New members are welcomed into Cub Scout Pack 3285. Pictured are (front, l–r) Zebb VanderKooy, Jackson Smith, Ian Henschell, Daniel TriesenBerg, Ethan Cowelbeck, Ryan McGee, Chief Who-Ha; (back) Brian VanderKooy, David Smith, Kurt Henschell, Elizabeth and Tom Triesenberg, Connie Cowelbeck, and Debby and Pat McGee.
“A salute to our troops” was the theme for the night as Cub Scout Pack 3285 welcomed six new members to the Pack at their November meeting.
In keeping with the tradition, the new members and their families were greeted by Chief Who-Ha. He led the new members through a ceremonial initiation for achieving their first advancement along the Cub Scout trail, the Bobcat award. Upon confirmation that the new boys understood the Cub Scout oath and law, they received the sign of the Bobcat by their parents. Two blue stripes were placed on their left cheek which stood for truth, loyalty and the sky above. Streaks of yellow were placed on the right cheek to represent warm sunlight, happiness and good cheer. They also were pinned with their Bobcat award.
Each member of the Pack also offered a “salute” to their heroes. For many, this was a time for them to recognize their parents and grandparents for their love and support and also others whom they admire. The boys were challenged to think of the choices that they are making now and how they may be seen as a hero to someone else for their choices.
The Pack also sent a soft message to our military troops by participating in the West Michigan Military Family Support Group’s Operation Pillow Talk. The boys decorated the covers of travel pillows and created cards to be sent to the troops currently deployed. The group is affiliated with the Salvation Army and strives to provide comfort for the men and women serving in our armed forces. In addition to the care packages they send to deployed troops, they also provide a support group for family and friends of those who are serving in our military. To learn more about this program, visit www.wmmfsg.com.
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