Page 123 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2022

SPANISH
TRAIL
DISTRICT
SCOUTING
IS RUN BY
Volunteers
There are currently 12 Troops, 21 Packs and 5 Explorer Posts in The District that includes all of Harrison County and the Southern Half of Hancock County.
FOR THE CUBS
In the next few weeks, the traditional Roundups will be conducted at elementary schools across the area for the formation of new or population of existing Cub Packs. Lions Dens are formed from Kindergarteners, and the Tiger, Wolves, Bears and Webelos follow from that, grade by grade, and a group of them form a Pack. As a parent-volunteer being a Den
Leader does not require prior Scouting experience. The dens and the packs set their own meeting schedules and decide to meet during the summer if it suits them. Some of the highlights for Cubs of all ages of this coming year already include:
• Fishing Rodeo October 1
• Shooting Sports Day September 10th
• Pinewood Derby(s) TBD
These events tend to be attended by
the Packs in one place but the Packs themselves are autonomous with all sorts of exciting trips and adventures organized by the parent volunteers.
FOR THE SCOUTS
The Troops (ages 11-18) include a rigorous outdoor skills pursuit coupled with an introduction to the idea of earning rank and achieving “badges” related to outdoor skills AND relevant academic and personal skills.
Most troops camp out no less than 10 times in a year, including Summer and Winter Camp, with a constant emphasis on the boys leading from within their own ranks, with adult volunteers providing guidance and logistical support.
Some highlights for the Spanish Trial District Troops already on the calendar for this coming year include:
• Fall Camporee at the Sheriff ’s Ranch
• Spring Camporee at Beauvoir
The Spanish Trail District has a monthly Roundtable meeting for adult volunteers to network, brainstorm, and find out
new resources for training and program development.
For More Information email us at: spanishtraildistrictcommittee@gmail.com
FOR THE VOLUNTEERS
“Looking back on those years I had with my now grown son, it is apparent to me that I would never have really taken him camping. The weather would have been one excuse, my schedule, really just about anything. But, be- cause of the platform the troop created we did go camping, and along the way his outdoor skills were sharpened, and his character was built within a group of his peers. I am glad he did it, and glad for me and his mom too.”
– Todd M. Gulfport, father of a recent Spanish Trail District Eagle SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net July 2022 | 123