Cub Scouts team up with Ice Cream Dugout for fundraiser

A fundraiser hosted by Ice Cream Dugout in
Windham on May 24 raised 194.71 which was
donated to Windham Cub Scout Pack 805 to
be used on scouting projects.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

By Daniel Gray

With the summer weather starting to heat things up, the Ice Cream Dugout served plenty of cones this week. Not only did they serve their customers, but also kindness to local Cub Scout Pack 805.

The Dugout, on Route 302 in North Windham, always conducts a charity event or fundraiser during the summer months. This year it was decided that May 24 would be their fundraiser was for Windham's Cub Scout Pack 805 with 10 percent of that day's profits going directly to the Cub Scouts.

"I look forward to these fundraising events because I think it is so important to give back to the community." said Cheyanne Gagnon, owner of the Ice Cream Dugout.

The Cub Scouts and their Den Leader, Casey Melanson, were ecstatic for this opportunity to team up with the Dugout.

"We were excited for our Dugout night,” Melanson said. We did one a couple years ago, and it went really well considering it was a very rainy, raw day."

And with the beautiful hot weather this past week, the turnout was great. Gagnon and the Dugout were able to donate $194.71 to the Cub Scouts while serving cold ice cream on a hot day.

With the money, Melanson said that the pack will be able to help fund more fun summer activities for the boys to do and other very important things that are needed for the Cub Scout activities.

"With the money we raise we plan to have a few summer events.  We will be having a night with Sparks Ark, a day at Sebago Lake and a rocket launching night,” she said. “We also use the fundraising money to help offset the costs associated with registering our scouts each year and also whatever the pack may need."

Being a den leader for a few years now, Melanson said she’s always happy to see her own son and continue their experience. This group of scouts have just crossed over to Bears, which are made up of students who have completed second grade and are 9 years old.

"The best part about being a den leader is watching the boys grow.  Watching them learn and apply what they learn in scouts to their everyday lives." she said. "They learn how to help others without expecting something in return.  They learn about teamwork and how it is beneficial to all.  They learn about the outdoors and how to properly care for it."

The Dugout will continue to hold fundraiser events like this throughout the summer. Earlier this month, they held their 11th annual "Take Me Out To The Dugout" fundraising event to support Windham High School's Softball and Little League teams, along with Windham Christian Academy.

"Anything I can do to make a positive impact on these kids and organizations, is well worth it to me," Gagnon said.

Be sure to stay up to date with any fundraisers the Dugout may hold by following their page on Facebook, The Ice Cream Dugout.

For more information about Windham Cub Scout Pack 805, visit their Facebook page at Pack 805 Windham, or send an email to scoutpack805me@gmail.com. <