It's almost time! In the final email of our Arrow of Light series, you'll learn more about how the Crossover Ceremony works. We will also cover some important reminders as you transition into the Troop.
     
CONGRATULATIONS DEN 2!

Let me be one of the first to say congratulations to all the Den 2 Scouts as you reach the end of your Cub Scout journey!  Whether you’ve been a Scout for 6 months or 6 years, this is a significant accomplishment that you and your whole family should be proud of. 

 

In the final email in the Arrow of Light email series, I wanted to provide you more information about what to expect at the Crossover Ceremony later this month and provide you some reminders as your Scouts join the Troop.

 

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.  I’m looking forward to your whole Den joining us in the Troop and continuing your Scouting adventures!

 

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. Maloney

Scoutmaster
PREPARING FOR CROSSOVER

Your Scouts will officially crossover into the Troop at the Arrow of Light and Crossover Ceremony (check Scoutbook for details).  All our Scouts’ family and friends are welcome to join us for this important ceremony.

 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

The meeting will be broken up into three main parts:

  • Arrow of Light Ceremony:  This ceremony marks your Scouts as having earned the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting’s highest rank.  During this ceremony, your Scout will receive their Arrow of Light patch and a plaque with a mounted arrow showing their Cub Scouting accomplishments.  Parents will be asked to participate in this portion of the ceremony and will receive a special Arrow of Light pin for helping to guide your Scout to this accomplishment.
  • Other Pack Advancement:  We’ll recognize the adventures our younger Scouts have completed since the last meeting.
  • Crossover Ceremony:  Each Scout in the Den will be called to cross the Crossover Bridge symbolizing their leaving Cub Scouts and starting on their Scouts BSA adventures.  During the ceremony, your Scout will receive green shoulder loops and a Troop neckerchief and slide.

WHAT TO BRING:

Your Scout, family, and friends.  Everything else needed for the meeting will be provided by the Pack or the Troop. 

 

If you’re looking for a gift mark the occasion, you may want to consider:

  • A Scouts BSA Handbook Cover (the standard cover is currently out of stock online, but limited quantities are available at the Butler and Pittsburgh Scout Shops.  You do NOT need to buy your Scout a Handbook as one will be provided to them when they attend their first Troop meeting after the crossover)
  • A Merit Badge Sash
  • Camping gear or a gift card to Public Lands or REI 

Scouts who were part of the Pack when I was Cubmaster: Remember to bring the Challenge Coin you received at the 2022 Pinewood Derby to receive a special recognition for your achievements.
TRANSITIONING TO THE TROOP

After the Crossover ceremony, the Troop will handle transferring your Scout from the Pack to the Troop.  Once that happens you (hopefully) will no longer receive emails from Scoutbook and can rely on TroopTrack for all ongoing communications.

 

Troop Meetings:

  • Troop meetings are held every Tuesday evening from 7 – 8:30 PM.
    • Exception: Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meetings are held at 6PM on the third Tuesday of each month with the Parent meeting starting immediately after.
    • Meetings are held in the Basement of English Lutheran Church or at Zelie Park during the summer months 
  • Scouts are encouraged, but not required, to attend the Troop meetings every week.  (Advancement may take longer if your Scout cannot participate in the weekly meetings.)
  • A full listing of Troop events / activities is available in the calendar on TroopTrack.  Please let me know if you do not have access.

  

Scouts BSA Uniform:

  • It’s time to retire the Blue Cub Scout Uniform shirt!
  • The Khaki Scouts BSA uniform shirt should be worn to every Troop meeting and event (unless otherwise communicated) until we move to the park in the summer.
  • If you have not already purchased a Khaki Scouts BSA shirt, you should do that soon (ideally before the crossover ceremony if possible). 
  • Cub Scout specific patches (Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award, rank patches) should be removed from the khaki uniform shirt.  The Arrow of Light patch that your Scout receives at crossover is the only Cub Scout patch that can be worn on a Scouts BSA uniform. 
  • The Scouts BSA Guide to Advancement and Insignia shows what patches remain on the uniform and where they go.

 

 

Scouts BSA Advancement:

  • Your Scout can begin working on Scouts BSA rank advancement (Scout through First Class) and merit badges as soon as they have completed their Arrow of Light requirements.  They do NOT need to wait until after the crossover ceremony.
  • The rank requirements are outlined in the Scouts BSA handbook which your Scout will receive when the attend their first Troop meeting after the Crossover Ceremony or at USScouts.org
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