Cub Scout Graduation

Our May wasn't as busy as some years but it was still filled with fun activities and end of year programs for the kids.  One of these was Cub Scout graduation for Zack and George was initiated into the pack as a Tiger Cub Scout.  Zack graduated from being a Bear to a first year Webelo.  The pack held a potluck picnic dinner and the ceremony was outdoors.  We were blessed with great weather.  

Zack and George before the ceremony

Zack joined scouting in the fall so this completes his first year as a scout.  Some of his favorite activities were hiking, the Pinewood Derby, Cubmobile races and Catholic Cub Day at Beaumont.  He likes to figure out how to earn the various badges, that really appeals to his left brain thinking.  Thanks to my mom for helping get many of the badges sewn on to his uniform.  Some badges go on the uniform shirt and the rest go on the red vest which is called a brag vest.  

This first year has been a learning curve for me too.  Cub Scouting and Girl Scouting are not done the same way.  It took me awhile just to figure out what the pack and the den were and all the ranks.  The pack is all the scouts from one place, such as a school or church, and the den is the small group of kids who are the same age and do the activities together.  Zack is in Pack 680 from our parish, Sacred Heart, and Den 3.  The ranks are Tiger Scout - 1st grade, Wolf Scout - 2nd grade, Bear Scout - 3rd grade, 1st year Webelo - 4th grade and 2nd year Webelo - 5th grade.  Then the boys cross over to being Boy Scouts. 

Zack will attend two summer Cub Scout camps.  He's doing a mini-Webelos camp which is a two night sleepover camp.  He will be on his own for the first time.  Very exciting!  The 2nd camp is a one week day camp packed full of activities.   

Zack was the flag bearer for the flag raising ceremony.

Zack helping raise the flag.

Jack B., Jack L. and Zack looking at the flag.

Zack led the pledge of allegiance.  He did a great job especially considering there were so many people there.  He doesn't always like being up in front of a crowd.  

George and his group lined up with the scouts for the opening ceremony.  George is in the middle of the line.

Zack and Jen after he got his face painted by the 2nd year Webelos.  It was part of his welcome to becoming a Webelo. 

Zack, Jen and the den after they received their new plaid Webelo neckerchiefs.

Zack and some very excited new Webelo Scouts!

George signed up to be a Tiger scout this spring.  You can start Cub Scouts when you are going into first grade.  They let him sign up in May so the new scouts could participate in the summer activities.  He is so excited to be a scout!  George is our naturalist, he is very interested in plants, flowers, trees, rocks and animals.  It is a perfect fit for him.  He will attend Dad and Lad camp with Joe in June. 

George and his den waiting for their turn.

George and Jen with his den of brand new scouts.

Jen and George after he received his Tiger Scout neckerchief.

Zack and George at home.  George's group also got their face painted as part of their initiation to scouting.  Each color represented one of the Cub Scout values.  Only the new Tiger scouts and the new Webelos had their faces painted so we just happened to have both that night.  

Scouting adds another set of "things to do" into our lives but it is worth it.  The values and skills the boys are learning are important and worthwhile life skills to prepare them for being a leader in life.  Best part, they learn it all while having a great time.