Cub Scouts of local Pack 64 will hold annual Blue and Gold Banquet April 17

The Boy Scout program was founded in 1910 to meet the needs and wants of younger boys eager to be scouts. The Cub Scout program, first known as Cubbing, was founded in 1930. The program was designed for boys ages 9 to 11 and based on Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.

Through the years the program has evolved into what it is today, a program for family, fun, and friends. The program allows families to work, play, and have fun together. And it is still greatly influenced by the Jungle Book. Such terms as “Law of the Pack,” “Akela,” “Wolf Cub,” “den,” and “pack” all come from the Jungle Book. Cub Scouts also honor their American Indian Heritage with such things as Gold and Silver Arrow Points, the Webelos emblem, and the Arrow of Light emblem.

Today, Waukon’s own Pack 64, which has been in existence for over 30 years, has a roster of 39 registered boys and 12 registered adult volunteers who serve as den leaders, committee members, and Cub Master. The Pack is chartered by the Waukon Pioneer Fire Department and belongs to the Northeast Iowa Council and Dellaykee District.

Within the Pack, there are three distinct levels of scouts. Those include the Tiger Cubs for boys in 1st grade, or 7 years of age; the Cub Scouts for boys in 3rd grade, or 8 and 9 years of age; and Webelos for boys in 4th and 5th grade, or 10 and 11 years of age.

The Tigers emphasize shared leadership and learning, about community and family. The second level has two ranks, Wolf and Bear. These Cub Scouts emphasize character development, citizenship and personal fitness. The last level Webelos (We Be Loyal Scouts) participate in more advanced activities that prepare them for becoming Boy Scouts.

The uniforms for Cub Scouts and Tigers differ from the uniform worn by Boy Scouts. The Cub Scouts wear blue and gold. The blue stands for spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and the sky. The gold stands for good cheer, happiness, and warm sunlight. The Webelos have a choice between wearing the blue and gold or wearing tan, as the Boy Scouts do.

The Cub Scouts have one major fundraiser each year, the selling of popcorn. The fundraiser helps the boys “pay their own way” by raising enough money to pay for such things as day camp, Pinewood Derby kits and trophies, award beads and activity badges, rank advancement emblems, and special trips, such as the recent trip to La Crosse, WI to see the Harlem Globetrotters.

The boys also participate in community service in small but significant ways. They have recently put into action filling baskets with Christmas goodies, carolling, and giving the baskets to area residents.

The Pinewood Derby, which was first introduced in 1953 in California, has since become an annual highlight for the boys. Each boy receives an official kit which consists of a block of wood, four axles, and four wheels. From this they design and embellish their cars. Each car must meet a specific weight, length, and width to be able to race. The boys race other scouts in their specific rank and vie for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. Those boys placing 1st or 2nd are then eligible to compete at the district level and race other scouts from other packs in the Dellaykee District.

Every scout who participates in the home race receives a participation award. This year’s Pinewood Derby is set for Tuesday, April 12 at Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank beginning at 7 p.m. Stop in and see the many different car designs and enjoy the races.

The major award ceremony for the Cub Scouts is called the Blue and Gold Banquet. The young scouts review for their guests highlights of their scouting year and receive their rank advancement emblems.

This year, the local banquet is being held at the Waukon Banquet and Reception Center Sunday, April 17 from 3-5 p.m. Anyone who is a past member of Pack 64, either as a leader or a scout, and would like to attend this year’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, is asked to complete the reservation form in the banquet advertisement published on page 10 inside this week’s issue and return it as directed in the ad as soon as possible.

Come see what the Cub Scouts are up to these days and help us celebrate “75 years of family, fun, and friends.”