Coronavirus has given Scouts opportunities to “Be Prepared.”
Families weren’t expecting the 101
st
year of Scouting in LaSalle Council to look like it does today. The COVID-19 pandemic effectively put in-person Scouting on hold for the month of April and much of March. Yet, that did not stop Scouts and leaders from meeting – whether it was district roundtables or den meetings. Instead, Scouts and Scouters proved how brave and courteous they could be by hosting these activities online.
Scouts and their families adapted and showed their creativity by participating in a photo contest supported by the council. Every week, several packs and troops showcased how they were still hard at work advancing their skills and doing good turns in their communities.
Shown below, Bryce (a second-class Scout from Troop 587) joined Cub Scouts Aadyn and Kylan in writing letters to residents on lockdown at one of their neighboring assisted living centers.
Personal fitness and service projects outdoors still happened as well; leaders and parents continued to show their dedication to social distancing guidelines while maintaining a sense of consistency on which the Scouting program thrives.
Whether constructing bat houses behind an elementary school or crafting constellations out of marshmallows, Scouts BSA members and Cub Scouts are still Scouting strong. Shown above, Hunter from Pack 316 went on a nature hike with his family and packed his first aid kid, trail food and water – some of the most important camping essentials.
Many Scouts around the world are following Hunter’s example. “Be Prepared” proves to be a timeless motto that applies to everything from a simple nature hike to thousands of young people being aware of how they can play their part during a global pandemic. As the nation starts to evolve into a “new normal,” Scouts and volunteers will continue to be creative when participating in summer programs and celebrating the resilience of Scouting in LaSalle Council.
