Steamboat Springs — Another year of pinewood derbies, rocket launches and camping is about to begin for a pack of Cub Scouts in Steamboat Springs.

Pack 194’s scouting season kicks off Thursday night with a free carnival night at Steamboat Springs Middle School, where returning and prospective scouts can enjoy activities that range from a putting green to a ring toss while their parents learn about the benefits of the program.

“To me, scouting is a true legacy program. It’s been around for over 100 years,” Cubmaster John Peretz said. “It’s different than other programs in Steamboat in that it’s a character-building program, and it teaches the kids valuable life skills.”

Peretz said enrollment in the pack is strong six years after he said the Cub Scouts program in Steamboat was nearly defunct.

“It was brought back together by a group of parent volunteers, and the last three years have been really incredible,” he said.

Peretz said the program last year ended with more than 40 scouts.

As he looked through a photo album Tuesday chronicling Steamboat Cub Scout Pack 194’s history, Peretz said the program has allowed him to spend more quality time with his son, who this year will apply to become a Boy Scout.

“Being able to have organized activities where you can spend more time bonding with your child is a real gift,” Peretz said. “You always want to remember the car you had or the house you bought, but you also want to remember the quality time you spent with your kids as they go through this stage of their life.”

Peretz said he will step down as Cubmaster later this fall. Todd Pollert then will take over the leadership role of the pack.

Peretz said this year’s scouts would continue learning valuable skills that include water safety, map and compass navigation, knot tying and a variety of other outdoor skills. He said the scouts also will strive to earn the belt loops and badges that mark their progress as Cub Scouts.

“The kids are constantly being rewarded for their knowledge of certain skills,” Peretz said.

Parents can RSVP for Pack 194’s carnival night by calling Lisa Kinnison at 970-219-5716.

— To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210 or email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com