Boys Discover World at Los Gatos Creek Park Cub Camp

Los Gatan Tyler Jack, 9, was having a blast this week at the Los Gatos Creek Park Cub Camp learning how to improve his BB gun shooting skills.

Similarly, buddies Quinten Sinclair, 8, of San Jose; and Ethan Priest, 9, from Campbell, were ecstatic to be learning how to fish in the Los Gatos Creek casting ponds.

The two youngsters were part of a total of 73 boys, ages 7-10 years, from Campbell, Gilroy, Los Gatos and San Jose who have been participating this week in the Santa Clara County Council Boy Scout of America Cub Scout "Space Adventure" camp at the 

The annual week-long event is under the direction of Izzy Morrish, a passionate female BSA volunteer who explained the camp is sometimes the only opportunity for boys to experience the outdoors and learn essential life skills.

"So many of the boys can't ride [their bicycles] anywhere in their neighborhoods. They don't go out with their parents who are busy. They get to do fun things their parents don't have time to do with them," Morrish said in an English accent.

The camp this year is piloting a new "StemNova" program aimed at teaching boys science, technology, engineering and math and, according to Morrish, "the boys are fascinated."

"We were hoping to get the interest of boys who are not really the sporty type. They're nerdy types who find the science and the experiments wonderful," she said.

Each morning they boys have started with the Pledge of Allegiance, then on-the-hour activities run by a group of about 10 dedicated parent and scout volunteers who keep the camp going and the kids engaged, Morrish explained.

On Wednesday, the cubs were learning about the galaxy, the solar system and shooting BBs at Drake Welding, Inc. trailers in Campbell.

Earlier this week, they delved into survival skills, crafts, mind games and sports.

The day ends with tired bodies, hungry tummies and youngsters ready for the next day's adventures.

To learn more about other cub and webelos camps sponsored by the BSA visit www.scccbsa.org/cubcamp.