Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 10:11 AM

On the Monday night of April 12, 2010, Troop 594 had a special meeting to commemorate the Weblos Cub Scouts crossing over into Boy Scouts. It was held outside, and some Scouts built a rope bridge between to trees. Other Scouts made a fire out of the dry wood that was lying around. A string that was used to start a fire was inclined to an upper tree. A rag lit with a match was added to it. Then several Scouts prepared for two skits.

When everything was ready, the Cub Scouts were called. Once the fire was burning well, it was time for the crossover. Five second-year Weblos Scouts crossed over, including Nicholas, Eli, and Shiloah. Spotters stayed at each ones side as they crossed. Dr. Denton, Troop 594’s Scoutmaster, explained to them that crossing that bridge is allegorical. In Cub Scouts, adults run the meetings and sign off on requirements. Most of the time is spent indoors, and the trips are made not to be strenuous. As you cross over the bridge, you are crossing over into something different – a new kind of challenge. They boys run the meetings, and there are now more challenging activities. Much more of Boy Scout’s time is spent outside rather than that of Cub Scouts.

Then a few American flags were retired over the fire. Dr. Denton gave his Scoutmaster minute on the rights and freedoms that the United States of America has, and how we should thank God for them. “Men had real courage fighting for their freedom,� he said.

Then the ceremony was over and it was time to clean up. It was great to have some new Scouts in the troop! The next few meetings were spent working with the new scouts to help them achieve Tenderfoot.

Matthew Carpenter