A couple months ago, Autism Empowerment blogged about the formation of a new Sensory-Friendly Cub Scout Pack in Vancouver, Washington that was being formed. Cub Scout Pack 2 is an incredible group of boys and their families.

Under a dual role with Autism Empowerment's Autism and Scouting Program and as volunteers for Cub Scout Pack 2, we have been honored and excited to be directly involved in this amazing group's progress. 

If you live in the Greater Vancouver, Washington area and have been keeping an eye on the local news, Cub Scout Pack 2 has been featured in three local newspapers in the past month including The Reflector, The Camas-Washougal Post-Record and most recently, on the front page of The Columbian.

What sets this group apart is that they are the first registered and designated Sensory Friendly Special Needs pack in the Columbia Gorge district and in Washington state. Although open to all local boys in the 1^st through 5^th grade, Cub Scout Pack 2 specializes in providing a sensory-friendly, accepting and inclusive environment for boys with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing challenges and other special needs.

In just a short 3 week period between December of 2011 and January of 2012, Cubmaster, Deanna Pehrson and her husband Gary collaborated with Unit Commissioner, John Krejcha, his wife and Committee Chair, Karen Krejcha and District Executive, Brian Blachly to found and charter a group that is already making a positive impact in the lives of many young local boys, their families and the Vancouver community. 

Cub Scout Pack 2 is a place where scouts can do their best.  They can come as they are and they can let their lights shine. They meet at the local River Rock Church and it is a welcoming place where young boys with sensory needs have the opportunity to form friendships, build life skills and be accepted. Each Cub Scout experiences pack and den activities, participates in service to the community and has the opportunity to experience camping, hiking and field trips and earn badges, belt loops and rank advancement.  At their upcoming Blue & Gold ceremony on February 23^rd, a number of the boys will be receiving Bobcat and achievement awards. 

Parents have the opportunity for their sons to be in an environment where the focus is sensory-friendly and they can participate with other families who get what it’s like to have a son with special needs. Cub Scout Pack 2 provides a full scouting experience at a customized pace with lots of rewards and plenty of leadership support.

Here are links to three recent articles in Clark County newspapers:

February 4th, 2012 - The Columbian newspaper (FRONT PAGE Story!)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/feb/03/Vancouver-cub-scout-pack-autism/?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150639889488760_22350054_10150640039643760#f2ac46da54

January 31st, 2012 - Camas-Washougal Post Record

http://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2012/jan/31/a-safe-place-to-be-themselves/

January 25th, 2012 - The Reflector

http://www.thereflector.com/youth_focus/article_1f2eaf70-460f-11e1-ad89-001871e3ce6c.html

Autism Empowerment is dedicated to helping all children on the autism spectrum have access to a scouting program that accepts, enriches, inspires and empowers.

Please learn more about the Autism and Scouting programs here. We need volunteers and financial support for our program. Thank you for your consideration!