advertisement

NEDSRA offers Scouting opportunities with Troop 437

NEDSRA's Cub Scout Troop 437 recently ended up in jail at the Itasca Police Department.

Members also sat in a police car, visited the communication and booking rooms, and toured the evidence room.

"I liked the part where we sat in the police car because there was a scanner and other cool stuff," Scout Jacob Kebo, 12, said. "I was a little scared in the jail because I didn't think they would let us out."

The tour was part of Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association's Cub Scout program for youths with disabilities that is offered each fall, winter and spring. Debbi Pawinski, NEDSRA's program leader, came up with the troop idea in 1999.

"I wanted to create a new outlet for young boys to interact with the community," Pawinski said.

The troop is offered to boys with disabilities, but friends or siblings without disabilities also are invited to join.

"We sponsor a pizza party with two or three other troops so they can learn about different disabilities. For example, they practice sign language, learn relaxation techniques, and work on crafts together to earn their disabilities badge," Pawinski said.

Other activities for Troop 437 have included volunteering to clean up nature paths, conducting food drives, and creating Christmas gift shoe boxes and presenting them to underprivileged families.

The troop also went camping in Geneva over the Memorial Day weekend.

The troop also learns teamwork by combining efforts to earn each of three badges: Safety, Workman's and Cooking.

Seven-year-old Jalel el-Deen Sewilam is enjoying his first year in the troop.

"I like selling popcorn and hope to get a prize for that," Jalel said.

The troop also enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with each boy picking his own food.

"I haven't celebrated Thanksgiving at home before, but I liked the mashed potatoes, corn and a turkey sandwich," Jalel said.

The future looks bright for this troop, which has averaged nine Scouts per season. The Boy Scout council is looking to merge the Marklund and Alden Village charters into NEDSRA's troop sometime in 2015.

For her work with Scouting, Pawinski was presented with the Bronze Compass Award by the Northern Trail District. The award is given to outstanding adult volunteers who help guide Scouts from childhood to young adulthood, giving direction and guidance.

Pawinski's biggest thrill, however, came when one of her deaf Scouts, Mark Fornal, went on to become an Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.