Scout Pack 78, North Framingham meets at First United Methodist Church, 360 Water Street

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Scouting is alive, well and continues the same traditions founded over 100 years ago.

In North Framingham, Pack 78 is comprised of boys who attend the Hemingway, Dunning, Potter Road and Stapleton schools -- and they'd like to see even more boys join!

While the focus is on the boys -- moms, dads and the whole family can be involved in scouting activities and spend quality time with their sons.

Could over 100 years of having fun be a good reason to join?

Last year family events included; a day-trip and sleep-over on the U.S.S. Massachusetts, an overnight sleep-over at the Roger Williams Zoo (with tours during the night to see animals), a practice session with the Pawtucket Pawsox (the scouts spent the night and slept in the outfield!) The 2011 season for Pack 78 Scouts will be equally exciting!

Boys of North Framingham Pack 78 aboard the U.S.S. Massachusetts

NOTE: You can click any of the photos on this page to enlarge and view all as a slideshow!

A little bit about Scouting...

Within the Cub Scout network, boys are part of a "den", which in-turn is part of "pack".

The den is a small group of boys who are of the same age and rank. The den typically has between 5-10 members, though it can certainly be larger or smaller. The pack contains all the dens, from the 5-year-old Tiger Cubs to the 10-year-old Senior Webelos.

Because of this infrastructure, boys not only get to know members of their den closely, they also meet boys who are younger and older. There are many social events to bring the group closer together. Recent events have included "The Raingutter Regatta", Snow Tubing,   visiting a WWII Reenactment, (with real tanks and airplanes in action), and more!

Joining the Scouts will make your son part of a Special Club!

Framingham Scout Pack 78 on overnight at Scout Reservation on Nobscot Mountain.

Let's face it: clubs are cool. Cub Scouts have a secret handshake. They must learn oaths, salutes, and mottos. They have a special uniform to wear. They go to meetings. These things may seem trivial to an adult, but are very exciting to a young boy. More importantly, the boys gain a sense of pride and recognition.

Motivation to Succeed:

The main idea of scouting is that each year the boys work through their rank's book, completing tasks in order to progress to the next rank.

They also achieve goals, do research, and complete assignments to acquire badges, belt loops, pins, and even prizes. Throughout the year, the den, (and in some cases the entire pack), help the boys reach these goals.

Building and racing Pinewood Derby cars, one of the favorite annual Scouting activities.

By the time he reaches the next rank, a young Scout will have a stack of badges and at least one or two pieces of flair to add to his uniform.

Extracurricular Activities:

School projects are not always known for being exciting. With Cub Scouts, the boys get to build and race cars and sail boats, (and even learn to bake cakes).

They learn sign language, meet police officers, visit museums, play games, and try new things.

Pack 78 use "fun" to teach scouts how to be the best person they can be.

Good Deeds and Family Time:

Cub Scouts from Pack 78 raising funds during the holiday season.

While every pack is different, they all promote the same concept, "Do your best".

Furthermore, Scouting encourage the boys to clean up their communities, to spend time with their family, and to help others.

Pack 78 of North Framingham, has picked up trash in Framingham parks, donated food to local pantries, and raised money for charities.

Scout leaders, den mothers and other adults involved in Scouting work hard to teach the organization's high moral values -- and to make it fun!

Stop by Pack 78's first meeting of the year! -- It's Not Too Late to Join!

Pack 78 Scouts perform the scientific ''Mentos & Soda'' experiment at an outing.

Pack meetings are held at the First United Methodist Church, 360 Water Street, (corner of Brook St. and Water St.), and you are invited to stop by and check things out!

The first Pack meeting of the season is September 14th, 2011, (starting at 6:30 p.m. sharp).

The meeting will have a "Science Night" theme -- a few clues of what you can expect -- "Luke, use the force!"... and maybe "Electric Glowing Pickles", (very popular at MIT!).

Ken Ross explaining scouting program at Framingham Concert on the Green.

Need more information?

For more info visit the Framingham Pack 78 website at: www.framinghampack78.org

Ken Ross of the Pack 78 recruiting team is available to answer any question you might have.

You can reach Ken by sending email to: pack78@ix.netcom.com, or by phone at: (508) 654-2728.

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