SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Parents concerned with what to tell their children about the oil spill’s impact on local coastlines might take a note from Webelo Scouts Pack 31 in Spanish Fort.

Get involved.

Indeed, five members of the pack, three leaders and several family members joined a host of Save Our Shores volunteers June 29 for a Hair Boom Build in Fairhope.

“We haven’t had a lot of time together as a pack this summer, but the adults have stayed in contact through e-mail, and we just decided this was something they could do to help,” said John Richardson, den leader and committee chairman for the pack.

The booms—constructed from human hair, nylon stockings, PVC pipe and twist ties—attracted national and international attention when local organizers began offering the grassroots alternative in early May. And while media attention toward the efforts has waned as the environmental disaster churns well into its third month, local interest remains strong and committed.

See the rest of this story in the July 7 Spanish Fort Sun.