The "Cross Over Ceremony" Story

The traditional final skit done by the Webelos
before becoming Boy Scouts.

It was an ordinary day.  Watching my grandson, Caden, "Crossover" from Webelos to Boy Scouts.  I can still remember when he became a Tiger Scout over four years ago and wore his uniform for the first time.  He was so proud of himself as he entered Cub Scouts with his family.  I say "family" since that is exactly what scouting is at the entry level.  But, as you "Crossover" from Cub Scouts, or Webelos Scouts (We'll Be Loyal Scouts) to be exact, it is done under the assumption that you are able to make a few of your own decisions.  

My daughter-in-law Barbara, second from the left, receiving
a special award for being a Cub Scout leader.

About half a dozen other Webelos Scouts made the "Crossover" along with Caden into Boy Scouts today when the Arrow of Light badge, a Boy Scout Handbook and a troop neckerchief were awarded to all who engaged in the "Crossover".  Pretty neat ceremony with each Webelos Scout walking across a wooden bridge with his parents and receiving his new neckerchief.  But, before the ceremony took place, the Webelos had a chance to perform for the audience of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and their parents and guests.  

The Webelos Scouts and parents are addressed by the Scout
Leader before "Crossing Over" into Boy Scouts.

One final performance included a skit which featured two Webelos Scouts sticking their heads through openings in a sheet while two others placed their hands through holes in the sheet to act as the hands for the heads.  Pretty funny as they tried to eat various items and pretended to shave using shaving cream (whipped cream).  

Caden, in the blue Cub Scout uniform leads his parent's
across the bridge into Boy Scouts.

The audience was totally entertained and laughing as the Webelos Scouts performed together for the last time.  My grandson's arms and hands were part of the young scout on the right side of the curtain while Caden's best friend, Max, was the head for the other scout.  The 10 minute skit drew big applause as it came to an end.  The Boy Scout leader began the "Crossover" Ceremony with the printed ceremony wording of, "Today we are here to witness a milestone in a Scout's advancement, the bridge crossing over, from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts."  

Caden receiving his new neckerchief from another Boy Scout.

Wasn't long before all the Cub Scouts were newly anointed Boy Scouts and received a big round of applause.  A few photos with Caden and his mom and dad finished my day before I had to excuse myself and head to another appointment.  I hope Caden enjoys his experience in Boy Scouts as much as he has enjoyed himself while going through the levels of Cub Scouts.  He's a fantastic young man who loves scouting and the scouting experience.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The proud new Boy Scout has a big smile on his face.

Caden holds his new Handbook with mom Barbara and dad Derek.

Final time to wear his blue Cub Scout uniform before donning his traditional tan Boy Scout uniform.

  

The "Mountville And The Hot Dog" Story

Weigh-In for the Pinewood Derby.

It was an ordinary day.  Watching my final Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.  Ever!  My grandson, Caden, is a Webelos II and in his final year of Cub Scouts before entering Boy Scouts next year.  For quite a few years he has spent time with his dad making Pinewood Derby cars for the annual troop competition.  Fun thing to do with your son.  

Cars ready for racing.

I can remember the many good times I had with my sons making the cars and watching my sons racing them.  We gathered at the Ironville United Methodist Church, in naturally Ironville, PA, for the competition.  Memories from last year were still vivid as we walked through the basement door into the large gathering area.  Last year many people became ill shortly after the event, including my wife and I.  Not sure if it was from an airborne virus or food contamination, but it was a trying time.  This year went fine with the boys excitement filling the air.  The youngest groups of boys, the Tigers, Wolves and Bears, went first and then finally it was time for Caden's Webelos II (We'll Be Loyal Scouts) pack to race.  

Caden (left) and Max handing their cars to the starter.

There were seven boys vying for the three trophies that were to be awarded.  Max, Caden's best friend for many years, was competing against/with him today.  In the end Caden placed 6th with Max placing 7th.  The boys had a great time and I'm sure Caden will remember this year of scouts just as much as the year he took 1st Place in the entire competition.  Max and Caden have developed a friendship over the years thru Little League Baseball, Scouting and Elementary School that will last a lifetime.  

Presentation of the trophies and medals.  Caden and
Max are at the far right.

Both are great students and both have a refreshing sense of humor.  Caden titled his Pinewood car this year "Mountville" for he feared if he chose something funny, everyone would laugh at him.  Max, on the other hand, called his car "Hot Dog".  He wanted the laughs!  It was shaped and looked just like a hotdog.  He even went online and found Oscar Myer logos to put on the sides of the car.  Even though the two came at the end of the pack,  they both, as well as Carol and I, had a fantastic and enjoyable time.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Caden with his Mountville car and Max with his Hot Dog car.