Before this month, the 'Tigers' were the youngest scouts engaged in the Boy Scouts of America. The Tigers were available for boys entering the first grade, but Norwood Pack 42 has been selected to involve a younger demographic into this popular club by pioneering a new program aimed to include kindergarteners. Welcome in, the Lions!
"Our local Boy Scout Council (Old Colony) has been chosen to run a pilot program, before a nationwide rollout, and Pack 42 is among a select group, authorized to recruit families for the pilot," Pack 42 Cubmaster Brian Palmateer said.
The new 'Lion' program, is tailored for boys ages 5-6 years old, or kindergarteners. These children can now participate in a group that emphasizes character development, leadership, citizenship, and personal fitness through engaging events and exciting adventures! And to think, Pack 42 Norwood is only one of five troupes in the state chosen to initiate the program!
A large component of the Cub Scout mission is community involvement and Pack 42 has been committed to that endorsement, in Norwood and beyond. They replace flags on military graves, collect for Toys for Tots, 'Scout for Food,' and participate in many local events and parades.
"We had a fun community service event that brought a popular children's book author to the Norwood Theater, along with cub scout families from 11 area towns, and resulted in the donation of hundreds of books and more than $2k to Morrill Memorial Library," Palmateer said.
That fundraiser was a visit to the Norwood Theatre from 'Wimpy Kid' author Jeff Kinney
Of course, there are many renowned traditions that occur throughout the year to enhance their personal development, and foster teamwork and, of course, friendship. That includes the pinewood derby, camping, crafts, the rain gutter regatta, archery, earning specialty badges and many more!
How exciting that kindergarteners can now join a group that has made such a difference in many young lives, and that Pack 42 and Norwood residents have the opportunity to contribute to this expansion!
To learn more about becoming a 'Lion' Cub, visit cubmaster@pack42.org, visit the Norwood Pack 42 Facebook page, or sign up at their Norwood Day booth!