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5 Scouts Earn Arrow of Light

Cub Scouts End Year with Blue and Gold Celebration

Posted on May 22, 2023
by Adrian Hoppel, Cubmaster
2 Comments
Newly minted Arrow of Light Award winners | Photo by S. Winchowky

Five earned the highest achievement in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light, before bridging over to join Scouts BSA Troop 334.

It was a night of explosions and fire.

On Friday, May 19, 2023, in Westminster Hall of Leverington Chruch, Cub Scout Pack 334 held its annual Blue and Gold celebration. There was music and food, a slideshow, traditions and ceremony, a few tears, big words, roaring laughter, and many awards. By the end, five Cub Scouts, who had been with Pack 334 for years, earned their Arrow of Light and bridged to become Scouts in Troop 334.

Organized by the Leadership of Pack 334, the annual event included all Cub Scouts in the Pack, parents, family, and friends. The room was packed, spirits were high, and the candles were bright.

Setup & Welcome

The setup crew started arriving around 4:00 p.m. to turn the hall at Leverington Church into a magical space festooned with blue and gold decorations. Committee Treasurer Jeff Wong and Jim McHale got to work on the grills to have the food hot and ready, and when one of the grills failed, Jeff and Jim were resilient as ever; backup plans were created on the fly, and dinner was ready with just the briefest of delays.

By 6:30 p.m., families started to arrive and were greeted with a slideshow and music prepared by Den Leader Sarah Winchowky. As the food came off the grill, families were able to fill their plates and sit together to enjoy a BBQ-style dinner while the slideshow played on the big screen.

Enjoying the slideshow, ready for dinner | Photo by S. Winchowky

Around 7:20 p.m., the formal portion of the evening began with Assistant Cubmaster Kym Williams leading all in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Cubmaster Adrian Hoppel conducting a candle-lighting ceremony for the Scout Law using the “Scout alter” that Troop 334 has used for special events for many decades.

The “Scout Alter” on loan from Troop 334 | Photo by S. Winchowky

Cubmaster Adrian and Assistant Cubmaster Kym guided the Pack through the program, which was interspersed with a “commercial” from Den Leader Sarah asking for more parent involvement, a “commercial” from Den Leader Ken reviewing our big plans for next year, and a special announcement from Assistant Cubmaster Kym. Although it was a serious night, Assitant Cubmaster Fury Colubriale kept things fun and lighthearted with various dramatic gadgets and contraptions, starting with an air-powered confetti cannon.

Awards and Recognition

The awards included trophies for success at this year’s Pinewood Derby, both required and elective Adventure awards, and even some extraordinary awards earned by Ezra W. (Shooting Sports Award for Archery and BB Gun for Bear Scouts, and Cub Scout World Conservation Emblem). Cubmaster Adrian also had all the adult volunteer leaders step forward to receive a certificate of appreciation.

Pinewood Derby Creative Awards | Photo by S. Winchowky
Pinewood Derby Racer Awards | Photo by S. Winchowky
Tiger Den Awards | Photo by S. Winchowky
Wolf Den Awards | Photo by S. Winchowky
Bear Den Awards | Photo by S. Winchowky
Webelos Den Awards | Photo by S. Winchowky
Arrow of Light Den Awards | Photo by S. Winchowky

After awards were handed out, we had a moment of ranking up for each Den. One den at a time was called up to stand behind their flag, Scouts along with their parent/adult, and as their current den flag was replaced by their new den flag, their parent/adult removed their current neckerchief and replaced it with their new den neckerchief.

New Neckerchief | Photo by S. Winchowky
New Neckerchief | Photo by S. Winchowky
New Neckerchief | Photo by S. Winchowky
New Neckerchief | Photo by S. Winchowky

Next, our oldest den came forward with their parent/adult, and each scout was awarded the highest achievement in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light is the culmination of the Cub Scout Advancement Trail and is the only rank or award earned in Cub Scouts that can be worn as a member of Scouts BSA.

"From now on, call yourself and be known as a Webelos Scout." | Photo by S. Winchowky
“From now on, call yourself and be known as a Webelos Scout.” | Photo by S. Winchowky

As Leadership reorganized the stage for our main event, Assistant Cubmaster Fury entertained the room with his air-powered hand-shaped balloon explosions.

Bridging Over

Finally, with all awards and achievements recognized, it was time to bid farewell to our oldest Cub Scouts and cheer them on as they undertook the ceremony to become Scouts BSA Troop 334 members.

