Webelos Join Boy Scouts at Sunfish Pond

Senior Webelos from Lawrenceville's Cub Scout Pack 28 joined Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 28 on a daylong adventure Nov. 23 to Sunfish Pond at Worthington State Forest in Delaware Water Gap, NJ.  

The Sr. Webelos have been working on hiking techniques, camping skills and other requirements to earn the Arrow of Light, the highest award that can be attained by a Cub Scout.  One requirement involves participation in a Boy Scout activity.

The Webelos were introduced to Boy Scout cooking and camping activities at this event. The hike to Sunfish Pond from the campsite is strenuous, but the Webelos conquered the hike with the help of the Troop.  They also learned local facts about the pond and wildlife in the area from the Scouts.  Some of the Webelos stayed the night to brave the wind, snow, and cold as the weather front moved through and saw a Sunday morning temperature of 19F and a wind chill of 6F.

“It’s not an easy transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts,” said Troop 28 Scoutmaster Stephen Monfre.  “First, to complete requirements, new Boy Scouts have to show proficiency in a skill to an older Scout or adult Scout leader to advance; whereas in Cub Scouts, only parental approval is necessary.  Secondly, a lot of patience is necessary from the adult perspective, since Boy Scouts follows the boy-led philosophy of Lord Baden-Powell.  This means the Scouts take on the responsibility of planning the activities, from Troop meetings and outings to fundraising and service projects.  While this is done under the supervision of adults, it is a learning process for the Scouts.  Oversights and blunders do occur, but the Scouts manage to turn these mistakes into fun activities.”

Troop 28 is open to boys who have completed fifth grade, and meets Friday nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Troop Hut at Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church. For information, visit http://lawrence28.mytroop.us/contact or email Scoutmaster Stephen Monfre at stephen.monfre@gmail.com or Committee Chairman Larry Fox at LAFoxlaw@aol.com.