CLARKS GREEN — Cub Scouts of Pack 251 played Quidditch pong (similar to beer pong), bouncing balls through Quidditch goals. They also made potions using moon dew, dragon’s blood, and leach juice. These were a couple of the Harry Potter-based activities at the Blue and Gold Banquet held March 18 at the fellowship hall of Clarks Green United Methodist Church.
During this magical event, Lions transformed into Tigers and Wolves transformed into Bears. In other words, Cub Scouts were promoted to higher levels of Scouting and received awards for their accomplishments. Tiger Scouts received “tiger bites,” which were awards for healthy eating and trying new things. Wolf cubs received the “Air of the Wolf” award for experimenting with wind.
“They’re getting bigger,” Cubmaster Shawn Ashworth said about the Scouts. “They worked really hard to get here. The parents, leaders and volunteers helped a lot for them to get here.”
The Bear Scouts received “Grin & Bear It” Awards for making neckerchiefs for the four Cub Scouts (Webelos 2), who transitioned to Boy Scouts. The four new Boy Scouts this year are Cooper Stewart, twins Evan and Owen Bernardi and Matthew Chen.
These Scouts performed many activities to earn their way into Boy Scouts. They made birdhouses, attended STEM (science, technology, mathematics, and mathematics) weekend, and grew plants. They also received whittling badges for making knives. Evan received a special medal for administering first aid to someone who had a wound while Owen received a special medal for digging former Cubmaster Brian Sompel’s car out of the snow.
“I feel nervous and excited,” Cooper said about the transition.
“I feel good,” Matthew added.
Their den leader Angela Stewart (Cooper’s stepmother) led them into the next step of Scouting.
“I’m excited that they are moving forward, but I’m sad because we spent a lot of time together for three or four years.”
All members of Pack 251 performed the Arrow of Light Ceremony, in which the Scouts literally “cross over” a wooden bridge to officially make the transition to Boy Scouts. Their parents placed the neckerchiefs around their necks.
“I’m proud to see him cross over from a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout, and continue his journey in Scouting,” said Cooper’s father, Jonathan Stewart.
The banquet also included the installation a new recruit of Pack 251, Julian Lombardi, of Clarks Summit. Den leader Renee Czubowicz installed him by letting his mother Diana Lombardi paint his face with colors, which represent meanings in Scouting.
“White is for purity,” Renee recited as Diana painted Julian’s nose a white color. “The mark on your nose helps you know right from wrong.”
The red, which Diana used to paint Julian’s chin, represented courage. The green painted on both of Julian’s cheeks represented the spirit of nature.
“I’m excited to be part of the Cub Scouts,” said Julian. “I can’t wait to do something outdoors.”
Reverend John Bondhus, who was recently ordained pastor last summer, attended this event with his wife Stephanie, marking their first time at the Blue and Gold Banquet.
“I was so happy to be invited to share a momentous occasion for all the young guys that are transitioning today,” he said. “It’s such a huge step, and I’m excited for you knowing all the great, wonderful adventures and experiences you’re going to get to have.”