Cub Scouts move on to Boy Scouting at Blue and Gold dinner

Blast into Scouting was the theme of the Pack 209 Blue and Gold banquet held Feb. 20 at Palmerton Rod and Gun Club. Cub Scouts who completed the requirements for their level of achievement received the badges they earned and moved up to the next level. Jerusalem United Church of Christ, Trachsville, sponsors Pack 209.

Greg Cope, said scouting is the safest investment you can make in your child's success and explained that it cost $120 for a child per year of scouting. He asked parents to contribute. It is the 100th anniversary of scouting.

Jarrett Kleintop gave the invocation.

Bill Kmetz, a Webelos leader, said Cub Scouting is a journey with Chief Akela. Chief Akela told the scouts of his father, the Arrow of Light, an arrow that points ever upward. The journey takes them from the Tiger's den, to that of the Wolf and Bear.

"Our tribe can only be strong when the boys of the tribe are strong," said Kmetz.

Ron Borger helped Kmetz lead the program.

The Tiger Cubs were invited to the front of the room with their parents. They were: William Drake IV, Jonathan Eckhart and Derek Rea. The mark of the Tiger was painted on their cheeks by Colby Burnett.

The Tiger badge was placed on the left shirt pocket upside down, to be righted when they had done a good deed. Tigers also received their Bobcat badges. The Bobcat work is preliminary to moving on into scouting by teaching them the promise, the law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout sign, handshake, motto, and salute.

Second graders are in the Wolf Den. They receiveed the Wolf sign on their cheeks and also received their badge which a parent placeed upside down. Members of the Wolf Den are: Austin Ahner, Carson Allen, Michael Burnett, Richard Fasching, Matthew Garambone, Logan Kresge, Joshua Long, John Lundy and Ethan Seipel.

After Wolf comes the Bear. The Scouts learn and follow the arrow ever upward. They received the mark of the Bear. Bear Scouts who moved on are: Tanner Burnett, Mason George, Kory Marlatt, Eric Nothstein, Ethan Rotella and Zachary Schoenberger.

The next step is Webelo I which helps them move along the trail marked by the Arrow of Light. They are: Jarred Bartholomew, Eric Baumgardt, Brody Boehler, Ryan Borger, Garrett Demkovitz, Nicholas Garambone, Hayden Kresge, Jarrett Long, Colby Moyer, Nathan Sterner, Jacob Taschler and Stephen Zazulak.

Webelos II Scouts are eligible for the Arrow of Light. They earned eight activity pins and participated in an overnight camp or day hike.

They have taken part in an outdoor activity with a Boy Scout Troop.

As they completed the Cub Scout trail, they received their Arrow of Light badge and a plaque with an arrow. These Scouts are ready for Boy Scouting: Alexander Bortz, Cole George, Brian Henry, Andrew Kmetz and Joshua Ritter.

"This is a significant achievement. The Arrow of Light badge can be worn as a Boy Scout. It was a challenge to reach the highest rank. You've shown what you can do. I challenge you to continue the ideals you learned in Cubs.

"Think of the Arrow of Light and what it means. The seven rays of the sun (on the plaque) are a reminder to do your best every day. The arrow is straight and true like you should be. Congratulations and good luck," said Kmetz.

He asked the audience to give the Scouts a standing ovation for earning the highest award in Cub Scouting.

The boys crossed the bridge into Boy Scouting and were met by members of Troop 209 who gave them new colors and a tie, welcoming them into the troop.

They joined the Boy Scouts around a "campfire" at the camp set up on the stage.

Recognizing the people who keep Pack 209 running, the adults were called to the front: Greg and Debbie Cope, Melodie Ritter and Steph Kresge, committee chairpersons; Connie Bartholomew, secretary; Steph Demkovitz, advancement chairperson; Mike Garambone and Angela Rotella, treasurer; Steph Krege, committee member; and Connie Bartholomew, secretary. Cubmaster Rick Moyer was absent.

Den leaders are: Jamie Drake, Tiger; Colby Burnett and Mick Ahner, Wolf; Angela Rotella, Linda Marlatt and Cinda Nothstein, Bear; Rocky Borger, Steph Krege and Scott Long, Webelos I and Bill and Mariann Kmetz, Webelos II.

The adults received quart jars filled with $100,000 Grand candy bars "because that is what they are worth" and a CD with the photos that were shown before the program. Mariann and Bill Kmetz received a gift certificate so they "can go out and enjoy themselves."

Asked what she will be doing after her many years in Girl Scouts and Cubs, Mariann said they will probably help with the Boy Scouts.

Several positions have opened in Cub Scouting and volunteers are needed.