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Local Police and Housing Authority Form Cub Scout Pack for NC Youth

WPD Cpl. Craig Melville socializes with a Wilmington Cub Scout during a pack meeting. (Photo credit: Mike Spencer/ Star News Online)
WPD Cpl. Craig Melville socializes with a Wilmington Cub Scout during a pack meeting. (Photo credit: Mike Spencer/ Star News Online)

A local police department and housing authority in Wilmington, North Carolina, joined forces recently in an effort to offer a positive and productive way for local youth to spend their time.

Each week, Cub Scouts in the Cape Fear Council gather at the local learning center to explore new skills, enjoy fun activities, and develop character, thanks to this inspiring demonstration of community collaboration.

The new Cub Scout pack was originally the brainchild of Capt. Kathy Cochran of the Wilmington Police Department. In late 2015, after the homicides of two area teens, Cochran was inspired to create a safe place where children could find community support.

Even when Cochran moved to a new position, department officers were still determined to serve the new Cub Scouts.

To ensure the pack’s success, the WPD joined with the local housing authority to apply for a grant to fund the pack’s enrollment and supply the new Cub Scouts with proper uniforms.

A mother and her Cub Scout prepare for a pack meeting. (Photo credit: Mike Spencer/ Star News Online)
A mother and her Cub Scout prepare for a pack meeting. (Photo credit: Mike Spencer/ Star News Online)

Community teamwork is key

The housing authority serves as the pack’s charter organization and WPD officers even provide transportation to make sure all boys who want to participate in the program are able to do so.

The housing authority’s chief executive officer, Katrina Redmon explained to Star News Online how the Wilmington police have played an integral part in helping to serve Wilmington’s youth.

“Our police force already does a phenomenal amount for our children,” Redmon said. “They take them on field trips. They are on first-name basis. They help on and off the school bus. We could not do without the dedication of those folks.”

For more on this inspiring story, read the full article by Star News Online, the head to beascout.org to learn how youth and adults can get involved in communities across the country.

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Rochelle

Rochelle Randles is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She enjoys sharing incredible adventure stories within the Scouting community and beyond. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.