In the back row, from left, are Packmaster Justin Lindstrom and boy scouts Matthew Lindstrom, Josiah Lindstrom and Sebastian Furlong-Hill. In the front row are cub scouts Matthew Bernard, Emerson Haaby, Alex Gerharht, Cole Kersey, Quinlan McNamara, Terrin Kemp, Ryan McDaniel, Preston Haaby, Riley Coddington and Ryan Bell. PHOTO PROVIDED
Creswell Cub Scout Pack 28 recently celebrated the closing of a chapter as they transition into their next phase of cub scouting, as well as to honor their longtime packmaster. Den leaders Justin Lindstrom, Kelsie Haaby, Blythe Houg and the kiddos of Pack 28 embarked on an adventure in the Weyerhaeuser Woods near Fall Creek from June 21 to 23 for Family Camp and for a crossover ceremony.
Cub scouting levels is based on grade levels – lions, tigers, bears, wolves, webelos and arrow of light, with boy scouting beginning in sixth grade. There are required achievements the boys must complete before graduating to the next level, Haaby said.
”These typically include activities that require community service, creating something, being outdoors and learning about the people that have come before us,” she said.
Once their achievements are complete, a crossover ceremony is held.
At the crossover ceremony, the scout starts at one end of a ”bridge.” A cub scout crosses over the bridge to meet a boy scout on the other end, who ties the new den neckerchief around the cub scout and then removes the old one.
”The old one is taken off after the new one is placed to ensure and symbolize that there is never a break in scouting or its code,” Haaby said.
”We had our first Lions (kindergartners) this year,” she said. ”It was a new program introduced by the Boy Scouts of America. These three boys were the first Lions from Pack 28 to crossover. It was special for all!”
Also over the long weekend, Pack 28 retired their American Flag and the scouts presented it to longtime Packmaster Justin Lindstrom who has been Pack 28’s packmaster for 13 years.
”The boys presented it to him as a surprise ‘thank you’ and ‘farewell,’” Haaby said. ”It was emotional for all of us.”
Pack 28 will resume regular meetings at the beginning of the school year. For more info, or to be part of ”the pack,” call Haaby at 541-912-5381.