Over 100 boys and girls from K-12 descended on Clearwater’s Warner Park July 31 to spend the afternoon trying out a variety of activities during Scout Fun Day.

Hosted by Clear Lake Cub Scout Pack 94, it was the event’s second year, which was started as a community event to get the word out about Scouts and help kids learn fun new activities.

“Because of the pandemic kids haven’t been able to go to Scout Camp for the last two years,” said organizer and troop parent Donald Wade. “So last year we camped here at Warner Park and the other parents and I brainstormed what kids would want to do in an outdoor setting and came up with things like archery and throwing an axe.”

While activities like that are usually off-limits for kids because of the potential danger, the troop contacted the Central Minnesota Scout Council, who allowed them to use their archery and bb gun setups that were created with kids’ safety in mind. For example, the arrows for archery are equipped with blunt foam ends.

The group created their own setup for ax throwing using Nerf axes with suction cups on the axe ‘blade’ so kids could see where they hit the target. Other activities at the event included fire building, carving, and hiking. There were also fun crafts for the kids, including tie-dye shirts, soap carving, and wood crafts. 

Kids went from activity to activity throughout the afternoon, most wanting to try everything out.

Although she needed a little help, five-year old Claire Dustin was excited to try archery.

“We’re here trying Scouts out,” said her mom. “She loves nature and being in the woods.”

Nine-year old Cailyn Sobotta and 11-year old Madelyn Steckelberg tried their hands at the correct way to build and light a campfire. 

“We’re just here to try out everything,” said Steckelberg. “A lot of our friends are in Scouts.”

In addition to activities, each child had the chance to win door prizes, which included a tent, a $100 dollar gift certificate to Scheels’, and a stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington.

“Along with just having fun, Scout Fun Day is also a recruiting tool,” said Wade. “We want people to know that Scouting is alive and well in Central Minnesota.”

The troop extended a thank you to all their sponsors who donated prizes for the event. 

Parents and guardians interested in learning more about Scouts can visit ClearLakePack@gmail.com or attend Scout signup night at Clearview Elementary on Sept. 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.