A Cub Scout pack whose members range from kindergarteners to fifth graders earned certificates from Deptford council on May 1 to acknowledge the Arrow of Light award, the highest rank and achievement the Scouts can earn.
The award can be worn when Cub Scouts move on to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) – who range from 11 to 18 years old – and enables the younger Scouts to join BSA once they turn 10.
Four members of Pack 7062, also known as Pack 62, got certificates at the council meeting, though one member was missing. The three who were there – Bryan Reed, Jackson Dudley and Ryan Szarkowski – posed for photos with council members as their parents looked on.
“We’ve had four Scouts at this level for a couple of years now, and they all work together, they all moved on to the troop together,” said pack Committee Chair Sharon Galda. “At each rank, they have a set of requirements they need to do that encompasses family ideals, community ideals and national ideals.”
Pack 62’s community service in Deptford included some cleaning at the Jonas Cattell gravesite on Earth Day, according to Galda. The Cub Scouts also hold food drives; fundraisers; and activities for members that include hiking, fishing and the yearly Pinewood Derby.
“I have to thank you for everything and all that you do,” Mayor Paul Medany told the youths. “You volunteer and help make the community a better place, helping the kids and such. You did a great job (at the Jonas Cattell gravesite) … That’s a very historical place.
“What the general public overlooks is you’re teaching these kids to be good citizens,” the mayor added, referring to Galda. “That’s what’s most important, that they get involved. They’re here at a council meeting learning about local government.
“We need that.”
