Our Pack
Cub Scout Pack 61 - Flemington, New Jersey
​Who We Are
Cub Pack 61 of Flemington is the oldest pack in Hunterdon County, NJ. But that doesn't mean we don't try new things! The Pack is constantly evolving to best suit the needs of our members and their families. From day trips to local landmarks and events to overnight camping in the hills of Hunterdon and Bucks County, Pack 61 is all about fun with a purpose!
CUB SCOUTS IS A FAMILY EVENT
Pack 61 is a very family friendly cub pack.
Bring sisters and little brothers - grandparents and friends. We encourage families to participate in our activities and pack meetings. Even our Annual Pinewood Derby includes races just for siblings and adults!
Cub Scouting provides wonderful opportunities for cubs and their families to share experiences, work together, and have fun.
Please join us on a great adventure called "Scouting."
​What We Offer
Scouting is unique. It is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people. Cub Scouting doesn't emphasize winning as an end result, but rather the far more demanding task of doing one's best.
When Scouting can help nurture courage and kindness and allow boys to play, to laugh, to develop their imaginations, and to express their feelings, then we will have helped them grow. We want boys to become useful and stable individuals who are aware of their own potential. Helping a boy to learn the value of his own worth is the greatest gift we can give him.
Based in Flemington, NJ, Pack 61 provides a healthy, fun and educational atmosphere for boys and girls, kindergarten through 5th grade, to learn the skills of Scouting. The Scouting year begins in September but we welcome new scouts throughout the year.
If you are new to the area don’t hesitate to Contact Us to receive more information. You are welcome to attend a pack or den meeting to see how you like it.
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History of Pack 61
In 1949, the establishment of Cub Scout Pack 61 was met with the challenge of finding a leader. Generously, Douglas Niece, a man with no children of his own but a heart for community service, accepted the role of Cubmaster. This decision, supported by the American Legion Post 159, set Douglas on a path to become the longest-serving Cubmaster in the history of the organization, dedicating an incredible 60 years to guiding young scouts.
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Upon Douglas’s retirement in 2009, the baton was passed to Robert Sheneman, who had already devoted ten years as Assistant Cubmaster. His tenure was a bridge to a new era, culminating in 2010 when Joseph Williamson stepped up to serve as the Pack's third Cubmaster, following the advancement of Robert's son to the Boy Scouts.
In 2015, the Pack faced a pivotal moment due to changes with the American Legion Post in Flemington and found a new partnership with the Moose Lodge, ensuring the Pack's continued vitality. When Joseph Williamson relocated, Chris Runk was ready to lead, becoming the fourth Cubmaster.
In 2018, Brian Swingle, who had been a steadfast Assistant Cubmaster, rose to lead the Pack, with Chris Boyce providing strong support as Committee Chair. This period also welcomed the merging of Cub Scout Pack 194 with Pack 61, enriching our community.
The year 2021 was marked by Chris Phelan accepting the esteemed role of Cubmaster, a poignant full circle, as he had been a scout under Douglas Niece's mentorship. Chris, also an Eagle Scout and a prominent figure in the local business community as the President of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, brought his rich scouting history to the forefront of his leadership. Chris served from 2021-2024 before passing the Cubmaster duties on to Mason Garrity.
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With the initiation of a new charter partnership with the Flemington Presbyterian Church in 2023, the Pack embraced a new chapter.
2024 marks another important milestone, with Cub Scout Pack 61 celebrating its 75th Anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy and the collective spirit of service and adventure that continues to thrive within our community.
