We first would like to say how much Mr. Carlton will be missed.  He helped us multiple times when we needed a place to hold a garage sale or needed a donation of ice or supplies for camping, and just recently, Mike Shumock helped with a banner pole needed for our Veterans Day Parade.  Scouting builds great character, good ethics and caring young men.  Mr. Carlton portrayed what Scouting can do in each of these young men’s life.  Mr. Carlton's children have already shown that they, too, are caring, thoughtful and generous in their concerns to keep our program successful.

 

             We have been busy, with our first Veterans Day Parade.  The Cubs were all so excited.  They did a fantastic job marching, walking and sometimes being carried, the mile-and-a-half trek through downtown Mobile. They each handed out homemade thank-you cards to attending veterans.  Then came the big moment of seeing the Grand Marshal, Governor Bob Riley.  As the Cubs marched with their eyes shifted right, saluting and  smiling big smiles,  the Governor stood and saluted them back.

 

             December is our favorite month.  We focus on teaching by showing, to the scouts, how important it is to give of themselves.  We made 20 Christmas stockings from red and white felt.  Then each was meticulously decorated with construction paper cutouts of Christmas art, with added glitter and glue.  They turned out great.  The Scouts and their families donated candies, lotions, socks, cookies and fresh fruit.  They filled each stocking with candies and lotions.  Fruit baskets were filled with everything else.  Of course the best part would be the 5 songs the boys had practiced all month.  This year we added backup singers to our music.  The residents were pleased and excited at Stacey Manor; they told the Cubs they should think of making their first CD.  The residents gave out bags of treats to each boy and siblings who attended.  It was a great experience for all.  After our visit to the nursing home, we headed back to the church for our annual Christmas party, with great food and a great night filled with the caring experience that they will talk about forever.

 

             The Boy Scouts have all earned the first badge of Scout and are presently working on the rank of Tenderfoot.  We have two dads that have stepped up to help as merit badge counselors.  Each young man is working on the details of the badges he wants to earn, recording all the requirements to be met.  The troop is brand new, and they have a lot to accomplish.  They will be scheduling some fundraisers at the first of the year.  They presently have $100 in their joint account with the Cub Scouts.  They are still in need of volunteers that would like to help with the books or serve as merit badge counselors, committee members or resource members.  Anyone interested, please contact us.

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             Thank you for all of your prayers; that has kept us going in a struggling economy.  Most of the boys we service are from families of low income, so all we do is through donations and fundraisers.  These boys and young men deserve the best while they "Do Their Best."

             Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all the boys and leaders.

 

      CUB SCOUT PACK 88                 BOY SCOUT TROOP 88

     Gloria Hamilton, Cubmaster                  Andrea Pierson, Scout Master