Basking Ridge's Cub Scout Pack 451 Learns Camping Skills, Conservation Lessons

By Debbie Olsen

On Friday, Sept. 18, Cub Scout Pack 451 gathered at Mount Prospect School for their first meeting of the school year. Randi Emmer, a board member of Friends of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, spoke to the boys about monarch butterflies and turtles—as well as the history of the Great Swamp. The boys and their parents were surprised to learn that the area was almost turned into an airport in the 1960s.

After the presentation, the Scouts learned how to pitch a tent and start a campfire, as well as put it out safely. These skills will come in handy when they attend their annual fall camp out October 9 to 11.

On September 12, 12 Cub Scouts were honored to serve as the color guard during the opening ceremony for the Somerset Patriots baseball game. They stood behind the pitcher’s mound and displayed the American and Pack 451 flags during the national anthem. It was an exciting opportunity for the boys.

Over the past month, the scouts have been busy selling popcorn in front of various stores around town. About 70 percent of the proceeds go toward scouting, such as camp outs and badge activities.