Cub Scouts Mark BSA Birthday, ‘Arrow of Light’ Ceremony

COURT HOUSE – Along with family, friends and invited elected officials, Cub Scout Pack 65 held its Blue and Gold banquet at the First United Methodist Church Feb. 17. Representatives of the Volunteer Fire Department of Cape May Court House also were present since that organization is the sponsor of Pack 65; they also received the pack’s new charter for 2015 from regional Scouting representatives.
The Blue and Gold banquet is a dual celebration in that first it commemorates the birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. William Boyce brought the program to America Feb. 8, 1910 from England where it originated in 1907 through Lord Robert Bayden-Powell.
The program was developed based on a training manual Bayden-Powell developed while serving in the Boer War. “Aids to Scouting” found its way into the hands of English youth back at home, and upon Bayden-Powell’s return, he found youth leaders and teachers using his book to teach observation skills and woodcraft. Baden-Powell rewrote “Aids to Scouting” and created the first Boy Scout manual, “Scouting for Boys” in early 1908 teaching citizenship and outdoor skills.
Over the years, scouting has grown to reflect the changes in society and to keep up with current times. These days, boys not only learn what it means to be a good citizen but also skills like engineering, computers, art and family.
According to Brian Maund, pack leader, “The program is evolving all the time to continue to help boys grow to be productive and forward-thinking individuals who take pride in their accomplishments, God and country.”
The second aspect of the Blue-and-Gold celebration is to recognize the many scouts who have worked hard over the years and have shown dedication to the program and an interest in the many aspects that make up scouting. One of the pinnacles of this dedication is earning the Arrow of Light.
“The boys need to show both interest and dedication to reach this milestone,” said Maund, also leader of Webelos who advanced with this distinction. Maund has been guiding this group of Webelos for about three years and helped them achieve various badges and other awards through activities and programs.
To explain how a scout earns this distinction begins with boys in first grade known as “Tigers.” They progress through the ranks of “Wolf” in second grade, “Bear” in third and “Webelos” in fourth and fifth grades. Only after completing a rigorous variety of requirements can a Scout earn the Arrow of Light.
These requirements reinforce the purposes of Cub Scouting which include character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement and friendly service delivered through fun and adventure while preparing the boys as they get older to become a Boy Scout.
Logan Maund, one of the Webelos who earned his Arrow of Light and a fifth grader, said “We’ve been working on the Arrow of Light for almost two years. We had to really concentrate on the activities to make sure we could do all the requirements.”
His school and scout mate, Joe Cucchi, added, “It wasn’t that difficult but we had to keep our focus so that we would be ready to show what we needed to have.”
A Webelos Scout must earn his Webelos rank by completing activities in fitness, citizenship, and a technology activity such as craftsman, engineer, handyman, or scientist; demonstrate his understanding of faith, and basics about the Boy Scouts, such as outdoor ethics.
Only after completing all these requirements can the scout then move on to an additional eight defined activities to be completed to earn his Arrow of Light. Those activities fall under the groupings of physical skills, technology skills, mental skills, outdoor skills, and community skills.
In addition to the skill requirements, a scout is required to learn the Scout Promise and the Scout Law, visit a Boy Scout Troop meeting, and join the Boy Scout Troop on an outdoor activity, such as camping or hiking.
All these activities are designed to help prepare a Cub Scout for advancing to Boy Scouts.
The Arrow of Light is the only award that a Cub Scout can earn that will travel with him into Boy Scouts and throughout his life. This badge will be worn, even as an adult, if the scout continues as a leader in scouting.
Pack 65’s Arrow of Light recipients this year were: Evan Carlson, grade 5, Court House; Cole Cox, grade 5, Court House; Joseph Cucchi, grade 5, Court House; Mark Cucchi, grade 5, Court House; Riley Johnson, grade 5, Court House; Logan Maund, grade 5, Ocean View; Brett Nabb, grade 5, Avalon; and Dylan Zimmerman, grade 5, Court House.
In addition to Maund, Pack Master is Larry Schmidt and treasurer is Tracy Thompson.
Cub Scout Pack 65 meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Elementary No. 2 in Court House during the school year. The pack has additional outings and activities at various locations including camping and parades.
“The boys of Pack 65 have worked cleaning up local parks, Veteran’s Day services, and in local food banks,” Maund noted.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.