With their parent/adult, each Cub Scout had their neckerchief and shoulder loops removed, then crossed a bridge on the stage, and was received on the other side by Scoutmaster David Craighead and Assistant Scoutmaster Bill Dunn, who placed on their new Scouts BSA neckerchief and shoulder loops.

Bridging Over | Photo by S. Winchowky
Bridging Over | Photo by S. Winchowky
Welcome New Scouts | Photo by S. Winchowky
Welcome New Scouts | Photo by S. Winchowky
Welcome New Scout | Photo by S. Winchowky
Welcome New Scout | Photo by S. Winchowky

Once all five Cub Scouts became BSA Troop 334 members, it was time for cake!

As is tradition, Assistant Cumaster Fury set up a display on top of the cake to demonstrate fire safety while camping, resulting in half the cake being burned away.

This is your cake. | Photo by S. Winchowky
This is your cake. | Photo by S. Winchowky
This is your cake on fire. | Photo by K. Williams
This is your cake on fire. | Photo by K. Williams

We were, however, prepared for this outcome, thanks to a helpful reminder from Assistant Cubmaster Fury’s wife, Cheryl, about how his cake presentation often ruins a bit of the cake; we followed her advice and had four dozen freshly made blue and gold cupcakes and lots of other treats on standby.

CubCakes! Photo by J. McHale
CubCakes! Photo by J. McHale
Cookies | Photo by S. Winchowky
Cookies | Photo by S. Winchowky

After some closing remarks from Cubmaster Adrian and Scoutmaster Dave, as well as the Scoutmaster’s Benediction given by Scoutmaster Dave, we were about to end the night when Assistant Cubmaster Fury reminded us all that we still had some “paperwork” to do…

The paperwork is never complete... | Photo by S. Winchowky
The paperwork is never complete… | Photo by S. Winchowky

The Scouting Trail is a Circle

The celebration was a great end to a great year of Scouting. We wish our five departing Cub Scouts all the best as they go forward on the Trail to Eagle. We will miss them, we will remember them, and our freshly minted Arrow of Light Den will work hard to follow in their footsteps.

Scouting is about tradition, and Blue and Gold is a great tradition in Cub Scouts, a bittersweet night that bids farewell to Cub Scouts who are ready for bigger challenges while recognizing younger scouts as they move up.

Many of our leaders once completed their own bridging ceremony as Cub Scouts and then earned their Eagle Scout as Boy Scouts, then returned to give back to Scouting as adult volunteers. We hope to see the same from these young Scouts as they continue on the Scouting trail.

The circle of Scouting continues.

— Adrian Hoppel, Cubmaster, Pack 334


Note: a special thank you to all of the adult volunteers who worked with me to help to make this past year so special, including Ken Carmichael, Fury Colubriale, Dave Craighead, Bill Dunn, Janet McHale, Jim McHale, Jason Ovens, Kym Williams, Sarah Winchowky, and the heart and soul of Pack 334, Jeff Wong.

Cub Scout News
Knoebels Campground

Cub Scouts Camping Again

Posted on May 8, 2023
by Adrian Hoppel, Cubmaster
No Comments
Knoebels Campground
Knoebels Campground / Photo by S. Winchowky

Pack 334 Back in the Field

Almost four years had passed since the last time Cub Scout Pack 334 spent a weekend camping under the stars. Back then, our now-oldest Cub Scouts, those about to earn their Arrow of Light award and bridge over into Scouts BSA, were barely Wolf Scouts, and many of our current Cub Scouts weren’t even in the Pack at all.

It had been a while. For Scouts wearing the 334 patches on their sleeve, from Lion Cubs to Eagle Scouts to Leaders: we camp. It was time to get the Cubs back in the field.

So, though our gear was dusty, and our tents were musty, our hearts were on fire to return to our roots, and from May 5th through May 7th, the Pack set up camp at Knoebels Campground in Elysburg, PA.

There was plenty of room to spare
Plenty of room to spare after loading up all the gear… / Photo by A. Hoppel

The weekend was spectacular. After a surprisingly cold Friday night, the weather was absolutely gorgeous all weekend. Spirits were high, and though some faces had changed since our last camping trip, the Pack fell right back into our Scouting good habits and ran a fantastic camp.

