Tri-County News

First time ever: Cub Scouts welcome girls and boys


It’s a truly historic Scouting moment: For the first time ever, Cub Scouts this fall will enroll both girls and boys, ages 5 to 10.

We’re helping bring families together, making it easier for them to have all their children participate in the same character-building fun and adventure programs.

From 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, some 2,000 volunteers will welcome new Cubs in more than 700 joining events at elementary schools throughout the greater Twin Cities metro area and adjoining counties of Western Wisconsin.

Parents of boys and girls in grades K-5 are encouraged to attend one of these events, to learn how Scouting can benefit their children, and to sign their kids up for Cub Scouts.

Of the roughly 400 Cub Packs in Northern Star Scouting, about 300 (75 percent) will welcome girls this fall, including one or more in most neighborhoods.

Girls and boys and their parents are welcome at all 700 joining events – at every elementary school in Northern Star’s 25-county area. Volunteers will help parents find a Pack that best meets their needs.

Parents can also register their children online immediately by visiting www.JoinCubs.org.

Cub Scouts participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities designed to help them gain confidence, increase social skills, serve their community and develop their capacity for leadership. Last year, Northern Star Scouts performed more than 175,000 hours of community service – an average of more than five hours per member.

This year’s recruitment campaign has a superheroes theme. “Heroes Start Here” reflects characteristics that Scouts and superheroes share, such as bravery and doing good deeds – and highlights the fun, adventure and imagination that are the core of the program. Scouting helps boys and now girls to discover and build their own “superpowers” – talents, interests and life skills.

A Cub Scout membership is quite affordable, but all can join regardless of their ability to pay. Scholarships and uniforms are available. No child will be turned away for lack of financial resources.

A “hero” is defined as “a person admired for bravery, great achievements, or good qualities.” Scouting helps members attain all three. Heroes start here Thursday, Sept. 20!

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