Cubs to Scouts: An Emotional Journey

WEST CAPE MAY – Following delays caused by inclement weather, the annual Cub Scout Blue-and-Gold Crossover ceremony was held March 14 at the West Cape May firehouse.
According to the Boy Scouts of America website:
“The purpose of the blue-and-gold banquet is to celebrate the pack’s anniversary, thank pack leaders and other adults who have helped the pack, and inspire the leaders, Scouts, and parents. Packs often like to invite former members and other Scouting or community leaders to take part in their blue and gold banquet.”
The event is also held to mark the passage of Cub Scouts, in this case from Pack 73, into the fold of the Boy Scouts Troop 73. During the ceremony, the young men had their Cub Scout scarves and hats removed by parents or guardians and proceeded to the apex of a wooden bridge.
There, they stopped and gave the scout salute to their cub master, turned and saluted their new scout master. After which, they finished crossing the bridge and joined their new brethren.
It was a joyous, yet a sad event. Anthony Fucci, a den leader of Pack 73, would later tell the crowd that for six years he watched the graduating boys grow up and develop into great people. With a hint of sadness in his voice, he told the pack, “You know what? This is our last night together as Cub Scouts.”
Around 120 attended the event to see Cub Scouts Nate Brockman, 10, Eddie Fucci, 11, Drew Kronemeyer, 10, and Logan Poullott, also 10, cross-over to Boy Scouts. Trevor Frey, 10, also completed his time in the Cub Scouts but will be leaving the Scouts.
The keynote speaker was Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Cuomo. He implored the boys to instill in themselves a relentless sense of perseverance and a strong commitment to a good work ethic. These, Cuomo said, would mark them as leaders.
Following the speech, grace was said, and a buffet-style dinner was provided. Afterward, the cross-over ceremony was held.
Each of the graduating scouts was also awarded the ‘Arrow of Light’ for their dedication to diligently working their way up through the Cub Scouts.
As part of their ‘welcome aboard’ to the Boy Scouts, the five boys were given tactical backpacks, a Scout shirt and scarf, a Boy Scout handbook, and a footlocker.
Outgoing Cub Master Jerry Kronemeyer was called to the podium and thanked for his years of service and commitment to making men out of young boys.
The last event was the chartering ceremony. This was the official acknowledgment that the pack and troop met all the requirements to continue operating as parts of Boy Scouts of America.
Russell Hayes, district representative for the Boy Scouts, presented the charter for 2018. While doing so, he noted that without the assistance of Scout Master Rob Elwell, Administrative Leader Jessica, and Treasurer Tom, the paperwork for renewing the charter for Troop 73 at the West Cape May Fire Company would not have been completed.
The West Cape May Scouts also received the ‘Journey to Excellence’ Award, something only 10 other packs in the state has done.
To contact Christopher Knoll, email cknoll@cmcherald.com.