Cub Scout Pack 997 receives its charter

It’s official. Pack 997, Maricopa’s newest, traditional Cub Scout pack, received its charter during a ceremony Monday evening at the First Baptist Church.

The nine uniformed Cub Scouts, surrounded by proud parents, listened to a welcome and charter presentation by Al “Speedy” Hart, District Scouting Executive. Hart urged the boys to have a good Scouting experience, to enjoy camping, and to learn from all of it.

Cubmaster Joe Bergen asked each age group to come forward and explain what they had been learning in their meetings.

Tiger Cub John Spencer thought a minute, then solemnly replied, “Not to get bitten by a bear.”

Tigers are first graders or age seven. The Tiger den leader is Sean Handwerk who works with the boys to complete 15 requirements in a series of exciting indoor and outdoor activities. Spenser displayed his decorated walking stick, crafted as part of one of his activities.

Wolves, age 8 or second graders, demonstrated that they knew The Law of the Pack. They have been working on making boats and airplanes as part of the 12 achievements necessary for a Wolf badge. Their den leader is Matt Jamieson.

Under the direction of den leader Tracey McAtee, Bears have been writing letters to men and women serving in the military. Each letter is decorated with a hand drawn and colored American flag. Third graders or age 9, Bears have to complete 12 achievements to earn their Bear badge.

Bears (left to right) Luke Spencer, Kyle Gregory and Alex Bergen, with Cubmaster Joe Bergen, display their letters to the military.

Webelo den leader Jeff Ferguson directs boys who are age 10 and in the fourth or fifth grades. The Webelos den is the transition to a Boy Scout troop.

All of the youth members of Pack 997 are working on the Bobcat badge, the initial rank for boys who join Cub Scouts. Cub Scouting is a year round, family program with the largest membership of any Boy Scout group.

Everything in Cub Scouting revolves around the boys doing things. Activities are focused on citizenship training, personal fitness and character development, which are the aims of Scouting.

Dens are small groups of six to eight boys who meet weekly with their den leader. Once each month the den members and their families get together under the supervision of the Cubmaster and his pack committee. Pack 997’s committee includes Assistant Cubmaster Paul Spencer, Committee Chair Joanna Ferguson, Treasurer David Horton, Advancement Chair Lorraine Ruminer and Secretary Stephannie Spencer.

Pack 997 hopes to hold its pack meetings at Santa Rosa Elementary School. However, members can attend any elementary school. The group hopes to grow when school begins and more new families arrive.

If your son or grandson is age 7-10, in the first through fifth grades and interested in the fun and excitement of Cub Scouting, contact Stephannie Spencer by email or at (520) 568-3197.