Bringing the great outdoors inside
Scotty Wilde, 12, of Boy Scout Troop 202 prepares to gather the pinewood race cars Saturday after they blast down the track. Pinewood derby racing was one of several fun activities Scouts and other youngsters could do during Scouting Day in the Silver Lake Mall. DEVIN HEILMAN/Press
COEUR d’ALENE — All eyes were on the pinewood race cars as they zipped down the track.
A small group of Cub Scouts, siblings, parents and fans gathered 'round as the announcer counted down: "3-2-1-Go!"
They watched in suspense, then peals of laughter and amazement burst forth as the little cars passed the finish line.
"Being a Scout is awesome," said Jonah Christensen, 12, of Coeur d'Alene Boy Scout Troop 228.
District pinewood derby racing and blast car racing were two of the attractions Saturday during Join Scouting Day — "Outdoor Adventures" — at the Silver Lake Mall.
Troops from across the Old Missions District of the Inland Northwest Council assembled in the old Sports Authority store to participate in Scout activities such as knot tying, archery, shooting BB guns and using slingshots to fire at targets.
The Sea Scouts, a newer branch of the Boy Scouts, also had a sailing simulator on site for kids to get a feel for navigating open waters. It was a popular stop for families wandering through the activities.
“You learn so much in the Scouting program that you don’t learn in the classroom," said Old Missions District executive Tim Williams, who started as a Scout when he was 7. "It gives them a chance to actually experience things, learn new skills and it gives them a safe environment to practice."
The Old Missions District, which covers Kootenai, Shoshone and some of Benewah counties, serves more than 1,300 youths. The Inland Northwest Council Serves nearly 8,800 youths in 17 counties in North Idaho and eastern Washington.
Williams said regional Scout numbers have been growing in the past couple years, but they're always hoping for more to sign up — hence Join Scouting Day. He said now is a great time to join because day camps and summer camps are just around the corner.
Dylan Shepler, 13, also of Troop 228, said he enjoys participating in Scout activities out in the fresh air.
“We get to go to camps and there are a bunch of cool activities at camp,” he said. "There’s kayaking, canoeing out to landmarks. It’s really amazing."
Info: www.nwscouts.org