Boy Scouts using their Noodles
by Cate Murway

“Pack 212 would like to thank The Grundy Foundation and Library for hosting our first Rain Gutter Regatta.” 
Francis Xavier “Frank” Reilly

Scouting develops the leaders of tomorrow. It is the largest youth development organization in the world and a leader in this country's non-formal education sector, preparing young people to play a constructive role in society and to create a better world.
Since 1930, the Boy Scouts of America have focused on character-building and core values, self-reliance, citizenship, challenges, adventure, personal fitness of American youth, and FUN!
It’s a program with amazing history and tradition, helping young people to achieve their full potential.
Recognition and awards encourage them to learn about a variety of subjects, such as conservation, safety, physical fitness, community awareness, academic subjects, sports, and religious activities.
“A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”

The Cub Scouts of America colors are blue and gold. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky above. The gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer and happiness. The Boy Scouts wear khaki [officially referred by BSA as tan] button-front shirts and forest green or khaki convertible or Switchback zip-off cargo pants. Early uniforms were copies of the U.S. Army uniforms of the time.
The uniforms and insignia give the Scouts visibility and create a level of identity within both the unit and their communities. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others. Pack leaders are happy to help with available clothing options including exchange programs and donations to obtain "experienced" uniforms.

"Do Your Best," is a code of excellence.

“On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.”

























With academics, sports and programmed activities, there is huge competition for children’s time these days. Scouting is a no-specific "season", an active year-round program. Boys learn by doing. The whole point of Boy Scouts is to get outdoors and help fulfill a boy's desire for adventure.
Cub Scouting stresses outdoor activity in day camps and in backyard, family, and neighborhood settings, especially in the summertime. In Boy Scouting, hiking and camping are particularly valuable.
An overnight trip for the Cub Scouts in the 126-acre historic site of Tinicum Park in Upper Black Eddy is planned for 6.21.14, including a trek to the Ringing Rocks County Park 7-acre boulder field.

Bristol Cub Scout Pack 212 [1st-5th graders] and Boy Scout Troop 212 [6th graders- 18 years old], cordially invited all kids to come to the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library last Saturday to learn how to design and make toy sailboats and then race them outside on a “river” created by handmade rain spouts. The youth enjoyed a brief lecture on sailing and wind power before the much anticipated boat-building session using pool noodles.
Even some of the library patrons joined in. Each participant received a certificate and left with the satisfaction of competing and winning a race. Some times, you just gotta regatta!



















Warren Snyder-John Girotti Elementary School fourth grade student, Jeremy Maldonado recently joined the Scouts.
“I built a green rain gutter regatta boat with two floaters.” Green is his favorite color.
What is the best part of scouting?
“My favorite part is the outdoors.” Jeremy hasn’t camped yet but he sure is looking forward to it!
Scouts learn new things through hands-on experiences.























The riverside event was open to all children to spark their interest in Scouting. The Boy Scouts sold refreshments, including hot dogs, potato chips and drinks donated by local supermarkets and the troop leaders. The proceeds are designated for camping trips, awards and troop and pack equipment.

Many have used the skills and confidence gained in Scouting to achieve success in their chosen professions and others have become leaders in the community.
Frank Reilly, the BSA chartered organization representative of the Grundy Foundation and leader of both the Cubs and the Scouts, participated in the BSA until his mid-teens.  His wife, Deborah Colleen “Debbie” has been the Cub Master for the last few years and both of their sons are involved in scouting.
“The best part is seeing the kids laugh and have fun.”

Assistant Scout leader Eric J. Sokalski participated in scouting from 4th grade until he was 18 years old.
“I do this to give back to the community. I think every boy should be a Boy Scout because it turns them into young men.” Self-confidence and self-esteem grow.
“Do a Good Turn Daily.”
Eric earned the Arrow of Light Award, the highest rank in Cub Scouting; Life Scout emblem, earned by fulfilling additional leadership positions, service hours, and merit badges, as well as a Religious Emblem.

Interested, aspiring members are welcome at every meeting. The Cub Scouts meet in the Grundy Library at 680 Radcliffe Street on Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm. The Boy Scouts meet at the Ancient Order of Hibernians at 614 Corson Street on Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30 pm.
The Bristol scouts will have information and fund raising opportunities [they sell Gertrude Hawk candy bars and popcorn] at their tables at Italian Day in September and Historic Bristol Day in October.

New families are encouraged to join Scouting, to increase involvement, and to spread the word that Scouting is in the area and that it is a positive place. Scouting provides opportunities for family members to work and play together, to have fun together, and to get to know each other just a little better.
Families that participate in the program can attest that Scouting pays good dividends!

The BSA offers a unique youth program and provides good adult role models who teach resourcefulness, self-reliance, leadership, decision making, and concern for their community and the environment.
Scouting is a value based program. The BSA asks boys to take an oath when they join, and then live up to that oath. Helping a boy to learn the value of his own worth is the greatest gift we can give him, and a pride that will carry into adulthood.

For Scouting information, contact:
Frank Reilly
215.788.4973
cubpack212@msn.com

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