By Judy O’Gorman Alvarez
Scouting, a time-honored rite of passage for many, is taking on a different look these days, and the Fair Haven troop is no different.
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 may have put a halt to indoor gatherings but members of Fair Haven’s Cub Scout Troop made the most of the outdoors this winter.
“We have thrived and increased involvement since we’ve been outdoors exclusively – even through the cold winter,” said Chris Rodriguez, den leader. “And we are expanding further by starting a new boys and girls pair of troops in Fair Haven.”
“The Scouts have a high emphasis on outdoor activities with all the Scouting activities,” said Rodriguez. “This year we are doing the best we possibly could to have outdoor activities every month.” With the help of the town, they’ve been successful.
Events included a bike rodeo, which stressed bike safety and education in the Church of the Nativity parking lot; a campfire and campout that they were granted permission to hold at Fair Haven Fields. “We were able to socially distance with a parental supervised camping trip but not too far away from home.”
There were hikes at Battery Lewis in Hartshorne Woods and Monmouth Battlefield State Park where they followed a historic revolutionary trail.
In February, Scouts were given parts and instructions on how to build a rocket at home, complete with two small engines. One engine sent the rocket into the air and the second popped the parachute.
That was followed by a rocket launch at Fair Haven Fields. “We did that in eight inches of snow,” said Rodriguez. “It was like the frozen tundra in Fair Haven fields.”
With every endeavor Rodriguez credits the town for its support. “The town has been fantastic,” he said. “We’ve asked the rec director DJ Breckenridge for permission. And the mayor came to the rocket launch.”
Each Scout assembled a rocket at home to launch at Fair Haven Fields in February.
Rodriguez points out that the Scouting organization is non-denominational but encourages any belief. “We’re going to help with a food drive and learn about serving the community the way The Church of the Nativity does.”
Other upcoming activities include a pinewood derby, the wood car racing event of the Scouts. In past years, the event was held indoors at Christ Church but this year it will be held at the fire house, with its opened door. “Where we can keep safe from the elements and stay safe,” he said.
The Fair Haven Scouts have some 50 members – boys and girls covering five age groups from 6 to 11, including Webelos and future Eagles.
“Girls are new to the whole thing and we’ve had pretty good uptake,” Rodriguez said. Some girls are on both Scouts and Girl Scouts. “They don’t have to choose,” said Rodriguez. “We encourage that. We’re not there to compete for kids, we’re here to enrich the kids.”
The next step is forming and rechartering a new troop as the pack graduates four 13-year-olds. Plans include sending Scouts to summer camp, junior lifeguard training among others.
“We want them to learn civics, learn the leadership skills, build the life skills that Scouting provides,” said Rodriguez, who was an Eagle. (“Once an Eagle, always an Eagle,” he said.) “And to do community service.”
“It’s partly about rank but it’s also about the friendships you build and the lifestyle you build,” he said.
