|
Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
McFarland Ranch hosts Cub Scout graduation
Local historic spot perfect for old-fashioned fun and family adventure
|
|
Cub Scout Daryn Harper pounds away at his leather craft during the Pack 84 graduation campout held at McFarland Ranch.
|
By Kymm Griffin
Staff Writer
-
A very special graduation of another kind was recently held at McFarland Living History Ranch. Cub Scout Pack 84 held a family campout at the ranch complete with old-fashionded fun and a ceremony to honor the boys’ progression on the Cub Scout trail.
The weekend began with families setting up tents under the huge shade tress, and the posting of the colors.
The boys started their weekend adventure with the younger scouts working on a leather craft, and the higher-ranking boys learning knife safety. Throughout the day, boys, parents, volunteers and siblings learned together and worked side by side.
The afternoon sunshine welcomed the main event: the rain gutter regatta. The boys brought to the ranch their wooden rain boats that had been sanded and painted at home. The boats raced two at a time with the boys providing the energy by blowing into the sail.
Each den had its own first place leader, and the boys were encouraged by the Boy Scout motto of “always do your best.”
The afternoon continued with volleyball, sack races and a bucket brigade. The boys also participated in a campfire dessert cook-off, which included treats such as s’more pie and campfire crunch.
Finally, as the sun set, the Cub Scout ceremony began.
Mikey Winslow and Zachary Newman were recognized for courage and quick thinking in a crisis situation and earned the Hero Award after helping family members avoid tragedy.
Each den read their accomplishments and then walked over the Cub Scout Bridge signifying their progression to the next stage along the Cub Scout path.
For the three members of Den 2, the ceremony recognized a special honor. Zachary Newman, Teddy Woldstad and Mark Wickland earned their Arrow of Light Award.
This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouts, and the boys will take them into Boy Scouts and wear the badge on their uniforms.
“You have completed the Cub Scout trail,” said Cub Scout Master Joe Guerrero.
Before the boys were ready to pass over the bridge, they wanted to say goodbye to their Cub Scout leader Diane Wiess.
“She’s done everything for us,” said Wickland. “I could never name all of things she has done for us.”
Weiss’ dedication to the boys was mentioned by all of the boys.
“We wouldn’t have any other den leader,” said Woldstad.
The boys then presented Weiss with a scrapbook of their adventures together.
As part of the effort toward the Arrow of Light Award, the boys were required to visit and select a Boy Scout troop for them to enter. During the ceremony, Cameron Guerrero, a Boy Scout from the selected troop, shot an arrow painted with each of the Cub Scouts’ name on it, into the field signifying that the boys had completed their task and were moving ahead. During this time the cubmaster also read the seven virtues of the Arrow of Light: wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope and love.
Wickland and Woldstad also earned their God and Country badge and will wear that also on their Boy Scout uniform.
Finally it was time for the boys to cross over and join their new Boy Scout troop waiting for them on the other side.
|
|