By Howard D. Torrence II

Special to the Salisbury Post

In 2015 Central NC Council Boy Scouts of America served over 8,000 youth. Many of these youth were boys in the Cub Scout program. The Cub Scouts range from first through fifth grade. CNCC BSA offers a variety of programs for Cubs, including Sneak in Weekend, Webelos Resident Camp, Day Camp, District Pinewood Derby and other events. Parents are encouraged to get their boys to participate in as many of these events as possible so that their boys have a full and memorable experience.

Central NC Council has so much to offer our youth with two separate camp locations and many council-level activities. Other than the national fee of just $24 per year, there is no cost charged by CNCC to register a youth in a program. We also offer financial assistance to help cover that cost for families in need. On average it costs around $250 to put a boy through the program for the year.

Boys in the Cub and Boy Scout program have several opportunities throughout the year to take part in fundraisers. The two major fundraisers in CNCC are the Popcorn and Camp Card sales. Many boys sell enough popcorn and camp cards to cover the expenses associated with program activities.

With help from the Rowan County United Way, we have been able to provide camperships, uniforms and registration assistance for families who are not able to afford it.

Some units in Rowan County have a hand-me-down closet for uniforms. Leaders like Ann Barber make trips to thrift shops to find uniforms that were turned in. Even with these efforts there often aren’t enough uniforms to go around, and those that are there don’t always fit the scout in need. Due to the struggles that some families face with money, the Rowan County United Way has stepped up to help families in need. Thanks to the gift from the Rowan County United Way boys who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it are now able to fully take advantage of this program.

Pack 317, a local Cub Scout unit in Sapona District (Rowan County), took advantage of this gift back in December. Cubmaster Crystal James wanted her scouts to participate in the Christmas parade. Some of the parents could afford uniforms but many could not. With special assistance from the Rowan County United Way, we were able to provide uniforms for families in need.

The vision of Central NC Council is to help the youth in our program to experience dreams hands-on. Without special assistance for camping, books, registration and uniforms, many of these youth would not be able to participate in all that the Boy Scouts of America has to offer.

Thanks to the generosity of the Rowan County United Way, these youth have the chance to experience their dreams hands-on.

Howard D. Torrence II is district executive for Boy Scouts of American, Central N.C. Council, based in Albemarle.