It's more than a motto - it's a way of life. Being prepared means having the ability to deal with the many tough challenges life presents-that's what Scouting is all about. Through its time-tested program, Scouting provides young people with opportunities to mentor to their peers, build character and enrich their faith. These activities build stronger family bonds and help youth reach their full potential by instilling values that last a lifetime.

One of the strengths of the Scouting program is the unique relationship between religious and community organizations, parents, and leaders. Working together, they are able to focus the necessary resources and leadership on the single task of serving youth. The result is children, families, and communities that are stronger and better prepared for the future.



Cub Scouts - Ages 7-10

Cub Scouting is a year-round program uniquely designed to meet the needs of young boys and their parents. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development and physical fitness. Service projects, ceremonies, games and activities guide boys through the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Through positive peer group interaction and parental guidance, boys also learn honesty, bravery, and respect. Family involvement is an essential part of Cub Scouting, and parents are encouraged to play an active role in the program. The family - and community - centered approach to learning means that Cub Scouting is truly time well spent.



Boy Scouts - Ages 11-17

Most people associate Boy Scouting with outdoor adventure-and with good reason. Scouting is an outdoor program designed to develop character, citizenship, and fitness. With the Scout Oath and Law as a guide, Scouting helps a boy develop into a well-rounded young man. Through the advancement program, a Scout can progress in rank through achievements, gaining additional knowledge and responsibilities. Earning Merit Badges provides opportunities for Scouts to be introduced to a lifelong hobby or a rewarding career. In Boy Scouting, youth take responsibility for the activities of the troop. Through the support of parents and religious and neighborhood organizations, Scouts develop an awareness and appreciation of their role in their community.



Venturing - Ages 14-20 (or 13 and completed 8th grade)

Venturing is a program for young men and women ages 14 through 20. The purpose of Venturing is to provide experiences to help young people mature and become responsible and caring adults. Young people in venturing learn leadership skills and participate in challenging outdoor activities. Venturing focuses resources that help a community organization provide wholesome, flexible, well-rounded and challenging activities, tailor-made for teenage youth. Those resources include access to Boy Scout camping properties, a recognition program youth protection training and specific program assistance for a variety of outdoor disciplines.


Exploring - Ages 14-20 (or 13 and completed 8th grade)

Exploring is a program for young men and women. Exploring units, or "posts," focus on a single career field, such as law enforcement, fire/rescue, medical or band, and are sponsored by a local government or business entity. Young adults involved in Exploring will gain practical knowledge of and experience in a career and engage in a program of activities. These activities are centered on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character development and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person. They also have opportunities to take on leadership roles.


Scoutreach - Ages 7-13

Scouting has always thrived in suburban communities where volunteers and resources may be more plentiful, but our commitment to the young people living in neighborhoods of our Council's inner cities has never been stronger. Each week, Scouts meet after school in classrooms to work on advancement, learn new skills and gain leadership experience. Scoutreach youth also experience the outdoors - some for the very first time - during our Council's annual Scoutreach Family Day at Camp Alexander. It is here that Scouts shoot bows & arrows, BB guns, go hiking and learn valuable skills such as knot tying and shelter building. Our Council remains committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to be a Scout.

Pack #118 follows the Cub Scouting 12 Core Values...

Citizenship: Contributing service and showing responsibility to local,state, and national communities.

Compassion: Being kind and considerate, and showing concern for the well-being of others.

Cooperation: Being helpful and working together with others toward a common goal.

Courage: Being brave and doing what is right regardless of our fears,the difficulties, or the consequences.

Faith: Having inner strength and confidence based on our trust in God.

Health and Fitness: Being personally committed to keeping our minds and bodies clean and fit.

Honesty: Telling the truth and being worthy of trust.

Perseverance: Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it is difficult.

Positive Attitude: Being cheerful and setting our minds to look for and find the best in all situations.




Resourcefulness: Using human and other resources to their fullest.

Respect: Showing regard for the worth of something or someone.

Responsibility: Fulfilling our duty to God, country, other people, and ourselves.