A local Cub Scout pack has grown from four members to 17 in a year, thanks to the efforts of a group of Nehalem Bay area residents who are working to build up the Cub Scout program in the area and recruit both participants and volunteers.

Judy Davidson and her husband Daryl, are hoping to see a revitalization of the program, that her husband and older son both participated in as youth. The group also includes Shawn Grimes and Mike Downie. Grimes got involved with his sons, became very active and told the Davidson’s, “We’ve got to get this built up.” Information about the Cub Scouts is generated via word of mouth, through the schools, and members wearing their uniforms to school.

The Davidsons said from the 1970s through the early 90s, there was an active troop of 30 – 35 boys. Judy Davidson thinks one of the reasons for the decline in numbers is the availability of more youth activities for kids to choose from. Daryl said another change is the current need for both parents to work to make ends meet.

One of the main purposes of the scouts is to help youngsters learn about community service. Cub Scout groups participate in canned food drives, beach clean ups and collecting clothing for donations. Scouts also conduct a variety of fundraisers to which some of the money is used to assist youngsters to attend Boy Scout Camp.

The Pine Wood Derby race is a favorite among the members. Each Cub Scout is given a block of wood to shape into a race car, that is raced on an original track built by local Bing Blake. The Regatta Boat Race is held at the end of year picnic, where wooden boats are raced in rain gutters filled with water. Racers can’t touch the boats but can blow on them.

Cub Scout Sean Harth, 7, said he likes being in the troop “Because we get to help people.” Gabe Calkins said, “We get to do fun activities.” Older member Matthew Grimes said, “It’s fun. We get to go places.”

Activities are year-round and family and home centered. Tiger Cubs in the first grade learn about shared leadership, the community and their family. Cub Scouts, who are typically second graders, learn about character development, citizenship and fitness.

Students who are 10 years old, the Webelos, participate in more advanced activities that begin to prepare them to become Boy Scouts. The closest Boy Scout program right now is in Rockaway Beach but the group hopes to establish a group in the near future.

Training to be a den leader or assistant den leader is held in Tillamook. The class lasts 4-5 hours and is also recommended for volunteers. Davidson said there has to be two adults at every meeting and she would like to see more people get involved.

For more information, contact Judy or Daryl Davidson at (503) 368-6029, Shawn Grimes at (503) 801-4581 or Mike Downie at (503) 812-5293.