Cub Scouts are back at Keesler Published Aug. 17, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Cub Scouts are back at Keesler! Cub Scout Pack 214 has been revived and meets 5:30-7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Welch Auditorium, according to Staff Sgt. Nathan Evans, a 333rd Training Squadron instructor who's reorganized the pack and serves as cubmaster. Parent Pow Wows are planned for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 and 26 in the same location to familiarize parents with the organization, which is being sponsored by the First Sergeants Council. Membership is open to boys in grades 1-5 or 7-11 years old regardless of school, church or military affiliation. The pack is divided into dens by age. Parents are needed to serve as assistant cubmaster, den leader, assistant den leaders, committee members and event coordinators. "The pack officially disbanded back in 2006 -- I can only guess that it had a direct link with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," said Sergeant Evans, who arrived at Keesler in April. At his last assignment at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., he was the cubmaster of Pack 23 and served as Tiger Cub den leader for his son's den in the pack. Sergeant Evans, who's been in the Air Force for 12 years, has several reasons for wanting to rebuild Cub Scouts at Keesler. "I believe in the scout mission and its approach -- fun with a purpose that teaches traditional values, develops leadership traits and builds character," he explained. "A pack here at Keesler will help our military families come together in a positive and meaningful way to help our boys grow, learn and live their lives richly. Finally, I believe that the military family is unique and fully understands what it means to have family deployed or on temporary duty or making a permanent change of station and will be able to fully understand and assist those families in need." Planned events so far are a Pinewood Derby race, Raingutter Regatta, popcorn blitz, overnight trip to the USS Alabama, service projects and camping trips. The registration fee is $15, with $5 monthly dues and $60-$65 for uniforms. A $12 subscription to the Boy Scout magazine is optional, and there may be extra fees for field trips. For more information, call Sergeant Evans, 334-207-6360; e-mail Pack214.keesler@ gmail.com or check out Keesler Cub Scout Pack 214 on Facebook and Pack 214 on Twitter.