CORDOVA, S.C. - Indian Waters Council, Pack 712 recently held its annual Cub Scout Roundup at Consolidated School District 4's Edisto Primary School in Cordova.

More than 100 first- and second-grade boys and their families filled the school cafeteria interested in learning more about one of the nation's most respected youth organizations. Boys ages 6-11, accompanied by a parent or guardian, listened as Edisto District Executive Larry Parrish shared the "lifetime values into fun and educational activities that help families teach their boys how to make good decisions throughout their lives and give them confidence as they become leaders of tomorrow."

Parrish, who recently became the district executive with Indian Waters, said he is "excited" and ready to work with the local pack.

"There are three principles in scouting: duty to self, others and God. Through recreation, scouting achieves its purpose of helping young people develop physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Scouting is all about building confidence and self-esteem, learning important life skills and leadership skills, team building, outdoor adventure, education and fun."

Parrish added that scouts learn how to make good choices and to take responsibility for their actions.

He introduced Jimmy Sanford as the new cub master for Pack 712. Sanford, a long-time Orangeburg area resident, accepted the position earlier in the year. Cub Scouts for Sanford is a family affair since he has had boys in the pack for the past three years and his wife Maggie serves as his assistant.

Sanford assured the group they would have a year full of fun with "overnight and day camping, crafts, games and sports."

"We also participate in community projects such as Scouting for Food," he added.

A couple of highlights, he said, include attending a USC basketball game, the Pinewood Derby race and the Rain-Gutter Regatta Race.

"Our Cub Scouts will be selling popcorn to raise money for the year's activities, and (we) ask the community to please support our boys by making a purchase if asked," Sanford said. "We will be setting up point of sales in front of local businesses and during the festival times and hope to raise needed funds for the pack."

Sanford thanked the Elks Lodge for their support, saying the Elks have helped the pack in many ways.

The Cub Scouts and their families spent two nights under the sky at The Oaks. The Oaks Retirement Community was host to the boys earlier this month for a family camping weekend. Families arrived with cars and trucks filled with camping equipment, not to mention Cub Scouts ready for fun. The group spent two days and nights fishing, golfing, participating in archeological digs, hiking and learning bike safety. Many of boys caught a peek at some of the local wildlife of the area, even a snake.

The Cub Scouts earned achievements such as belt loops for their participation.

Pack Assistant Maggie Sanford extended "a big thank you to The Oaks for sharing their bea.jpgul, serene community with our pack."

The Sanfords said adult volunteers are needed to help with the pack. Those who would like to partner with or sponsor Cub Scout Pack 712 are asked to contact Jimmy Sanford at 803-531-7733 or e-mail him at sanfordhawk@ntinet.com. For more information about Cub Scouts, go to www.indianwaters.org.

T&D Correspondent Ginger Thompson can be reached by e-mail at vthompson@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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