PYEONGTAEK, Korea -- First-hand experience is often the best way to learn about life.
With that in mind, boys from Cub Scout Pack 86 and Boy Scout Troop 88 recently pitched in to help out around Jacob's House, a local orphanage for children in need.
The Scouts also collected donations for the orphanage, including an assortment of diapers, 240 pounds of rice and other food items.
Jacob's House was built in 1985. Children at the home range in age from newborn to three years old. The orphanage is currently home to 41 boys and girls.
Between taking care of the children's needs and upkeep of the facility, Jacob's House is in continual need of volunteers, and that's where the Scouts came in.
After delivering their donations, the boys spent the morning cleaning the orphanage's first floor common areas, including an indoor playground and library. The younger boys focused their efforts on organizing children's books and mopping the floors, while the older Scouts took turns vacuuming the floors and cleaning the windows.
USAG Humphreys' Chief of Community Relations, Pom, Tong- yu, helped organize the event and served as the day's escort and translator.
"The work they did was a big help to the orphanage," said Yu. "You could see the Scouts were anxious to work and took pride in their volunteer service."
Their efforts continue a long tradition of cooperation between Americans and Jacob's House.
"It was great experience for me and my companions. If I have a chance to do this again, I will take it and will recommend it to others," said Chris Lycan, a Boy Scout with Troop 88 in Yongsan.
Ko, Eun-ju, Jacob's House director, talked about how much the Scouts' efforts meant.
"The Jacob's House workers and children really appreciate their help," Ko said. "Although they are still young, they are mature and have a strong sense of responsibility and care about contributing to the community. If they maintain this, they will be fine young men and contributors to society."
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