Cub Scouts seeking new participants

HOWELL - Eight Cub Scout packs in Howell have announced a major collaborative effort to jump start Cub Scouting in the township by kicking off a big fall recruitment push in the Monmouth BSA Council Battleground District "Race to Scouting" program.

The following packs are racing to recruit scouts within their respective locations: Pack 7 (Southard School), Pack 13 (First United Methodist Church), Pack 150 (Griebling School), Pack 156 (Newbury School), Pack 159 (Aldrich School), Pack 258 (Taunton School), Pack 300 (Church of St. Veronica) and Pack 515 (Ramtown School).

According to the Monmouth Council BSA, Cub Scouts can help make a difference in the lives of their friends by personally inviting them to join Cub Scouts with them. Current Cub Scouts can earn a special recruiter patch if they can get a friend to join.

According to a press release, Cub Scouts is more than an after-school activity. It offers boys in grades one through four a program that enhances self-confidence and encourages them to explore new interests, learn new skills, become good citizens and most importantly to "Do Your Best."

Activities cover a broad range of interests including camping, hiking, nature, science, woodworking, archery, crafts, art, music, cooking, fitness, safety, games, and community service activities.

The following are the details for the Monmouth BSA Battleground District Fall Recruitment "Join Scouting Nights" in Howell:

• Pack 13 - Meeting place at First United Methodist Church, Sept. 13, 7 p.m., Farmingdale Elementary School, Farmingdale. Contact Cubmaster Rich Silvani, (732) 938-4291.

• Pack 515 - Meeting places at Ramtown School and Greenville School, Sept. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Greenville School, Howell. Contact Cubmaster Rick Pereira, (732) 938-2369.

• Pack 159 - Meeting place at Aldrich School, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Aldrich School, Howell. Contact Cubmaster Edward Szajdecki, (732) 939-1716.

• Pack 258 - Meeting place at Taunton School, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., Taunton School Cafeteria, Howell. Contact Cubmaster George Bley, (732) 730- 1289.

• Pack 300 - Meeting place at Church of St. Veronica, Howell, Sept. 25, 7-8 p.m., St. Veronica School Cafeteria, Howell. Contact Cubmaster Len Abbazia, (732) 500.7129.

• Pack 7 - Meeting place at Southard School, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m., Southard School, Howell. Contact Cubmaster Renee Morris, (732) 367-3985.

• Pack 156 - Meeting place at Newbury School, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Land O' Pines School, Howell; Sept. 27, 7 p.m., Newbury School, Howell. Contact Cubmaster Robert Zwickel, (732) 730.8523.

• Pack 150 - Meeting place at Griebling School, Howell. Join Scouting Night is planned in September with date to be determined. Parents and students can keep an eye out for fliers to be distributed at the Griebling School or contact Cubmaster Doug Dresher, (732) 252.8092.