Boy Scouts holds membership drive

Rich Baker has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America most of his life.

"I did it for quite a few years. I was a Cub Scout, then a (Webelos) Scout, then a Boy Scout, up through star rank," Mr. Baker said.

Now a father, the 41-year-old Belvedere resident wants his son to share the Scouting experience.

Three years ago, Mr. Baker took over Cub Scout Pack 78, of Belvedere. The pack, which averages only six to seven members, is looking to expand and will hold a membership drive on Monday.

"This year, we'll have a drop-in," Mr. Baker said. "Parents and their boys can come in and find out what we're all about and what we'll be doing."

Belvedere Pack 78's effort is part of a larger membership push by the Georgia-Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Through the campaign, called Race into Scouting, first- through fifth-grade boys are being urged to join the Scouts for the upcoming school year.

The boys in Pack 78 have a full calendar of events planned. Overnight camping trips, hiking trips and excursions to museums and historical sites are a few of the activities planned, Mr. Baker said.

Russ Kennedy, also a Belvedere dad, said he encouraged his son Ryan to join.

"We were looking for something to get him involved in," Mr. Kennedy said. "It gives the boys a good aspect on outdoor life and citizenship. He loves it."

Perhaps the highlight of the year for many of the Cub Scouts are the overnight camping trips - especially the annual camp with troops from across the area at Daniel Field for the Boshears Skyfest.

"We'll go and set up camp there, and they love it," Mr. Baker said. "All the Cub Scouts go to that."

Another popular event is the Pinewood Derby, which involves the Cub Scouts building and racing their own cars.

"We want to expose the kids to all kinds of different activities. It's all about character development," Mr. Baker said.

Reach Billy Byler at (803) 648-1395, ext. 106,

or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.

Scouting for information?

Race into Scouting campaign:www.raceintoscouting.org

The Boy Scouts of America:www.scouting.org

History of the Boy Scouts of America: www.bsamuseum.org

Current news in Boy Scouts: www.bsalegal.org

The Georgia-Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America:www.gacacouncil.org

To join a Cub Scout pack:www.joincubscouting.org or (706) 733-5277

If you go

What: Belvedere Cub Scout Pack 78 membership drive

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday where: Belvedere Elementary School, 201 Rhomboid Place

Cost: Free

Phone: 441-8178

If you go

What: Belvedere Cub Scout Pack 78 membership drive

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday

where: Belvedere Elementary School, 201 Rhomboid Place

Cost: Free

Phone: 441-8178