Kyle Larsen - Den Leader
My Scouting Story
I'm excited to serve as the new Bear Den Leader and to be part of such a great Scouting community.
Scouting was a big part of my childhood and became a place where I felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. Some of my favorite memories were camping, spending time outdoors, and participating in activities with fellow Scouts. Those experiences helped shape who I am today, and they are a big reason why I want my son, William, to experience the same sense of adventure, friendship, and personal growth that Scouting provided for me.
My Why
William can be both the most outgoing and the shyest kid in the room, sometimes all in the same day. One of the reasons Scouting is so important to our family is that it gives him opportunities to make friends, build confidence, and learn valuable life skills.
I want him to discover how to work as part of a team, develop patience and understanding, and learn that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Most importantly, I want him to grow in a supportive environment where he can be himself, try new things, and build lasting friendships while having fun.
My Leadership Style
I served in the U.S. Army for eight years, where I learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, accountability, and service. Those experiences helped shape my leadership style, but Scouting has taught me how to apply those lessons in a way that is positive, encouraging, and age-appropriate for youth.
As a leader, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where Scouts feel comfortable learning, participating, and growing at their own pace. I believe every Scout brings unique strengths to the group, and I look forward to helping our Bears build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy the adventure of Scouting together.
About Me
Before moving to the Tri-Cities, I spent many years working as a residential contractor. I enjoy building, fixing, and creating things with my hands. In my free time, I like riding ATVs, working on older vehicles, and spending time outdoors.
My family and I moved to the Tri-Cities a little over a year ago and purchased five acres where we're working toward raising livestock and growing our own produce. We love being outdoors and are grateful to be part of a community that values family, service, and adventure.
I look forward to getting to know all of our Scouts and families and helping make this a fun, supportive, and memorable year for our Bear Den.
Do Your Best! 🐻⚜️
Cindy Himmelberger - Assistant Den Leader
My Scouting Story
I originally started my scouting adventure with my daughter as a Girl Scout. We participated for nine years before moving on to the next chapter.
Once my son was old enough to begin his own scouting adventure, we joined Pack 117 at the end of 2022. Since then, scouting has become a wonderful family experience filled with new adventures, meaningful memories, and opportunities to give back to our community.
My Why
I serve as an Assistant Den Leader because it gives me something rare and valuable—the chance to stay close to my son while we grow together.
Scouting has become more than a program for us. It feels like family. The same faces show up year after year. We share the same adventures, the same challenges, and the same victories. That kind of consistency is hard to find. School friends come and go, but the people in our pack stay. We get to watch each other grow up.
A part of me is still a kid, and this role lets me do the fun things with my son that I never got to experience when I was young. I love that Scouting pulls him into the community and puts us both outside, learning skills and lessons we might never have discovered on our own. Every campout, every project, every meeting gives us new experiences we get to share.
Those shared moments matter. They strengthen our relationship and give him confidence and memories that will last. That’s why I show up. Not just as an assistant leader, but as a mom who still gets to be a kid with her son—walking this trail together with a group of people who have become like family.
My Favorite Memories
My favorite scouting memory so far has been watching my son grow and seeing his excitement during the different camps we attended over the summer.
My advice to someone considering joining Scouting
I’d tell anyone considering Scouts that it’s so much more than camping and outdoor adventures. Scouts helps kids build confidence, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility. It teaches important values, encourages kids to work together, and helps them grow into strong, capable young people.
I think one of the most beneficial parts of Cub Scouts is learning how to work together and help others. Kids learn responsibility, teamwork, and confidence while still having fun and making memories along the way.
One of the most valuable skills I’ve learned since starting my Scouting adventure is how to safely remove a fishing hook from someone’s skin. My son and I had the opportunity to use that skill over the summer when a friend accidentally got hooked. It was incredibly rewarding to know that we had the skills and confidence to help. Thanks to what we learned through Scouts, we were able to take care of the situation right there and continue enjoying our camping trip without needing a hospital visit.
That experience was a great reminder that the skills we learn in Scouts aren’t just for meetings or campouts—they’re skills we can use in real life when someone needs help.
David Cannon - Bear Den Advisor
My Scouting Story
I’ve been involved in Scouting since 1984, starting as a Cub Scout and working my way through to Eagle Scout.
As an adult, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in many different roles, including Den Leader, Committee Chair, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Varsity Coach, as well as serving on the Council Board. I currently serve as the Council Camping and High Adventure Chair.
About me
I love the outdoors. You name it, and I’ve probably tried it, have it on my bucket list, or need to learn more about it so I can add it to the list!
My Why
For me and my family, Scouting is a great way for us to connect with others who share our passion for teaching life skills and using the outdoors as our classroom.