This article was written by Joseph Grimme
Scouts from Troop 145 recently honored Camden’s veterans at Crystal Lake Cemetery. They refinished wood-spoked wheels of the memorial canon and flagpole stonework. The wheels were rebuilt from scratch by a local American Legion Post a few years ago. It was also a time for learning some of America’s world history and influence. Thankfully, our ‘devices’ quickly refreshed adult memory lapses.
Crystal Lake’s Manager, Dave Halstensgard, was extremely pleased. “Scouts gain skills, and become invested in the community, by helping out. We didn’t realize the memorial needed attention. Problem solved!” Turns out, we had so many helping hands, that we also cleaned veteran’s markers and picked up litter. We refreshed ourselves with burgers and brats, a perfect celebration.
All youth, ages 11-18, can enjoy traditional and innovative events in Scouting — on the Northside since 1934. Cub Pack 129 serves youth ages 5-11. Fall is the best time to visit or join. We meet Monday evenings, 6:30 to 8 p.m., with fully trained and certified adult supervision at all times. Guest visitors are encouraged. We meet in the gym, hosted by Sojourner Truth Academy.
Email Scoutmaster Paul Pender, bethpaulp@gmail.com, to answer any program questions. You can also review Scouting in depth at Northernstarbsa.org. All meetings and outings include family, year-round.
Scouting shifts kids from social media, lethargy and video games. Outdoor events are engaging and teach self-reliance, life, group and conservation skills. Merit badges introduce career and life-long interests, adjusted by age and individual ambition.
Current research proves that engaged youth become resilient and protective of their neighborhoods. Come see what Scouting offers!
“It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass