The one and only on the mountain, Cub Scout Pack 264, held its annual graduation ceremony today at the Twin Peaks Senior Center. All Cub Scouts have accomplished the requirements to move up to the next level in scouting and the celebration today was grand.
Under the watchful eye of the various Cub Scout ranking animals on the totem pole, the boys received certificates and their new neckerchiefs signifying their rank advancements.
Starting with Lion Cubs, then Tigers, Wolves, Bears and finally Webelos, each boy moved a decorated clothes pin from one level to the next to signify their advancement.
The top emblem of the totem pole represents the fourth and fifth grades’ level of scouting also known as “Webelo Scout,” short for “We’ll be loyal scouts”.
A Cub Scout’s particular rank can visually be determined by the color of the neckerchief. The most symbolic portion of the ceremony is when the leader takes off the advancing scout’s current neckerchief and replaces it with the rank to which they are advancing. Webelo Scouts used to be a two-year rank. Recently, the BSA added Arrow of Light Scouts as the last year before advancing to Boy Scouts.
Proud parents and grandparents lined the aisles with cell phones and cameras in hands for the ceremony, cheering for the boys as they advanced.
Afterwards the boys were treated to blue and gold cupcakes. Blue and gold are the official colors of Cub scouting.
Jim Newcomb, the Mountain Unit Commissioner, can be seen at Cub and Boy Scout meetings and events across the mountain all year long. Supporting the Pack and Troop leadership to help bring an amazing experience, Jim states, “We are working hard to launch 2 additional Cub Scout packs on the mountain. Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead and Crestline will soon have the leadership needed to bring as many boys the Cub scouting experience as possible.”
Cub scouting is a parent led program, where the parents ensure that the boys are able to understand and grow through the various accomplishments along the Scout Trail. In contrast, the Boy Scouts are a boy led program. The 6th grade and older boy scouts plan their own meals, outings, and other activities.
Cub scouting is a program that can be enjoyed by boys and girls from kindergarten up to 5th grade. Pack 264 is a year-round recruiting pack. While traditionally, Cub Scouts are found recruiting near the beginning of the school year, our local pack, invites the public to scouting events year round, thus allowing as many to join as possible.
The next recruiting event will take place in Crestline at Jam Days on June 30th. The Crestline Chamber of Commerce has set up the Kid Fun Zone at Rim Bowling. The parking lot will be full of carnival games and bounce houses with tons of fun for kids. In the center of it all you’ll find a booth where your child can join scouting and begin the Scout Trail. Camping, fishing, archery, entomology, learning about birds and animals on the mountain, hiking, community outreach projects, so many things that teach the boys and girls the skills needed to become positive members of society. Every Eagle Scout started as a Cub Scout and every person on the mountain has a chance to bring their child to the recruiting booth on June 30th at Rim Bowling in Crestline. If you are unable to make that date, 24 hours a day, you can go to beascout.org and sign up online.