LIHU’E — “They’re using powdered sugar,” one Cub Scout from Pack 168 offered while dropping a Quickie Malasada into a wok Saturday. Cub Scout Erik Safford may have just moved here from Washington state, but lost little time getting involved
LIHU’E — “They’re using powdered sugar,” one Cub Scout from Pack 168 offered while dropping a Quickie Malasada into a wok Saturday.
Cub Scout Erik Safford may have just moved here from Washington state, but lost little time getting involved with the local delicacy as he worked his tongs to coat pieces of bread with batter before dropping them in a wok being manned by Boy Scout Manny Cagdan of Boy Scout Troop 168.
Safford, whose uniform still bore the regalia and markings of his Washington state Pack, noted that another Pack was doing “Donut Holes.” For the less familiar aficionados, the malasadas might have been confused for donut holes.
“We’re using the real sugar,” the Cub Scouts said as Cub Scout Kasoni Wolfgramm held the bowl that would receive the golden morsels.
The scouts were part of the 2006 Makahiki held Saturday at Vidinha Stadium. That event allows the scouting program an opportunity to showcase its accomplishments and achievements while helping to spread awareness about the Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council.
“We need more community involvement,” Vianne Tabata, Membership chair for the Kaua’i Chapter of the BSA, Aloha Council. Tabata was manning the dunking booth where her husband Lyle was getting his share of water as sharp-eyed youngsters thrilled at being able to dunk the Scout-master from Troop 148, sponsored by the Lihu’e Christian Church.
Character development for young men is just one facet the Boy Scout program encourages, and Tabata noted that interest in Scouting has diminished because of all the attention on sports and academics.
But Scouting is a year-round program, unlike sports which have its seasons.
“The youth of today need to find activities, and Scouting is one of those programs that offer not only character development, but teaches them skills that enhances their development into productive citizens,” Tabata said. “But, we need more caring and responsible organizations to step forward so more Troops and Packs can be formed.”
“To keep this program moving forward and bringing its values-based programs to more youth requires the participation of youth and volunteers, as well as the financial support of the community,” read a statement from the Aloha Council on its Web site.
Some of the programs being offered at the Makahiki have become traditions as one Scout from Troop 148 said proudly, “The rope bridge is back.”
The bridge, made entirely of rope and suspended between two X-shaped towers constructed of logs, has always been a popular attraction for youngsters who try, with the help of Boy Scouts, to navigate their way across the swaying structure.
Other activities included the construction and sailing of wooden paddleboats, interactive skill games leading to the learning of educational principals in science and physics, as well as culture.
The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby has always been a mainstay of the Makahiki, and due to its reconfigured layout behind the stadium and overflowing into the baseball field, ended up safe from the effects of the breezy trades. The main track for the Derby was set up against the wall of the Makai bleachers.
loha Council of the Boy Scouts of America was formed in 1910 when a Hawai’i artist and outdoorsman discovered Scouting in California and brought it home to Hawai’i.
The first Hawai’i Troop, appropriately designated “Scout Troop 1,” featured the Rainbow Patrol sponsored by Punahou School and is still in existence today.
According to the Aloha Council Web site, there are more than 28,000 young men and women who participate in Scouting with about 6,000 volunteers helping with Scouting activities.
The Aloha Council covers the largest geographical area in the world with over 8,000,000 square miles on both sides of the equator and International Date Line.
The Aloha Council serves Hawai’i, Guam, American Samoa, Marianas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.
