scouts is a family-based program and encourages the entire family to participate in any and all activities and meetings. It's a low-cost program that teaches youths how to become better citizens, hold themselves accountable for their actions and gives them a chance to learn leadership skills that will prove invaluable over their lifetimes.

Here are a few units that are currently recruiting in your area:

• Rolling Meadows Pack 96 Contact: Emily Rinaldi @ 847-417-9426
• Rolling Meadows Pack 313 Contact: Mike Kohler @ 847-397-2750
• Lake Zurich Pack 237 Contact: Scott Papierniak @ 847-726-7971
• South Barrington Pack 287 Contact: Christine Low @ 224-856-5042
• Palatine Pack 59 Contact: Kirk Forseth @ 847-258-2749

After the Cub Scout trail is complete, boys can continue their journey on to Boy Scouts. Boy Scouting offers the same opportunities as Cub Scouts but on a wider, more adventurous level, including lots and lots of camping, high adventure outings and more! At the Boy Scout level, boys beginning at the ripe age of 11 years old and/or fifth grade get to join the boy-run troop of their choosing on great expeditions.

Fall marks the time when troops begin extending invitations to Webelos II's second year Webelos/fifth-graders) to join them for a day, a night or even a weekend to see what they do as a troop. As different troops might focus on one aspect versus another, it's important for every boy to find his best fit.

The following Boy Scout Troops are hosting events specifically for Webelos II Scouts in the area.

Troop 182's Annual Webelos Event ~ Saturday, Oct. 1, at Camp Alphonse in Palatine. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with the option to spend the night with the Boy Scouts! To learn more or to RSVP, contact Coleen Benzo @ cbjb1188@aol.com or 847-705-7479.

Troop 188's Annual Webelos Event ~ Saturday, Oct. 15, at Camp Alphonse in Palatine. From 1 - 4 p.m. Activities include crafts, special projects, camping skills, Scout skills and our very own ZIP-Line! To learn more or to RSVP, contact Steve Corcoran @ corcoran.s@comcast.net or 847-287-1643.

Camp Alphonse is located in Deer Park Forest Preserve on Dundee Road, approximately 0.8 miles west of Quentin Road and across from Palos Avenue, in Palatine.

For more information on how to join Scouting at any level or for recruitment dates and times for local units, please contact Dominic Gualtieri, District Executive at 847-824-6894 or dgualtie@bsamail.org, or Bill Burgess, Signal Hill Membership Chair at wnburg48@msn.com.