Effort under way to recruit more Cub Scouts in Howell

HOWELL - St. Veronica's Pack 300 announced that it is leading the charge to increase the popularity of Cub Scouting in Howell and kicking off a major recruitment effort in the area with other packs.

According to the Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of America, a Cub Scout can help make a difference in the lives of his friends by personally inviting them to join Cub Scouts with him. Studies have shown that boys tend to gravitate toward participating in activities that their friends participate in. Those boys that remain in Scouting will receive the full benefits of a proven program if their friends are in it with them. Current Cub Scouts can earn a special recruiter patch if they can get a friend to join.

In line with Memorial Day, Pack 300 will hold a "Salute and Recruit" night to encourage boys in grades one through four - especially those that are kindergartners and will be first-graders in the fall - to join Cub Scouts during an event that will also salute America.

The following packs are also in process of spring recruitment efforts: Pack 515, Pack 258 and Pack 159.

The "Salute and Recruit" night will begin with an interactive salute and opening by the Cub Scouts of Pack 300 with patriotic music. The opening will be followed by a dual presentation by two St. Veronica's parishioners, one who served recently in Iraq and another who was in the Vietnam War, who will give a child-friendly presentation on life as a soldier.

The event will culminate with a graduation ceremony for Cub Scouts advancing in rank. Cub Scouts, prospective Scouts, and parents will see firsthand some of the projects completed during the year, view photos from pack events and receive an overview of all that Scouting has to offer, according to a press release.

Following are the details for the spring recruitment in Howell:

+ St. Veronica's Pack 300, "Salute and Recruit" night, May 22 from 7-8 p.m. at St. Veronica School cafeteria, 4219 Route 9 North. Contact Cubmaster Len Abbazia, (732) 500-7129 or e-mail Lma1224@optonline.net.

+ Pack 515 - meeting place at Ramtown School. Contact Cubmaster Rick Pereira, (732) 938-2369 or e-mail fishingrpereira@msn.com.

+ Pack 258 - meeting place at Taunton School. Contact Cubmaster George Bley, (732) 730-1289 or e-mail gbley@optonline.net.

+ Pack 159 - meeting place at Aldrich School. Contact Cubmaster Edward Szajdecki, (732) 939-1716.

The Battleground District is one of three districts in the Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of America and serves the communities of Allentown, Colts Neck, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan, Marlboro, Millstone Town-ship, Roosevelt and Upper Freehold Township.