Cub Scouts gather for day camp

Boys with BB guns and bows and arrows made their first hesitant and wobbly attempts at target shooting Tuesday night at Cub Scout Day Camp.

Six rows of boys between the ages of 6 and 11 lined up in front of a flag pole to say the Pledge of Allegiance to open the second night of camp at the Sedalia Rod and Gun Club. Then, parents and volunteers came to the front of the group to teach the boys the “Ravioli Song.”

It seemed there were more important things than ravioli on the boys’ minds as they hurried through the singing portion to get to the variety of other activities, such as BB gun shooting, archery and building water rockets.

Shannon Johnson, the camp activities director, works year-round to prepare for the one-week event.

“It takes me about 364 days to get everything ready. I’ll start planning for next year in August,” Johnson said.

Even though Johnson works many hours organizing activities for the Scouts, he couldn’t do it alone. He begins recruiting volunteers in early February and meeting with parents in May to get as much help as possible.

In order to pay for the $50 camp fee, the troops come together in a year-long fundraiser selling popcorn.

“We sell everywhere from Marshall to Warsaw and Tipton to Sweet Springs,” Johnson said.

Other fundraising is optional, but some troops come up with ideas to raise more money. For example, Johnson’s troop sells wreaths during the holidays.

Despite the Scouts being a “guy thing,” many Scout mothers like to get involved.

Charla Huston, of Marshall, was attending day camp with her 7-year-old twins, Matthew and Garrett.

“I was so excited to come, and then I found out they didn’t even want me here,” Huston said. “They always think they can get by with more if Mom’s not around.”

Whether they wanted her or not, she was there, helping out in the archery area. As she sat on a picnic table under a shade tree, she explained what a good experience Cub Scouts has been for her boys.

“They just love it. They’ve already shot BB guns, and now they’re doing archery. It’s a long drive for us, but it’s worth it to see the looks on their faces,” Huston said.

For the rest of the week, this anxious group of boys will come together to swim, fish and shoot guns and do whatever else young boys enjoy doing together.

“I am just thankful we have such good parent and leader commitment,” Johnson said. “Without them, the boys wouldn’t have this opportunity.”