Our program began Saturday morning, though families could come and set up Friday night if they wished. Many of our families did just that, and most arrived after dark. Undeterred, tents went up quickly, and eventually, everyone settled in for what turned into a rather cold night.

As the dawn broke on Saturday morning, we were treated to a greeting from a wide variety of birds, including a particularly loud crow who seemed bent on ensuring we were all awake by 5:30 a.m. Leaders got up and, with their breath steaming in the still frigid air, set up the rest of the Pack area. By 11 a.m., all families had arrived and set up, and we kicked off the day with a brief meeting and snack and then a hike into Knoebels amusement park.

Cubmaster Adrian leading a welcome meeting.
Meeting with Cubmaster Adrian / Photo by S. Winchowky
Snack time
Snack time / Photo by S. Winchowky

One of our Den Leaders, Ken, led the hike through and around the park and included lots of history about the park and the various custom rides. By the time the park opened at noon, excitement was high.

Den Leader Ken explaining some history of Knoebels Amusement Park.
Den Leader Ken leading an expert hike through the park / Photo by S. Winchowky

This weekend at Knoebles was part of the park’s “Scout Days,” a special set of days where Scouts could purchase discounted day passes to ride unlimited rides and receive a commemorative patch. Our Scouts spent the day roaming the park and riding the rides with each other, with many families taking advantage of the many options inside the park for lunch and dinner.

Reviewing the park map at Knoebels Amusement Park
Map reading skills / Photo by S. Winchowky
Riding the train at Knoebels Amusement Park
Riding that train / Photo by S. Winchowky
Riding a roller coaster at Knoebels Amusement park
Coasting / Photo by A. Hoppel

The park closed at 7 p.m., and as weary Scouts and their families wandered back to the park, a campfire was already roaring, and everything was set for one of the essential parts of any 334 camping trip: cracker-barrel and s’mores.

Cracker-barrel and campfire / Photo by A. Hoppel

We kept the fire going for several hours and roasted dozens of marshmallows; adults provided lots of advice on how to perfectly roast a marshmallow while many Scouts burned their to a blackened crisp because they “like them that way.”

Roasting marshmallows / Photo by S. Winchowky
Getting it perfect / Photo by A. Hoppel

It was a clear night, with a sky full of stars and a full moon; the campfire was crackling, Scouts were laughing in the shadows, and for the first time in several years, Cub Scouts felt normal.

On Sunday morning, with the temperature a bit warmer than the day before, Leaders got up early and got the kitchen fired up for a big breakfast. Coffee and hot water for tea went on first, and then leadership got to work. Sarah made fresh pancakes — plain, blueberry, or chocolate chip — while Adrian fried sausage links. The serving table had fresh fruit, bagels, cream cheese, butter, syrup, orange juice, milk, and PB&J as a backup.

Cooking breakfast at Knoebels
Sarah making pancakes / Photo by K. Johnson
Cooking breakfast at Knoebels
Adrian making sausage / Photo by A. Hoppel
Breakfast of Champions / Photo by S. Winchowky

After breakfast, families helped break down camp and could participate in any of the local religious services before heading home or spending a few more hours riding rides in the park.

It was an incredibly successful and fun weekend, and leadership took many lessons learned in both the planning process and the camping process. We want to continue to be better and what we do, and one thing we want to do a lot more next year is camp.

A special thanks to the leaders that joined me this weekend — Den Leaders Ken and Sarah — and to all the parents who came out and helped make is a great trip. Getting back to camping was a big initiative of our leaders, and Assistant Cubmaster Kym and Den Leader Ken have been working on this trip since last fall. Also thanks to the Pack Committee for all the help planning the details, and to our Treasurer and former Cubmaster Jeff for the sage advice and the gear (especially the portable camp grill!).

As we begin wrapping up this Scout year with our Blue & Gold next week, we will roll right into the planning meetings for next year. We have some details to sort out, but one thing you can be sure of is this: Cub Scout Pack 334 will be camping several times next year!

Pack 334 at Kneobels Amusement Park / Photo by S. Winchowky
Cub Scout News

September 2018 Pack 334 Will Welcome Young Ladies

Posted on April 7, 2018
by Editor

After much discussion and obtaining approval from our charter facility it has been approved for young ladies to join our Cub Pack starting September 2018. That being said…Girls and female leaders are needed, CONTACT US TODAY!

Girls Across U.S. Officially Join Boy Scouting Family After Years of Unofficial Participation.  

