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La Grange Cub Scouts mark pack’s 80th anniversary
Cubmaster Lisa Marovec emcees the Cub Scout Pack 39's 80th anniversary celebration. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 7, 2013 1:44AM
LA GRANGE — Members of Cub Scout Pack 39 who attend Ogden Avenue School in La Grange gathered in October to mark the group’s 80th anniversary as the 12th-oldest continuously operating pack in the U.S.
Cubmaster Lisa Marovec set a festive tone for the occasion by wearing a large hat with a birthday cake and candles at the party at the First Baptist Church of La Grange, which sponsors the group.
“In scouting, we usually try to do something a little goofy for the kids, something fun in addition to our business meeting and recognition of awards,” Marovec said.
In addition to feasting on dozens of cupcakes arranged to spell out “80,” the Scouts played games outside, including apple bobbing and pumpkin rolling, and an enclosed version of dodge ball in a gaga pit, the cubmaster explained. The menu featured popcorn, cotten candy the boys spun themselves and SpaghettiOs.
Marovec attributes the group’s longevity to parental involvement and training and the fun and adventure of scouting.
“Scouting really addresses the whole boy,” she said. “Boys can be competitive, and they love to go through the program to get pins and belt loops and advance in rank.”
In addition, many of the group’s outings and activities are outdoors, even in the winter. The pack looks forward to the annual Klondike Derby in December of various winter games and competitions, as well as hiking, camping and fishing outings, Marovec said.
“They call scouting fun with a purpose, and we really try to keep it that way,” she said. “We also try to get the Scouts out in the community with service projects, so people can see the value the boys are adding to the community.”
Projects have included food and coat drives, a teddy bear collection for kids in need and a day playing bingo with special needs clients of the Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center in Countryside.
