Celebrating Zack's Accomplishments

Last night was Cub Scout pack meeting for Zackary. We are both very new to Scouts, and this was our first pack meeting (where the family is invited to attend). There was a sense of community and the quiet inner workings of each person contributing to the group to pull off a successful night for the boys and families attending.

Tonights agenda included making pirate hats out of newspaper...which with Tracie's direction I was able to create with ease...and share my hat with my son, who was having a little bit of trouble (not having the amazing Trac' directions).

Then boys were honored for their accomplishments. Zackary has been focused a lot on his scouts...being a new member of the program...and his dedication really showed tonight as he was awarded his colors (bands of cloth that his badges, which are now pins, are attached to), his bobcat badge, 5 beltloops, his compass with the Eastern point already attached, and a whopping 13 badges!!!





He also received a bobcat pin, which he pinned onto a proud mama while Zack was held upside down. For each number the audience counts, Zack gets to do a good deed... we got up to 8! Mom, who was greatly prepared by wearing many thick layers of clothing, just in case, came through without a puncture.



Next we moved onto the Raingutter Regatta! Zack made his little regatta boat all by himself, with much sanding, primering with spraypaint, and painting the hull a glossy red...then the gluing of the keel and rudder...and attaching the mast...and sail complete with a pirate picture.



All 8 boys raced each other, with parents and leaders cheering the racers on...as the boys learned to control their boats with slow and easy breaths...while I noticed several parents not breathing at all as they watched their own son race.



My pride was not in Zack's winning the regatta...which he did...it was how he reached across the raingutters and shook the hands of the boys he raced and congratulated them on a good race. His good sportsmanship spread to the other boys, as more and more of them shook each other hands or high fived.




My appreciation goes out to Zack's Scout leaders and also his soccer coaches, who have actively set a good example of what it means to be a good sport, and support each other's accomplishments regardless of winning, and how they really impress that the most important aspects of these group activities is to have fun, learn new skills and make and build friendships. Heartfelt thanks to you all!