Recruiting more cubs to the pack

Since 1930, the Cub Scouts, the division of the Boy Scouts of America, has catered to elementary-school-aged boys, offering the opportunity to build character and learn responsibility through camping and crafts, such as leather or woodworking.

On Oct. 2 at 7 p.m., Cub Scout Pack 20 will hold an open house event at St. Joseph’s Parish at 1346 Broadway in Hewlett. It will feature a presentation highlighting the work the pack does throughout the Five Towns and Valley Stream, a group leatherworking activity and for the first time in their history, girls will be able to sign up to become scouts. The initiative was approved unanimously by the Boy Scouts’ Board of Directors, as part of the organization’s push for inclusiveness.

While the levels for the Boy Scouts are determined by their grade, Girl Scouts will be grouped together in a single den, at least for the first year. Sheena Koroveshi served as a den leader for her son’s group last year, and this year she’ll be leading the girls’ den. She said her 5-year-old daughter is very excited to join. “I think it’s going to be a really fun experience,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for everyone … There’ll be a bit of an adjustment at first, but I think it’ll feel like it’s always been this way within a year.”

Pack 20’s Committee Chairman, Mark Jeacoma, also serves as the assistant den leader for Pack 20’s Weblos scouts, which is for the oldest scouts. He said that they’re excited to be able to have girls join and hope that this open house can convince some more parents to get their children involved. “The goal is to reach out to some newer parents,” Jeacoma said. “I don’t think we’re in people’s faces enough early on, people often don’t think of us until they see us around doing community service.”

Last year, Koroveshi helped collect and put together more than 500 toiletry kits to donate to the Interfaith Nutrition Network in Hempstead, a nonprofit that battles hunger and homelessness. She also said that they participate in a cleanup day at Valley Stream State Park, where they bring trash bags on a hike to pick up litter.

The pack’s Cubmaster, Eugene Corless, said that he believes that these activities can help build leadership skills and create good citizens, but the organization also provides families with a great opportunity to get involved in outdoor activities together. “One of the underlying goals of those of us who are involved, is to help people put down the screens,” Corless said. “The most important thing is being able to spend quality time with their son or daughter.”

A year-round program, Pack 20 has an annual registration fee of $130, and $5 monthly dues. Contact them at Facebook.com/Pack20FiveTowns or BSAPack20@gmail.com.