Boy Scouts of America’s Crane district is recruiting new members from elementary schools in the Dallas County area.

Representatives of the Boy Scouts of America’s Crane district, which covers the Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties, visited Knox Elementary School’s cafeteria Thursday to speak to students who expressed an interest in the group. Known as Scout Night, the discussion gave Webelos leaders Alan Cozadd and Mike Smith a chance to inform the parents and potential scouts about Boy Scouts of America and answer their questions about the group.

“For parents, it’s involving their boys with other boys with families with similar goals to have fun and learn skills that will help them throughout their life,” district executive Leith Wilson said.

Wilson said Cub Scouts Packs are for boys ages 7 through 10 or first through fifth graders, while the Boy Scouts Troops are for boys ages 11 through 17.

Anyone in the appropriate age group with guardians prepared to provide support is eligible to join, Wilson said.

New scouts will have a chance to earn their first badge, the Bobcat Badge by completing Sept. 13’s Bobcat Activity Day. Each boy, no matter their age or grade level, must earn their Bobcat Badge before advancing to the rank of Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear or Webelos, according to group’s website.

Members must learn to repeat and understand the Club Scout motto, Club Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, show and understand the Cub Scout sign, salute and handshake and show and understand the importance of being honest and trustworthy to earn the Bobcat Badge, according to the website.

Wilson said the Bobcat Activity Day would also include fishing, archery and more fun activities.

When Webelos leaders Alan Cozadd and Mike Smith asked if they could visit Knox Elementary to share information about Boy Scouts of America, school principal Tammy Major didn’t hesitate to welcome them.

She said scouting is a great opportunity for fellowship.

“I feel it’s important, because of the experiences that it can offer as far as going out camping, learning more about nature, learning other things about the community and how we can take care of our environment,” Major said.

Selma resident Miah Jackson said her 10-year-old son, Prince, brought the meeting to her attention.

“I think it’s a time that he gets to interact, do community service and learn leadership skills that are going to help him as he grows older,” Jackson said.

For Fitzpatrick, a fifth grade Knox Elementary student, the most exciting part about joining Boy Scouts is participating in the activities.

“I thought it would be fun,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m looking forward to the camping.”

For more information about Boy Scouts of America, call Wilson at 419-0567.