Last Wednesday evening, I had the opportunity to introduce the boys and their parents to my Environmental Response and Enforcement co-workers. Protection Officer Sgt. David Moyer and Responder Jamie Bethard opened the command central building and invited our cubscouts to see what their offices looked like, how they used their equipment on their vehicles, and the cool stuff they use in environmental emergency situations.
I arrived at the building with Matt about 6:40 to see if I could help setup for the outreach session. I knew that if an emergency happened these men would lock up, jump in their vehicles, and we'd call it off for the evening. Luckily, no overturned gas trucks, oil spill, hazardous railroad car issues this evening. At 7pm in the evening it was windy and cold (low 50s). As soon as Jamie arrived (after attending an all day conference in Baltimore, MD) he started up the big trucks and ran their lights! Sgt. Moyers (being sick as a dog and loosing his voice) began pulling out some equipment inside. I was getting excited and really felt so proud to give our cubs an opportunity to see these guys in action! I love helping them with their computers, because I get to climb in their vehicles and talk shop with them about what emergencies have occurred!
The Environmental Protection Officer (EPO) is a sworn trained policeman that enforces our environmental regulations. He can also give you a speeding ticket and is armed! The Enviromental Responder has an amazing knowledge of hazardous materials/substances and can react quickly to get the public out of harms way. Jamie is also a fireman when not working! I love and respect this specific team. There are 12 EPOs and 3 ERs for the entire state of Delaware.
After the talk inside, we were chomping at the bit to see the vehicles. We looked in side all the drawers, side panels, and behind the wheel! Better yet, we got a ride around the parking lot and in and out of the ditches in the all terrain vehicle. I felt like a cubscout by then end of the night!
Last month, my church's Cub Scout Pack 635 had their Raingutter Regatta. I love being a Den Leader. I work with a great Cub Master, Jon Kemp, who is very supportive and leads the Pack amazingly considering his busy work schedule and family responsibilities. My helper, Nancy Foxwell, is also willing to come and do whatever she is asked to do. Our Cub Scout boys range from ages 8 to 10 years old. They have lots of energy and love to learn. 
When I'm with them, I love to see their wide eyes and smiles. It's my hour to play and get excited right along with them. The regatta is very similar to the Pinewood Derby except the boat is already carved and they float in water! This year we gave them straws to use to help direct their boats. They are not allowed to touch the boat with their hands. They can only use their breath to move the boat. Adults stand by to help direct the boats when they stick to the side of the gutter or tip over. It was so fun to watch them race and see the parents getting involved. If you can not view the video, it is because you are being blocked from it. Hope you can view these precious faces.
