There is a long-standing Spring tradition when Cub Scouts advance to their new rank after they have spent the past year fulfilling all the requirements and earning all their achievements to do so. It typically aligns with the school year and is often celebrated as a large Pack event with friends and family attending to share in the celebration too!
Pack 142 of the Aquia District in the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) carried out this tradition on Thursday, May 27, 2021 on the grounds of Izaak Walton League of America’s Alexandria Chapter in Stafford, VA, the Pack’s chartering organization. It was a beautiful evening that began with the presentation of our Nation’s colors and Pack 142 flag by some of the older Scouts, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Scout Oath.
The guest speaker for the evening, Crystal Vanuch, then opened the advancement ceremony with kind words and inspiration to the Cub Scouts and their families. Crystal Vanuch is the Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and elected to serve the Rock Hill District. Following her opening speech, she offered an opportunity for Scouts to ask her questions about her job or being an elected official. The best question of the night went to Jasen A. (Age 7) who asked her “Now that you explained your job, what do you actually do?” The audience and speaker were thoroughly amused by his candid nature!
Pack leaders then proceeded to recognize each Cub Scout’s accomplishments along with a neckerchief for their new rank. Pack 142 advanced all 12 active Scouts in the Pack to their new ranks and there was much celebration and many smiles. These achievements represented the great dedication and commitment from every Cub Scout, their Scout leaders, and their families. Scouting is a family affair, after all!
Lucas M. advanced from Lion to Tiger and Ambrose O., Asher C., Bryson D., and Jasen A. from Tiger to Wolf. There were two Wolves who moved up to Bear, Caleb L. and Drew M. and Justin C. and Payce B. from Bears to Webelos. Lastly, Webelos Anthony C., Brooks B., and Justin W. earned their Webelos rank moving towards their Arrow of Light award.
Cub Scouting is a program of Boy Scouts of America (BSA), whose overall mission is to help young people build character, learn citizenship, and develop personal fitness and leadership. While the BSA serves youth from ages 5 through 20, Cub Scouting focuses on kindergarten through fifth grade.
Pack 142 started a new year of Scouting on 1 June and would like to invite all families interested to contact us at ncac.pack142@gmail.com.
