"After conversations with many individuals and groups in the community about the needs of the diverse families, barriers to getting involved in youth programming, and through trial and error, we were able to form our first den of Cub Scouts made up specifically of Latino families that we likely would not have served otherwise. Yessica Cabrera-Svendsen serves as the den leader for the den, running the meetings fully in Spanish.

"The families I work with want their kids in a Spanish-speaking program. Two of the three families speak almost no English. While the kids speak good English, the parents do not. Cub Scouting is a place the families feel safe having their children and they have come to trust me," says Yessica. "They are excited about how the program can help their children and their family. They apprecaite the work the Twin Valley Council and specifically Erik Karre have done to engage their families in the program and build trust with them."

The Scouts packing kits for Children's Dental Health Services

At each meeting, the parents take turns leading different parts; like the opening flag ceremony, a game, a craft, or an activity. It helps to get them engaged in what we are doing. Most recently we partnered with the Children's Dental Health Services and the Scouts, and their parents, packed around 500 dental kits so kids in Austin and Mower County can brush and floss their teeth at home. This was a great way for the kids and parents to learn to serve others.

The Scouts also visited the Austin Police Department and heard a presentation from officer Jorge Jimenez about what he does for the department and gave them a tour. It was a great opportunity for the kids and parents to learn that law enforcement officers are generally good people trying to protect families. Since Jorge is of Latino decent and speaks fluent Spanish, it was very easy for the Scouts and the parents to relate to him."

- Twin Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America

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