The Boy Scouts of America prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Scout Oath vows to honor and serve God and the country and keep physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

The Scout Law proclaims a boy scout to be: Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

The Boy Scouts accept both boys and girls in grades K-12; there are currently 5.3 million members nationally and 500 members locally. Two new cub scout packs have begun in Freeborn County.

There is one in Albert Lea at First Lutheran Church, and one in Glenville at First Lutheran Church. Participation is definitely growing in Freeborn County. &uot;I have a call every other week,&uot; throughout the year, of youth who want to join, Scout Leader Pat Kunkel said .

Twenty-percent of the Boy Scouts’ funds are donated by the United Way.

The money pays for trips to day camp, uniforms, training videos on topics such as drug awareness and youth protection, snorkeling gear, life jackets, fishing equipment, scholarships, and etc.

Equipment is an important part of the program as children that come from low-income families wouldn’t be able to afford such things and, thus, would not be able to participate.

The &uot;major emphasis of scouting are the outdoor and camping programs&uot; and kids would really miss out if they didn’t have the necessary equipment, Kunkel said.

Without the donation of the United Way, some of the programs and services of the Boy Scouts of America may have to be eliminated.

Contact the United Way to make a donation, 373-8670 or write to: The United Way, 341 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007.