The cub becomes a boy

Last night was a big one for our oldest child.  Zach attended Cub Scout pack meeting for the last time.  He earned the highest award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light, and also "crossed over" to Boy Scouts.  It's the end of an era!  We're so proud of our Zach and all that he has accomplished.

Last night was also a milestone for Pack 537, since it's the last time they would meet all together.  Our new ward, Explorer Park, will create its own scouting troop, with new leaders and smaller groups of boys.  Likewise, Cordera scouts will carry on with their own program.  I'm so glad we had this final meeting together.  Zach's buddy, Trace, hit scouting milestones right along with Zach, so receiving their final awards together last night was bittersweet.  Trace will be in the Cordera Ward, so the boys' days of scouting together are over for now.  (Boohoo!)

I loved the part of the meeting when the Webelos gathered to recite the Scout Law together: "A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent."  I'm pleased that Zach has it memorized.  I hope he always will!

The Arrow of Light ceremony was short and sweet, highlighting the seven virtues the award encompasses: wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope, and love.  The Webelos Den helped present the ceremony, and then John and Mickey Miller, Zach's wonderful Webelos leaders, presented Zach and Trace with their arrows and plaques.  Then each of the boys and their families had a turn to walk across the bridge to the waiting Boy Scouts, who welcomed them with new neckerchiefs.

Just a note: Brother Miller, above, is the "John" in my tender mercies post from last week.

We look forward to Zach's new adventures in Boy Scouts!