In 1909, Chicago publisher W. D. Boyce was visiting London, England.

Boyce was lost on a foggy London street when an unknown scout came to his aid and guided him to his destination. The boy then refused Boyce’s tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good turn.

During this time period in America, there were concerns that young men were no longer learning patriotism and individualism.

There was a push for reforms among young men with a focus on social welfare and programs of mental, physical, social and religious development.

This gesture by the unknown scout, inspired Boyce to set up a meeting with Robert Baden-Powell, the British founder of the Boy Scouts to learn about the Scouting program.

As a result of Boyce’s London experience, The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on Feb. 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916.

In 1930, the Cub Scout program was established to allow the younger youth to be involved to help them grow into the Boy Scouting program.

Today, cub scouting is the largest aspect of the Boy Scouts of America. Cub scouting is designed for boys in the first through fifth grade with the aim of building character, learning responsibilities of citizenship, and developing personal fitness.

Cub Scouting is an important program that promotes tremendous opportunities for today’s young boys. Cub Scouting helps build the leaders of tomorrow. Cub scout boys grow into men and become valued members of society.

Why join cub scouting? Cub scouting is fun. Cub scouting has ideals.

Cub scouting strengthens families. Cub scouting helps boys develop interests and skills. Cub scouting provides adventure. Cub scouting has an advancement plan. Cub scouting creates fellowship. Cub scouting promotes diversity. Cub scouting teaches duty to God and country. Cub scouting provides a year-round program.

Today’s youth have lost their way and cub scouting is the map. There once was a time when an adult spoke with a young boy and the conversation was laced with “Yes Ma’am!” “Yes Sir!” “No Ma’am!” “No Sir!”

Boys once had a sense of honor and respect. I yearn for those days.

My son is a cub scout. Cub Scouting is a program that I believe in strongly and am proud to support.

Newberry’s Pack 1, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Newberry, is conducting a membership drive for cub scouts and parent leaders. If you are interested in joining, please contact: Pack 1’s Cubmaster, Jennifer Wood at jewood81@yahoo.com. Or contact Saluda River District Executive Nick Schwartz at 864-420-4534 or email at nschwart@bsamail.org.