Wasco Scouts fight to stay open

Wasco Cub Scouts Pack 950, serving children from kindergarten through 5th grade, and the BSA Scouting Boys and Girls Troops 950, for 6th grade through age 17, are at risk of closing due to low membership.

Destini Mello, committee chairman for Pack 950 and a former scoutmaster, explained the challenge: ""Membership is being affected by low numbers. We are down to six Cub Scouts, five boy troops, and no girl troops. At our highest, we had about 40 Cub Scouts and 20 in each of the boy and girl troops.

"There is a minimum of enrollment we have to have. If we don't have those numbers, we must fold under because we don't have the kids. We also need the parents in the leadership roles to help us sustain the units because it's not just us. We have to collaborate with the parents to keep these programs active."

Mello and her husband, Jesse, have worked for over 20 years to keep the scouting units alive, helping hundreds of children participate in the program. However, the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. "Covid hit us, and that really took away our numbers because scouting is meant to be together in person, and you can't really do that on Zoom. So that really took from our numbers and hit us hard."

The Mellos are committed to ensuring youth activities remain available in Wasco. "My husband started as a den leader over 20 years ago, and we eventually took over the leadership to keep the program going, not only for our children but for everybody in the community. We love Wasco, and not all kids can play sports. We wanted to provide another program for kids who are not athletic. We wanted another option to keep the kids off the streets," she added.

Mello emphasized the importance of changing public perception about scouting. "We are really known for outdoor activities like camping and fishing, but what we are really trying to express is that we also encompass character, leadership, citizenship and personal fitness development. Our program expands on education, personal interests and exploring STEM activities. There's more to us than outdoor and survival skills. It's been a misconception that it's all we do. The leaders collaborate with parents to provide a unique scouting experience, nurturing a natural curiosity and offering a program to keep kids on the right path in life."

The Mellos are puzzled about the decline in membership. "We're not sure what is going on. We don't know whether people are aware we're here, if the cost is prohibiting them or if they're unaware of what we can provide. It might be that they don't realize the program has evolved since the 1970s to now include girls, STEM activities and other learning opportunities. We just don't know what the issue is," Mello said.

Despite their efforts over the past two years, enrollment remains low. "We've made numerous attempts to increase membership but haven't been successful. We are asking the public for their support. If they're interested, they can reach out to us. This is a great program, comparable in cost to enrolling your child in sports, and it could truly make a difference in their life."

Parents can register their children for scouting at any time, as the program runs year-round. Meetings are held weekly at James A. Forrest Elementary School. For more information, contact Destini Mello at 661-619-9748. Spanish speakers can call Diana Guerrero at 661-348-3258.