When you are young, you might dream of being a Boy Scout.

Even children as young as kindergarten can participate in Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Scout. The key to successful Cub Scout Packs is parental – or other adult – involvement.

In Fountain Hills, adult involvement has waned. There are two Boy Scout troops but Cub Scouting has gone by the wayside.

A group of Scout leaders met with The Times recently to discuss possible solutions to have Cub Scouts back in the community.

Resident Suzanne Isaacs, who has been a Scout leader from Cub Scouts through the upper reaches of Boy Scouting, expressed her concern about the lack of scouting for the younger children.

“Parents can feel overwhelmed by the idea of leading a Pack,” Isaacs said. “But it is such a wonderful experience, and the benefit to the kids is immeasurable.”

Matthew Graham, Four Peaks district director for Grand Canyon Boy Scouts Council, said any adult who goes through a youth protection program is eligible to lead a pack.

There are background checks, as well as other required training programs for adult leaders. Much of the training can be done online.

“You don’t have to have a school age kid to be a leader,” Graham said. “The experience is rewarding just working with the kids.”

He said a pack is made up of six core leaders: the Cub master, the committee chairperson, a representative from the venue where the pack meets and two committee members.

Typically, there is a monthly meeting for the cub master and the other leaders. Den meetings are held weekly generally,” Graham said.

Isaacs said some Fountain Hills children go to Scottsdale for scouting activities.

“We would really like to have a local pack,” she said. “There is so much support for the leadership. I think if we could get some people interested and involved, we could have a pack functioning soon.”

Jennifer Peele, a Scout mother as well as a member of a troop committee for the Church of the Ascension Troop 343, said support from Boy Scouts also is a possibility with packs.

“The older Boy Scouts are able to help with the younger kids,” she said. “The possibilities are endless for the whole community.”

Graham said Scouting is a family-oriented organization, with activities available to every age group.

“Scouts now have a Lion Cub opportunity for kindergartners,” he said.

Lions and Tigers (first graders) join with an adult partner. All activities are shared.

Second graders become Wolf Cubs, and third graders are Bear Cub Scouts.

Starting in October of last year, the Boy Scouts of America began admitting girls in to Cub Scouts. Starting this year, girls can join Boy Scouts. Girls are able to earn the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

The Cub Scout program has evolved and offers a number of programs in which young people can participate.

They can learn the basics of family ancestry, robotics, as well as the more-traditional activities as knot-tying, outdoor exploring and more.

People interested in learning more about the program and its possibilities may contact Peele by email, peeleja@gmail.com.

“I am more than happy to help people with what they need to become part of scouting,” she said.

Information, including applications to lead packs and training materials, is available online at grandcanyonbsa.org. Peele also has information for those who may not have access to a computer.

“Honestly, when you understand the program, you will realize there is not a massive commitment to be involved,” Graham said. “And there is so much support from the district and other leaders. Working in scouting can help adults in their personal lives. It is a great bonding activity.”