Scout pack could fold without new leader
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

Cub Scout Pack 632 of Jasper needs help.

The pack is in danger of fading away if adult volunteer leadership is not found quickly

"When you don't have the leadership for these kids, then these kids are in danger of falling through the cracks," said Bobbie Stott, treasurer for the Cub Scout Pack 632.

Jasper is known to have one of the oldest Boy Scout charters in the state of Texas with the Cub Scouts charter following closely behind.

"We can't be chartered and have a Cub Scout troop without a Cubmaster," Stott said. "It would be a shame if we lost this charter because of this."

Prior to Hurricane Rita's arrival in Jasper, the pack had more than 40 members. Membership dropped to 20 after the hurricane but Stott pointed out that those numbers have grown to more than 100 recently.

Stott explained that every five or six years, cub scouts pass over to Boy Scout status and with them normally the male leader of the troop advances on as well.

At the same time, tiger cubs are forming and Stott said usually a male leader is found from the incoming group that sees the troop through its years.

"We have a bunch of young parents in the fold now but they all have jobs and can't give the time needed for the troop," Stott said. "These are people that can't put in the effort because they have a family and a job."

"We were hoping to appeal to the older people of Jasper. We are hoping their might be a grandpa out there who might have been involved in scouting when they were younger and might be able to take over the troop for the next three to five years," Stott said.

She said it is her hopes that a Cubmaster can be found for the troop within the next couple of weeks.

Stott said there are no requirements to be a leader for the troop other than some training that will be held in Jasper.

"We are hoping that someone in the area will call and volunteer and see what scouting in Jasper is all about," Stott said.

Anyone interested should call Brian Bill at 384- 5173, Michelle Goodwin at 383-0128, Ralph Day at 489- 1001, Doris Stowell at 381- 8814, Bobbie Stott at 594- 9979 or Jane Damrel at 384- 1492.