Fort Irwin’s Cub Scout Pack 67 held its annual Blue and Gold banquet here, Feb. 11.
The ceremony recognized each of the 60 Cub Scouts for proficiency in fishing, reading a map and compass, and learning geography and good manners.
There were two special awards and four Arrows of Light given at the event. Dakota Regan earned his bobcat rank, which is the first thing that needs to be achieved to progress in the program. Nathan Shumate earned a Super Achiever award; this is earned by completing 20 activity pins prior to receiving an Arrow of Light. Juan Lopez, Gavin McGuire, Matthew Racy, and Nathan Shumate received an Arrow of Light – the highest award a Cub Scout can earn prior to becoming a Boy Scout.
“[Earning the Super Achiever award] was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it,” said Shumate, one of the newest members of Pack 67. “It has helped me learn skills that will help me be a better leader in the future.”
The Boy Scouts of America gives participants an opportunity to have adventures and experiences they might not otherwise have. The program also teach important values, which can help mold them into tomorrow’s leaders.
“I first joined the scouting program as a Cub Scout, when I was a kid,” said Michael Christiansen, cub master of Pack 67. “I chose to stay because of the fun activities I got to do with my friends. As an adult I came back into it with my children to allow them to gain the experiences and skills which the scouting program instills. There are not many organizations that teach the principles of hard work and dedication in a fun environment for children these days.”
Fort Irwin has supported scouting for 34 years and continues to assist the program by facilitating several activities throughout the year. One of these activities is the Boy Scout Popcorn Fundraising.
“Pack 67 has been a vital part of Fort Irwin for a long time now,” said Marcel Vargas, field director for the High Desert Scout district. “This is shown by local support for fundraising. This pack had the highest popcorn sales in the district at more than $24,000. I came here to give thanks and recognize the outstanding work put toward keeping the scouting program functional in the area.”
The BSA program continues to grow in the Fort Irwin area. The program needs new boys and adult volunteers to keep it at the outstanding level it currently operates. For more information on joining, go online to beascout.org or call Christie Sandor, pack committee chair, at (580) 574-0101.
