Dexter Pack 477 Maintains Dynamic Programming for Scouts

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Scouts making art out of the broken fragments leftover from the Dexter Ice Fest

By Doug Marrin with Betsy Finn

Despite the many challenges of this past year, especially for students, Pack 477 has provided fun and educational programming for its youth that has kept them engaged and enriched.

Art Explosion Adventure

Art Explosion aims to expose scouts to various disciplines and hobbies so that they can pursue knowledge in an area that interests them while working towards their rank.

For Art Explosion, the den was required to choose from a list of activities. Den 5 chose these (Den 6 also participated but may have chosen different activities):

  • Visit an art exhibit (Den 5 visited the Dexter Ice Sculptures)
  • Draw/paint outdoors (the scouts did pencil sketches “en Plein Air” at the Gazebo)
  • Create a freestanding sculpture using found objects (scouts used broken pieces of the ice sculptures that had fallen and sticks to create a sculpture in the park)
  • Create two self-portraits (we did this over zoom. The kids learned some basics for drawing people, and then they worked on their portraits.
  • Show your artwork in an art show (we put a FB page “gallery” up -- but I’m hoping the exciting thing will be seeing their work in the paper).

“I think all of the scouts were very proud of their drawings, and I loved answering their questions on how to draw various features, such as glasses or ears,” says Troop Leader Betsy Finn. “Each scout’s self-portrait was different, but all showed attention to detail. The scouts were very encouraging and complimentary during the sharing part of our zoom meeting.”

One scout’s self-portrait

The self-portraits can be found at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=477dexter&set=a.2852335425081248

Can and Bottle Drive

Pack 477 also conducted a can/bottle drive that raised $2,400, enough for eight full scholarships for scouting summer camp. In addition to summer camp, such fundraising also provides membership dues, program costs, and uniforms. The Boy Scouts do not want finances to be a barrier for anyone wishing to experience scouting.

Ducks Unlimited Conservation Project

The Troop has partnered with Ducks Unlimited to make nesting boxes for waterfowl. Scouts are in the planning phase and plan to construct the boxes in June. Materials are being collected, and locations for the boxes are being selected.

Continued Adjustments for Meetings

As the weather warms and restrictions have lightened, the Troop has met outside with appropriate precautions in place. Over the winter, the scouts relied on Zoom to conduct their meetings. Some pack meetings included presentations by such groups as the Dexter Robotics Club, the Creature Conservancy, and K9 Nike from UM’s campus police.

It’s not the same as meeting in person, but the kids have adapted remarkably well, remaining engaged and asking curious questions of the presenters,” says Finn. “We even played a cub scout version of Jeopardy, which went over well!”

Girls Join the Troop

“Right now, we have three official girl members, with more considering,” says Finn.

For Cub Scouts, boys have their den, and girls have their den. One new girl, Lucy, says, "I joined cub scouts because I really like animals and exploring the outdoors. Camping is one of my favorite parts, especially ghosts in the graveyard. Mostly because I get to stay up late!"

“As word gets out that girls are welcome to join Scouts BSA, I expect our numbers to continue to grow,” adds Finn.

Pack Growth

Despite the pandemic, Pack 477 has grown with seven new scouts this year, with more in the process. All of the seven new members have earned their Bobcat rank.

Scouts aren’t the only ones growing and being enriched. Adult leaders continue ongoing training, completing required programs. At least two leaders are present at any event, virtual or in-person.

“Beyond the basic requirements, we also have five den leaders attending BALOO training in May -- Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation,” says Finn. “About half are new to the pack, and several are parents of the girls. I think that speaks to the leaders’ level of commitment to helping this be an awesome experience for all of our scouts.”

A Note of Gratitude for Community Support

“The Pack is grateful to receive support from the Dexter community during this challenging time, including support from our charter organization, the Dexter Lions Club, as well as the American Legion, Hackney Hardware, Dexter United Methodist Church, Klapperich Welding, and more,” concludes Finn.

Pack 477 can be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/477dexter

Photo credits Pack 477 Facebook Page

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