They really packed ’em in.
Cub Scout Pack 505 doled out new titles — and neckerchiefs — to members during the Blue and Gold Banquet at Mary Queen of Heaven Church in Mill Basin on June 4. Parents and scout leaders lauded the ceremony, because it helps the boys recognize their achievements in front of family and friends, one said.
“The graduation is important, because they get to see themselves moving from one rank to the other,” said Francine Leonce, a den leader. “They get to see the progress, see where it goes, and they know at the end of it — they get to be Boy Scouts, so they can go on to be Eagle Scouts.”
Troopers ages 7–10 moved up the ranks during the ceremony, which also included musical performances, skits, and a raffle fund-raiser. And pack honchos handed out awards for participating in scout activities such as a pancake breakfast, camping, and a community food drive. Councilman Alan Maisel (D–Mill Basin) also stopped by to present some older scouts with citation honors.
Scout leaders also used the ceremony to encourage parents to enroll their kids in the program, officials said.
But in come cases, they were preaching to the choir — the life lessons the organization teaches are so invaluable that every child should have to join, one scout mom said.
“I think it should be mandatory,” said Nicole Knights. “It’s very important to also give the kids an avenue to explore and to learn to deal with stress — how to deal with different things, and encompass becoming young men.”
