By 5pm, Cub Scouts in all shapes, sizes and rank, began to gather outside the great ship docked near the corner of Broadway and Pacific Hwy. Despite the June gloom had continued into the first week of July, the spirits of the eager Scouts and their leaders was high for this special event. Everyone was excited and well prepared (as they should be) to have a great evening.
Soon, all Scouts and their leaders were aboard, sleeping bags were placed under fighter jets, and the opening ceremony was ready to begin! Over 250 Scouts and parents on each side of the deck created a walking lane for a special flag ceremony and Eagle Scout dedication.
As an opening ceremony finale, an overhead professional photograph from high above the flight deck was taken. The full group of Scouts and leaders gathered around to create a “100” on the flight deck in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Scouting. It was a special moment (and a difficult one to organize I might add with the number of Cub Scouts present). This photo is coming soon!
After the photo, the boys quickly scattered to their colored wristband stations to begin the evenings activities. The energy was high and the Scouts were anxious to explore! Behind the scenes tours, flight simulators and HAM Radio were just some of the main attractions of the evening as Cub Scouts and their leaders snaked their way through the historic ship. For more information about the USS Midway Museum, visit http://www.midway.org/.
By 9pm, the Scouts had a choice to continue enjoying the flight simulators and HAM Radio, or to stop for a BIG SCREEN showing of Disney’s “Up”, with a cookie and popcorn as snacks. By the end of the movie, the Scouts and especially the leaders were ready for lights out. Thus, up they went to the flight deck where they climbed into their sleeping bags. From their special view, the Scouts looked up to see a panoramic view of fighter jet wings, the backdrop of Downtown San Diego and the starry night sky.
Soon it was 6am, and while there were many tired eyes, they were only matched by even more smiles. After a quick “leave no trace” walk-through, the Scouts began departing the ship. As they left, a Midway and event patch was handed out, as well as t-shirts and hats to those taking them home as souvenirs. Lastly, a small brown bag breakfast was given, and with that, the Cub Scouts completed their celebration of 100 Years of Scouting. Yet, one can only note that for these young Scouts, this was only the beginning of their Scouting journey as we all look forward to the 100 years ahead! Needless to say, it was a great event!
A BIG salute and thank you goes out to the amazing volunteer staff that made this event possible: Becky, Ken Jr., Ken Sr. and Zack Powalisz, Paul and Tammy Hammond, Rich Marzec, Debbie Oberg, Barry Holm, Joseph Deen, Jon and Julie Sivers, Brian Ruark, The Babbe Family, Vic Enchelmayer and Troop 346 !! Thank you for putting on a fantastic event!
Thought this fantastic event has passed, there are more 100th Anniversary Celebrations ahead including the Council Camporee this October 8-10!
Sincerely,
Max Cutrone
100th Anniversary Staff Partner
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Nice blog and terrific event! Pack 626 had a memorable time. It would be great to see more pictures.
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