Coventry Scouts Embark on Joint Winter Camping Trip

On the weekend of Jan. 4-6, 13 Cub Scouts from Pack 11 of Coventry embarked on their first camping trip with nearly 30 Troop 11 Boy Scouts to learn critical navigation skills and become acclimated with upper level scouting. The two Scout groups, both chartered by Saints John & Paul Parish, headed to Camp Yawgoog in Rockville, RI where they braved cold and snowy conditions during the 3.5-mile hike around Yawgoog Pond. 

During their hike, the Scouts learned how to use a compass in order to navigate an orienteering course and older Cub Scouts, also known as "Webelos" had an opportunity to see what they can expect if they decide to cross over into Boy Scouts. 

According to Pack 11 Cubmaster John Potvin, the Boy Scouts camp on a monthly basis and the Cub Scouts about four times a year, but this trip was most likely one of the coldest that many of the Webelos have ever experienced.

"This trip was a learning experience for the Webelos," said Potvin. "As the boys get older we try and integrate them with the Boy Scouts so that they will be more comfortable."

Potvin explained that the process is called Scout Transition and is not only crucial for the Scouts themselves, but is also an important learning experience for their parents as the boys take on more responsibility. 

The Cub Scouts will be joining the Boy Scouts again in February for the Bean Hole Bake and Klondike Derby - a competitive event in which Scouts can use the skills they've learned to complete a variety of tasks. 

Boys from Coventry or West Warwick in grades 1-5 who are interested in becoming Cub Scouts can contact Cubmaster John Potvin at 401-623-9368.