Roughly two years ago, Pack Leader Jeremy Odell met Brian Lennox, a parishioner of St. Faustina, and recognized that the values-based organization would need to partner with a church. This year Mr. O’Dell expects over 150 scouts to participate in Pack 106. This particular pack has one of the best retention rates in the Houston area.
“In our group at the Cub Scout level, we are a family based program. We encourage the whole family to get involved in camping and all activities. Anytime you’re there together as a family, you are building the family bond, and passing on principles of faith,” said Odell.
Mr. Odell says that every rank in the Cub Scouts has an adventure (task) that incorporates the scout’s duty to God and/or family. There are about seven adventures at every rank. This is in stark contrast to many other activities for kids. Most focus on the child and their team or group, but scouts emphasizes family time, encourages families to participate in weekly events together, and is clear that each scout has a duty to serve God. Scouts can also earn religious emblems to be displayed on their uniforms.
“Scouting is different from sports or arts camps in that the leaders tend to stay with their dens and packs for multiple years. I’ve been a leader for five years and so has my dad. This longevity helps to foster a sense of stability for the kids and allows us to encourage our scouts to take ownership of their personal character/virtue for more than just a season,” Odell said.
This character development is pivotal for young minds living in a world that increasingly tells them to do what makes them happy, even if it means deserting the truth and important relationships. Beyond going to Mass and participating in Faith Formation, scouting provides another avenue for youth to see how their actions affect others, and how their relationship with God impacts all aspects of life.
You will see the scouts out and about at St. Faustina’s a few times a year, at events such as Scouting Sunday and Camping 101 Weekend. As St. Faustina’s continues to expand and grow, we hope to support the local scouts with meeting spaces for events and spiritual guidance.