VIDALIA — The creation of a local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America in Concordia Parish is one step closer to forming, as students from Vidalia and Ferriday Lower Elementary had time to sign up for the Cub Scouts Thursday.

David McGuirt, district executive for the Louisiana Purchase Council of the Boy Scouts of America, said the sign up for Cub Scouts at the lower elementary schools is another step toward getting the chapter started.

“We don’t have a Cub master for the area yet,” he said. “But we are looking.”

McGuirt said the troop will be housed at First Methodist in Vidalia.

Adding the Boy Scouts of America to the list of extracurricular activities for the area is something McGuirt said would be a great help to the community.

“It’s a family affair,” he said. “If parents get involved and fully immerse themselves in it, it can change the entire family dynamic.”

McGuirt said parents are invited to all of the Scouts events, and their participation helps their children and themselves.

“The Scouts give kids something to do after school so they are not out on the streets getting into trouble,” he said.

McGuirt said this year marks the 100th year of the Boy Scouts of America, and the organization has been pushing hard this year for a larger base.

“We’ve been around through the years,” he said. “A lot of big names have come through the Scouts over the course of its existence.”

McGuirt said giving back to the Scouts is something he enjoys doing because of the great experiences he has had with them.

“It is great to give back to the program,” he said. “You get to take cool trips and be a part of a larger cause.”

The benefits of joining the Scouts and progressing to an Eagle Scout helps give many potential members a reason to join, McGuirt said.

“I went through it as a kid, and I am an Eagle Scout,” he said.

College applications and resumes for future employment also take into account the Eagle Scout rank when they see it, McGuirt said.

“If you are one and you join the military, you will even start out at a higher rank,” he said.

McGuirt said joining the Scouts is something that helps bring structure to your life.

“As far as I am concerned, it is an overall great experience,” he said. “That is why we are starting by signing up children interested in joining.”

Parents interested in signing their child up can visit louisianapurchasecouncil.org, or contact David McGuirt by e-mail at dmcguirt@bsamail.org.