WINDHAM – Scouting in Windham is alive and well – and growing. Cub Scouts Pack 805, comprising five “dens” of increasing rank, has 65 Scouts and counting – up from 37 less than two years ago.

As planning interesting events for the ever-growing pack has become more challenging, some businesses in the community have answered with generous donations.

Last month at the middle school, Pack 805 held its annual Blue and Gold Banquet, a festive sit-down dinner with activities for all Scouts and their families, to celebrate the birthday of Scouting. The Pack Committee chose Amato’s to cater the event, and Leader Kristen Day said Amato’s far exceeded the pack’s expectations.

“Amato’s was simply awesome. Everyone loves the food already, but Amato’s C.O.O. Chuck Pearl provided the food and dinnerware for 200 people at cost, then donated labor, delivery and a percentage of the bill to boot. The delivery was perfect, and Windham Amato’s Store Manager Tom Reilly was spot on with the order, responsive and just nice to work with,” Day said.

The Pack party was kicked off with a cupcake decorating contest, with gift certificates for free cupcakes awarded for “Best in Show” and “Den Most Creative” donated by Molly’s Cupcakes and More of Windham.

In January, at the Middle School, the pack held its annual Pinewood Derby where boys build and race derby cars for trophies and the chance to move onto the District Derby being held April 6. A total of 56 Scouts and their families gathered around the derby tracks for the event, largely sponsored by in kind donations by NAPA stores in Windham, Westbrook and Ron’s Auto Parts (a certified NAPA dealer) in Gray. Rental of an efficient, timed track was largely covered by monetary donations from Mr. Electric of Greater Portland, Two Lights Settlement Services of Portland, Melaleuca The Wellness Company,and Insphere Solutions Insurance of Windham.

Den Leader Allen Caron said the local contributions made the Derby a huge success.

“The three NAPA stores together donated around $550 in merchandise for door prizes like hats, an RC boat, and an RC dune buggy that really made the event fun. I can’t thank Napa and the other local businesses who supported this event enough. They helped make our derby a great success!”

One key element to the Scouting program is the annual “Crossover” ceremony, which was held last week at the Windham Middle School. Webelos 2 Cub Scouts – many of whom have risen through the den ranks of Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos – crossed the bridge with their parents to “graduate” into the Boy Scout Troop of their choice. They were met with camaraderie by older Boy Scouts who welcomed them to the troop, and put on the new Scouts’ neckerchiefs.

Crossing into Windham Troop 805 were 5th graders: Dean Preston, Aiden Day, Tyler Lewis, Ezra Stevens, Clay Hatch and Logan Williams. Crossing into Windham Troop 51 were 5th graders: Luke Tarbox and Sam Medina.

In May, the pack will hold its annual “Spring Fling,” a themed, overnight camping weekend at Camp Hinds in Raymond, at which Cub Scouts cross over, or advance, to the next den level. They will also march in the Memorial Day Parade May 27, and the Summerfest Parade June 22.

Registration for Cub Scouts for the 2013-2014 year begins in June, or after the school-year for boys who will start first grade in the fall.

For more information about Scouting in Windham, contact Stephan Deptula at [email protected]. For local Scouting, contact BSA Pinetree Council representative Andrew Reuger at [email protected] or 797-5252, ext. 23.

Webelos 2 Phoenix Patrol at their Crossover ceremony Monday, March 18, included, top row, from left, Assistant Leader Kristen Day, Assistant Leader Kevin Day, Assistant Leader Melissa Preston, Leader Paul Preston, Den Chief and Troop 805 Boy Scout Josh Libby. In second row, from left, is Dean Preston, Logan Williams, Sam Medina, Clay Hatch, Luke Tarbox and Tyler Lewis. In front is Ezra Stevens. Courtesy photo