About Pack 222

Founded in 2002, Pack 222 is a very special part of the Knox Trail Council. What makes Pack 222 unique is its commitment to maintain a high percentage of boys with mild special needs. Membership is open to any boy 6-11 years of age, and scouts may join throughout the year.  Although based at the Weston Scout House, Pack 222 welcomes boys from any town or community. 

Pack 222 provides highly structured programs, the assistance of teacher’s aides during den meetings, use of multisensory modalities, and perhaps most importantly an environment of tolerance and acceptance. The members of Pack 222 develop an amazing sense of self-esteem when they don the cub scout uniform. The scouting program is noncompetitive, and each boy goes at his own pace.  Achievement awards provide scouts with immediate reinforcement.

Pack 222 typically holds a monthly field trip and a monthly den meeting.  Den meetings take place at the Weston Scout House on a late Sunday afternoon during the first or second weekend of the month.  Den meetings consist of an opening circle and flag ceremony, a gross motor activity weather permitting (e.g., scavenger hunt, relay races), snack time and a fine motor activity (e.g., arts & crafts). 

Most of the special needs boys in Pack 222 have mild delays or difficulties with social relatedness and/or communication.  The majority of boys spend all or some portion of their school day in an inclusive, regular education setting, and are fairly verbal.  Typical diagnoses might include: Asperger’s/mild PDD, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, speech delays, sensory integration disorder, and other mild developmental delays. In all cases, they are children first, with a desire for friendships and acceptance.

The pack also seeks to recruit typically developing boys because educational research has shown that there are significant benefits to all of the boys in an inclusive grouping.  Typically developing boys learn tolerance, sensitivity to others and appreciation of diversity; all kinds of kids can make good friends!  Boys with mild special needs learn from the excellent peer models provided by their typical peers. 

In short, the mission of Pack 222 is in keeping with the highest ideals of Scouting!