The BSA Expands Programs to Welcome Girls from Cub Scouts to Highest Rank of Eagle Scout

shared from https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/bsa-expands-programs-welcome-girls-cub-scouts-highest-rank-eagle-scout/

Research reinforces interest expressed by families and girls nationwide as organization looks to offer programs that meet the needs of today’s families

Irving, Texas – October 11, 2017 – Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.

“This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.”

Families today are busier and more diverse than ever. Most are dual-earners and there are more single-parent households than ever before [1], making convenient programs that serve the whole family more appealing. Additionally, many groups currently under served by Scouting, including the Hispanic and Asian communities, prefer to participate in activities as a family. Recent surveys [2] of parents not involved with Scouting showed high interest in getting their daughters signed up for programs like Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, with 90 percent expressing interest in a program like Cub Scouts and 87 percent expressing interest in a program like Boy Scouts.  Education experts also evaluated the curriculum and content and confirmed relevancy of the program for young women.

“The BSA’s record of producing leaders with high character and integrity is amazing” said Randall Stephenson, BSA’s national board chairman. “I’ve seen nothing that develops leadership skills and discipline like this organization.  It is time to make these outstanding leadership development programs available to girls.”

Starting in 2018, families can choose to sign up their sons and daughters for Cub Scouts. Existing packs may choose to establish a new girl pack, establish a pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens or remain an all-boy pack.  Cub Scout dens will be single-gender — all boys or all girls. Using the same curriculum as the Boy Scouts program, the organization will also deliver a program for older girls, which will be announced in 2018 and projected to be available in 2019, that will enable them to earn the Eagle Scout rank. This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s families.

This decision expands the programs that the Boy Scouts of America offers for both boys and girls. Although known for its iconic programs for boys, the BSA has offered co-ed programs since 1971 through Exploring and the Venturing program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018. The STEM Scout pilot program is also available for both boys and girls.

For more information about the expanded opportunities for family Scouting, please visit the family Scouting page.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.3 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

 

Cub Scout News

Webelos Duty to God Service Project

Posted on March 24, 2018
by Adrian Hoppel, Cubmaster

When our Webelos 2 Den set out to complete their Duty to God in Action adventure, they wanted to do a service project that was a little different.

With the help of their adult leaders, they create a plan to collect and distribute needed supplies for some of the homeless community in Philadelphia.

In early March, the Scouts collected various supplies like toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash, toilet paper, hand wipes, sock and snacks. These supplies were packed into about 30 individual Ziploc bags.

On Saturday, March 24th, the Scouts got to work today at Suburban Station at 17th and JFK. Together with their parents, they distributed water bottles and the Ziploc bags to some of the homeless people in the station. The Den chose this area because it is a heavily populated area with homeless people; they usually use this station as a place to keep warm on colder days.They quickly learned that they did not have nearly enough bags, but they were happy to help those they could. The Den handed out additional water bottles where they could.

Additionally, one of the adult leaders purchased a few copies of the “One Step Away” newspaper to share with the Scouts. This is a street paper that is sold by homeless people, created as an income means for them.

Our Webelos Den did a good job handing out the supplies and communicating with the people. A few commuters stopped by to thank us for our service. Afterwards, the Den took a bit to reflect on the reactions from the service. All of the Scouts and their parents were truly shocked, and overwhelmed, with the amount of people who needed help. Our Scouts realized that with more participation, perhaps with the whole Pack, more people could have been helped.

At the end of the day, it was a successful program, and the people did thank us for taking the time out to care about them.  Our Scouts indeed learned a lot that day about how to best help the members in their own community, and how that relates specifically to their Duty to God.



Duty to God

Cub Scout News

2018 Flag Retirement Ceremony

Posted on March 17, 2018
by Adrian Hoppel, Cubmaster

Our Scouts conducted a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Gorgas Park. This is part of our Troop and Pack’s ongoing commitment to honoring our Flag, resulting in the retirement of over 10,000 United States Flags.

Cub Scouts from Pack 334, Boy Scouts from Troop 334, leadership from both units, and local parental volunteers helped in the ceremony.




