Organization, discipline, character: those are some of the strengths Cub Scouting can bring to a young boy’s life.

“I know Scouting has meant a lot in my life. It’s helped shap me into the person I am today,” said Chris Pryor, Cub Scout leader.

Many who have continued into the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts have become top executives and presidents, Pryor said.

“I’ve even heard some people say getting their Eagle Scout Badges was tougher than college,” he added.

Though local membership has fallen off in recent years, the Cub Scouts have been an active part of the local community in the past.

“It’s definitely smaller now than it used to be, but we want to build Cub Scouting back up,” said Scoutmaster Chris Pryor of Greenville.”We’ve been holding recruitment meetings around the area, including Fort Deposit and Greenville Elementary School, encouraging parents and guardians and their sons to come and find out what we have to offer through our program.”

Cub Scouting is open to boys in grades one through five. The first official meeting of the new Scouting year is at 6 p.m., September 2 at First United Methodist Church in Greenville. The local pack regularly meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the church.

“The goal of Cub Scouting is to promote a family-type atmosphere and to encourage the parents/guardians to come and participate with the boys in activities – this is not a ‘drop your kids off’ kind of program,” Pryor said.

While the local Cubs meet at a church, Pryor says the program is open to those of all faiths.

“We are not a Christian organization, per se, but we are a reverent organization and religious badges are among those the Cubs can attain,” Pryor said.

According to Pryor, the activities and opportunities offered through Cub Scouting are many and varied.

Community service is emphasized through such activities as “Scouting for Food” canned food drives. Cubs and their families build soapbox cars for the annual Pinewood Derby. Cub Scouts also participate in den meetings every other Tuesday night, doing everything from birdhouse building and marshmallow gun making to learning about geology and plant life.

“Teaching the Cubs about camping and the outdoors, the important of leaving a place better than you found it – those are values we teach,” Pryor said.

Each October, Cub Carnival is held, giving the Cub Scouts a chance to meet fellow Scouts from neighboring counties as they enjoy overnight camping and activities such as archery.

“We all gather around the campfire at night – it’s just a really fun time for everyone,” Pryor said.

A $15 registration fee covers membership for the rest of 2008 and all of 2009.

“We also have an application for adults who want to be leaders and assistants. Anyone who is interested in learning more about Cub Scouting, don’t hesitate to contact me,” Pryor said. “We’d love to have you join us on September 2 for our kickoff.”

For more information, call Chris Pryor at 383-9588 or via email at chris.pryor@butlerco.k12.al.us.