It's that time of year again, when all the end of the year activities begin. The one that starts them all is the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet. The first year we went it was brutal, but this year was our third year attending and now that we know all the kiddos and leaders it's much more meaningful. I love watching these boys grow up and love the friendships that the we have all made through the Scouting. This year was the last year for a few of the leaders that have been their for almost ten years, so there were lots of sad good byes all around as their boys transitioned into Scouts and they leave our Pack.
Zach and the boys in their uniforms, braving the crazy wind, for the big night. Zach was the Lion Den leader. There were only two Lion Cubs this year, but they had a great time. Zach also is on the Pinewood Derby committee and has been a big part in the leadership of the whole Pack this year. Zach is a born leader, a born people person, in a way that is completely opposite of me, but I'm so proud of all the hard work he has done this year for the whole Pack not just the little Lion Cubs.
The theme for this year was Out of the This World, so there was lots of space fun at the banquet.
Here is little Rowan saying the Cub Scout pledge. It feels like yesterday that this was little Zane. Time if flying by so quickly. I cannot believe this little peanut is almost done with kindergarten already.
Zane saying his pledge. Zane comes for the awards, but stays for all the food and cake.
The other little Lion Cub forgot about the Banquet, so it was just Rowan up there getting recognized for all he's learned this year. The Troop leader forgot to get him a Lion patch, which Rowan was a little sad about, but I was so proud of Rowan for going up there all by himself. He's officially a Tiger Cub now.
Cub Scout hand shake
Next up was the Wolf den. Their den is one of the biggest in the whole pack. It's a great bunch of kids with wonderful leaders. Hopefully we can get some more first graders to join the Tigers next year. It's always more fun when their are more friends.
This year was also the first year that Scouts of America let girls join. Technically speaking the girls are suppose to have their own dens, that do everything separately from the boy dens at the same level. I am proud to say that the Wolf Den leaders in our troop all agreed that was insanity and the girl Wolf did all the things with the boys. Her mom was technically her "den leader," but they did everything together. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the change, but as the year went on I started to love it. Perfect proof and examples to our young men that women can and should be able to do everything they can do. I was particularly inspired by a fourth grade girl, a sibling of a scout, who did all the Webelo one and two requirements in six months so she was able to cross over and get her arrow of light. All the while not being able to camp at the same places or do the same stuff as the boy Webelos. She crossed over into Scouts and into an all girl Scout troop, so the women Scout leaders of Oklahoma were there to welcome here. Trail Blazer!!!
Zane receiving his Wolf badge.
Look at Rowan's little toothless grin.
Only one more year in the blue uniforms for Zane. His badge holder is almost full. He's now officially a Bear, with the light blue hat and bandana which have always been my favorite.
It was a great evening and isn't really the end of Scouts for the year, they just all get to move up a rank for the last few events. Zach and the boys are camping at the zoo this Friday night. They will sadly miss the Spring campout since it falls on the same weekend as Zane's first communion so the Zoo Camp will have to do.