Cub Scout News

What about Cub Scouts? Stop by our Open House

Posted on September 16, 2017
by Adrian Hoppel, Cubmaster

Cub Scout Pack 334 is Calling All 1st to 5th Grade Boys

Local Roxborough Cub Scout Pack 334 (Philadelphia, PA) will be hosting an Open House for the community on Friday, September 22, 2017, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Stop by to learn about the exciting year we have planned and find out if Scouting is right for your son. There will be snacks and games and activities for all who attend, and parents will have a dedicated space to speak with our Cubmaster and have all of your questions answered.

Why Cub Scouts?

Your son can join our active and well-established Cub Scout pack, where he’ll have the opportunity to participate in games, activities, camping, hiking, arts & crafts, leadership opportunities, service projects, and more.

You’ll have the opportunity to see your son grow and interact with other boys his age, to watch him celebrate new achievements, and witness him develop a sense of teamwork and belonging.

Cub Scouting with Pack 334 is for boys in the first through fifth grades, or 7 to 10 years of age. Boys who are older than 10, or who have completed the fifth grade, can no longer join Cub Scouting, but they may be eligible to join our Boy Scouting program.

Open House

Location: Leverington Presbyterian Church, 6301 Ridge Avenue (across from Gorgas Park)
Date & Time: Friday, September 22, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Questions: Contact Cubmaster Jeff Wong with any questions at (267) 738-4026 or jeffrey.k.wong@L3T.com

Cub Scout News

Philadelphia Cub Scouts Get Back to Nature

Posted on April 9, 2017
by Adrian Hoppel, Cubmaster

After a run of cold and dreary weather, Philadelphia finally got a sunny and pleasant Saturday, and our local Cub Scouts didn’t waste it.

Nine Bear Cubs and two Wolf Cubs from Pack 334, led by their Den Leader — and supported by one of their Assistant Den Leaders, two parents, and a grandparent — dusted off their hiking boots and hit the trails.

The boys showed up in uniform in on-time at The Schuylkill Center, located in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia. Each carried their backpack with their Cub Scout Six Essentials carefully packed.

Our Bear Cubs were working on their Fur, Feathers, and Ferns Adventure, while our Wolf Cubs were working on their Paws On The Path Adventure. We assigned Buddies, reviewed the Center’s Visitor Rules and Guidelines, as well as the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. We checked our gear, filled up our water bottles, and reviewed the map.

And we had a quick chat about how some days we are better at listening and following directions than others, and that this day needed to be one of the better days.

Then, with high spirits, beautiful weather, and after a quick stop to explore the Visitor Center, our Scouts set out to tackle the Center’s most challenging trail: the Ravine Loop.

The Ravine Loop is 1.0 miles long and is estimated to take 60 minutes to complete. It is known for crisscrossing a spring-fed stream with several rustic bridges… as well as for some steep slopes and tricky climbs. The loop also passes several ponds, the wetlands, Penn’s Native Acres, and the Center’s oldest sections of forest.

Our Scouts found several freshwater aquatic insects, some frogs, some tadpoles, and even a brave little dragonfly.

The descent into the ravine sure was fun and led to several breathtaking spaces that felt as far from urban city life as you could get. Ascending, on the other hand, was a littler more strenuous than some of our Scouts expected. Everyone just cinched up their backpacks, took a deep breath, found a smile, and kept putting one foot in front of the other.

After all, a Scout is Cheerful… so long as there are enough breaks for snacks and water.

And some more breaks…

There was no rush; the goal was to experience as much of the old woods as we could. After discovering some homesteader ruins from the 1890s, our Cubs climbed a long, steep run of roughly hewn stone steps, and just like that they were back at the start point! One mile completed, wilderness explored, memories made.

Although Pack 334 kept busy during the winter months, it is a Saturday like this one that reminds us just how unique Scouting is, how fortunate we are to live in a city full of hidden natural treasures, and how breaking a sweat and physically challenging yourself with friends can build bonds that last a lifetime.

Three cheers for our intrepid Bear and Wolf Cubs!

Cub Scouting with Philadelphia’s Pack 334 is for boys in the first through fifth grades or 7 to 10 years of age. Our Cub Scouts usually meet every Friday at 7:00 pm. You are welcome to stop by and visit during a meeting, talk with our leadership, and have your son experience a night of Scouting. If you are interested in learning more about our program in person, just let us know when you’d like to stop by.

Cub Scout News

Cub Scout Pack 334 and Scouts BSA Troop 334


Cub Scouts meet every Friday at 7:00pm and Scouts BSA meet every Monday at 7:30pm
Leverington Presbyterian Church
6301 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128
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