Scouts who crossed over from Pack 266 to Troops 66, 260 and 262 are pictured behind the pavilion at Sunrise Park. From the left: Tristan Smith, Benjamin Williams, Jacob Richter, Michael Carroll, Sawyer Prusi and Camerynn Lavalley. With them also are Boy Scouts Ethan Coleman of Troop 260 and Aiden Ring of Troop 66, the color guard in the ceremony.
On the first weekend of April, Cub Scout Pack 266 held their annual Crossover Campout. On Friday night, the pack held a farewell campout at Sunrise Park, which was the last night the Arrow of Light Scouts camped with Pack 266. The campers enjoyed s’mores waffle cones around the fire and some exciting games of gaga ball. On Saturday afternoon, the Crossover Ceremony was held at the upper pavilion at Sunrise Park, as family and friends watched the Arrow of Light Scouts crossed over to Troops 66, 260 and 262. Each Arrow of Light Scout received a personalized arrow and Arrow of Light plaque to commemorate their achievements. During the crossover event the pack also held a food drive in honor of Kerry O’Brien, with all food donated to the Suffield Housing Authority. The event concluded with a catered lunch and potluck dessert spread. After the Crossover Ceremony ended, the newly minted Scouts joined their respective troops for their first official campout as a Scout. The Scouts that crossed over are Tristan Smith, Benjamin Williams, Jacob Richter, Michael Carroll, Sawyer Prusi, Camerynn Lavalley, Ari Taylor, James Dryzga, Shea Olson, Logan Golembiewski, and Iliana Staley.
This capped off an exciting year for Pack 266. In the summer, the Scouts toured the Alexander King House and completed a service project there by picking up branches around the property. The fall was a busy time for our scouts. We participated in Scouts on the Green and Suffield on the Green. We had our first camp-out which was unfortunately cut short due to a tornado warning. The scouts enjoyed games and completed a service project at Sunrise Park and managed to pack up just before the rain began. The Webelos had fun at Webelos in the Woods at Camp Mattatuck. Scouts enjoyed a field trip to the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, N.Y. Some of our Scouts traveled to Veteran’s Memorial Park in Middletown, Conn. to participate in the Trees of Honor service project sponsored by the Travis Manion Foundation. In March, we had our Pinewood Derby where we saw some incredible speeds from our Scouts’ cars. We also held a food drive during the derby to benefit the Crossroads Food Pantry at West Suffield Congregational Church. Members of the pack also participated in the Day of Service at Sunrise Park in April. The pack is looking forward to ending the year with their Blue & Gold ceremony this spring.
Cub Scouts are adult led. There have been many “Akelas” or leaders for these Cub Scouts. We’d like to recognize these dedicated volunteers. Our new Den Leaders this year are Laura Wheeler – Lion’s Den Leader, and Ray Desrocher – Tigers Den Leader. We also have our established leaders who have continued to serve: Nathan Sebastio, Ryan Hanson and Sandy Carroll. These leaders have stepped up and helped run a great program this year.
In addition, the support of our Administration Team is so important. We’d like to thank Jake Lavalley as our Committee Chair, Catherine Sebastiao as our Treasurer, Kim Smith as our Advancement Chair, Julianne Williams as our Secretary and Norman Noel as our Unit Commissioner. Thank you to each of the parents and guardians who have helped guide all of our Cub Scouts and build this community.
Cub Scouts prepare youths to become Scouts and there have been some Scouts who have stepped up to help show the Cubs the way this year. I want to thank: Liam Welch, Logan McHugh, Tommy Bishop and Nathan Prusi for acting as Den Chiefs during this year.
Pack 266 would like to thank some of our committee members and leaders who are crossing over themselves and earning a well-deserved Cub Scout retirement. A big thank you to Sandy Carroll – Den Leader with 10 years of service, Julianne Williams – Committee Member with six years of service, Kim Smith – Committee member with six years of service, and Ryan Hanson – Den Leader, Assistant Cubmaster, and Cubmaster with eight years of service. We wish them well upon their “retirement” from Cub Scouts.