A new Boy Scout troop in town is holding an interest meeting next week for parents of young boys who want to explore Cub Scouts.

The Cub Scouts, available to boys in first through fifth grades, introduces boys to the Scouting program and prepares them for Boy Scouts, said Cindy Fegley, committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 1929. The troop is based at West End Baptist Church.

“With the Cub Scout program, they work on a variety of things that boys their age need in terms of starting to develop their independence,” Fegley said. “Cub Scouts gives them the opportunity to do that in a very safe environment.”

Troop 1929 is relatively new in the community. It officially formed in September, and now has nearly a dozen Scouts.

Fegley said the older Boy Scouts will be helping the Cub Scouts along in various activities. In addition, the Cub Scout program includes many activities also taught in school, such as encouraging reading and writing, Fegley said.

“Some of the things we cover in Cub Scouts go hand in hand with what’s being covered in SOLs in various grade levels,” Fegley said. “It gives them an opportunity to do it in a little more of a fun atmosphere, so they don’t really realize that’s what they’re doing.”

The program also teaches physical skills, sportsmanship, friendship and other critical life lessons, Fegley said.

Troop 1929 hopes eventually to establish the full range of Scouting programs, including the co-ed Venturing Crew.

The interest meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the fellowship hall of West End Baptist Church, 501 W. Washington St. It is open to families of rising first- through fifth-grade boys. Reservations may be made at 334-2464 and are encouraged, but not required.