Cub Scouts

For the past 25 years, scouts from Cub Scout Troop 163 have been a familiar sight around St. Patrick Parish. Approximately 75 boys, from kindergarten age through fifth grade, participate in the Troop, under the leadership of 10 to 15 parent volunteers. Their purpose is the same as that of the Boy Scouts of America: "To provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness."

Most troops meet weekly and participate in "Pack Night," which takes place once a month. Special Pack night events have included a Pinewood Derby in which cars made by the scouts race against each other and a visit to the firehouse where cubs were taught how to survive a fire. St. Patrick's Cub Scouts also hold an annual Blue/Gold Dinner, and participate in "Cub Day," an annual event in which area troops create floats, participate in a parade, and camp out. Perhaps the event the cubs are most noted for at St. Patrick;s is the annual Christmas Wreath sale.

St. Patrick's Cub Scouts also are frequently recipients of religious emblems. The Light of Christ emblem is earned by completing a program focused on helping the scouts develop a personal relationship with Jesus and coming to see Him as a real person and friend. The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are highlighted. Scouts receiving the Parvuli Dei (Child of God) emblem complete a program to help them discover the presence of God in their lives as members of their families and parishes. The program also stresses the importance of the development of a positive self-image through the contributions the boys make to their group or community.