Cub Scout rescues firefighters

Tucker Bowman is a leader of the pack.

Cub Scout Pack 1, that is.

In October, as part of an annual fundraising effort, Tucker sold more than $7,500 worth of popcorn to fund his year of scouting and earn prizes.

He’s not the only one benefiting from his hard work.

Some of Tucker’s customers asked him to donate their popcorn to someone else. The gesture surprised him.

“I thought they were going to buy the popcorn,” he said.

But he had an idea.

Tucker plans to present the popcorn to firefighters at Coeur d’Alene Fire Department headquarters later this month.

Tucker’s mom and Cubmaster, Jamie Bowman, said she isn’t surprised that her son is interested in giving to local firefighters.

“Kids want to be involved with their hometown heroes,” she said.

Jamie said Tucker’s experiences with Cub Scouts have helped him learn leadership skills, salesmanship and how to communicate with others.

He has a well-honed popcorn sales pitch. Whether he was selling door-to-door or at storefronts, Tucker said customers couldn’t resist the lure of the many flavors he offered. His own favorite popcorn flavor is chocolatey caramel crunch.

Scouting has helped draw out Tucker’s generous side.

“He’s been wanting to go above and beyond what is required of him so he can give back to his fellow Cub members,” Jamie said.

Some of the money Tucker raised from selling popcorn will help other local scouts.

“I want to help them so not only I can fund my year of scouting, but they can, too,” he said.

Tucker joined Cub Scouts two years ago.

“I like it because you get to be with other people and become friends with them,” he said.

He’s learning, too — from how to start a fire to how to use recycled materials to build something new.

Tucker said he plans to continue in Cub Scouts. He wants to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. The required service project appeals to him.

“Maybe with my project, I might help the community,” he said.