COURT HOUSE ─ “Scouting is an adventure,” Larry Schmidt said Feb. 4, as families and friends gathered to celebrate their Cub Scouts’ achievements. Excitement filled the First United Methodist Church as Pack 65 received certificates, badges, and the prestigious Arrow of Light award, heralding their crossing over from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts.
Schmidt, representing Friends of Scouting, spoke of his own days in Cub and Boy Scouts, recalling adventures and lessons learned.
“It’s (scouts) fun,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt thanked parents and guardians for their dedication and the importance of funding. Friends of Scouting organization helps maintain summer camps and also supports the Baysea District.
“Funding is like an iceberg,” Schmidt said, “You only see a part of it.”
Schmidt emphasized the importance of investing in the scouting tradition in South Jersey and Cape May County.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-2nd) congratulated Cub Scouts Mason Maund, Jack McGarr, Frank Lashley, Lucas Moore, Robert Walker, Konner Myrden, Josh Nichols, Owen Radzieta, and their families – not for merely carrying on a tradition for tradition’s sake but for what the scouts represent.
The importance of faith, family, and values encompassed Van Drew’s comments.
“They (values) are not old fashioned,” Van Drew said. As young people face social pressures and potential distractions, the scouts offer focus and maintain the values upon which the United States were established.
The Boy Scouts of America was founded by W.D. Boyce in 1910, inspired by the British organization. Lost in a fog-shrouded day in London, a scout assisted Boyce in finding his destination.
Nine candles were lit by scouts, seven of them representing the seven rays of the Arrow of Light – wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope, and love.
Sen. Robert Andrzejczak, whose son received an award, spoke fondly of his days in the scouts and his current position as den master. Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson presented commendations from the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Youthful voices recited the scout motto, pledging, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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