Cub Scouts from Pack 101, proudly chartered with Val Vista Academy in Gilbert, recently experienced an unforgettable behind-the-scenes adventure with a Tour of the Tower at Mesa Gateway Airport. Designed to give Scouts unique, hands-on experiences beyond the everyday, this visit offered a rare look at the world of aviation—and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
“One of our goals as a pack is to provide unique experiences for the Scouts,” shared Ernie Prukner, Den Leader and Committee Chair. “For many kids, the closest they get to aviation is seeing an airplane fly overhead. This tour made aviation more impactful by showing them a side they wouldn’t normally see.”
That goal came to life as Scouts stepped inside the airport’s control tower, gaining firsthand insight into how aircraft are guided safely in and out of the airport. For many Scouts, the highlight of the day was entering the actual tower control room.
“The tower tour was really cool! My favorite part was when we went all the way to the very top of the tower and we could look out. It was really cool to see how they keep track of all of the airplanes with radar and their other systems.”
Leaders and parents alike noted the sense of wonder on the Scouts’ faces—from the panoramic views at the top of the tower to seeing the variety of aircraft moving across the airfield. Beyond sparking curiosity about aviation, the tour helped Scouts understand the importance of teamwork. Scouts learned that airports are far more complex than planes taking off and landing. They discovered how much trust and coordination is required among air traffic controllers and airport staff to keep everything running safely and smoothly.
Many Scouts left the tour eager to learn more about aviation—and with a deeper appreciation for the teamwork behind the scenes.
Cub Scout Parent Kelsey, whose son Hudson is a Webelo Scout, shared how meaningful the experience was for their family:
“We had the most incredible time touring the air control tower. We learned interesting facts and got a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most important jobs in the county. This is why we joined Scouting—to introduce our son to outings and information that is not easily obtainable. We all felt a sense of pride for our community and awe for the amazing work happening at Mesa Gateway.”
She added that the experience left a lasting impression:
“We drive by every day, but after our behind-the-scenes look, we have a whole new appreciation. Hudson learned so much and now wants to learn to fly a plane since he knows he’d be safe with the air controllers.”
Pack 101 was founded with a clear vision: to help Scouts have fun while learning skills and life lessons along their journey to adulthood. That vision is clearly resonating. In just seven months, Pack 101 has grown from 3 Scouts to 44, a milestone leaders describe as both heartwarming and gratifying.
With adventures like the Mesa Gateway Airport Tower Tour, Pack 101 continues to deliver on its promise—creating unique, memorable experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create lifelong memories for Scouts and their families.
Author Submission: Ernie Prukner, Den Leader and Committee Chair, Pack 101, Gilbert
Photos from the event were shared from Pack 101’s Facebook album to help showcase this exciting Scouting adventure.
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