“A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”
The Cub Scouts of Pack 437 open each meeting with these 12 points of the Scout Law—just as Scouts across the country do at the beginning of their meetings.
What sets this Cub Scout pack apart, though, is that it is one of the newest packs in the Commonwealth—and it is one of the few Scout packs or troops sponsored by a Jewish organization. Chartered by Congregation Beth Ahabah and led by Cubmaster Jonathan Silverman, the pack is excited to embark on fun adventures while learning safety procedures, first aid, and outdoor skills.
Since its inception in Dec. 2022, Pack 437’s nine Scouts have been a busy bunch! They visited the nature center at Maymont Park to see the otters, fish, turtles, and other animals there.
They took a field trip to study beaver habitats and other wildlife in one Scout’s backyard, where they also discussed gardening and composting.
They learned about pocketknife safety and whittling. Younger Scouts carved shapes from soap using a plastic knife, while older Scouts used pocketknives to whittle sticks.
They built birdhouses with simple tools such as hammers and screwdrivers. They participated in a community service activity in partnership with Friendship Circle of Virginia, and they celebrated Scout Shabbat at Congregation Beth Ahabah on March 10th.
In early June the group went on its first camping trip to James River State Park in Buckingham County. Park rangers led them on a wooded hike and, when storms rolled in, gave them a private tour of the park’s nature center. Scouts spent the weekend enjoying swimming, sleeping in tents, learning about fire safety, and eating campfire s’mores. Several of the Scouts had never gone camping before, but they had a great time and are excited about their next excursion!
The Scouting year ended with a Blue and Gold Banquet in June. All Scouts earned their grade-level ranks and will begin working on a new set of skills in the fall.
Pack 437 looks forward to even more adventures in 2023-24! Plans include a Pinewood Derby race, weekend overnight camping, hikes, day trips, and lots of fun learning experiences.
The pack hopes to increase its membership and divide Scouts into grade-level dens by the fall.
If you are interested in joining or would like additional information about the pack, please contact Sarah Roper at programs@bethahabah.org or (804) 358-6757 x304.
Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CongregationBethAhabah
